Book: Golems and Constructs by Mortemor Needlenose
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On the cover of this Leather-bound book in fanciful writing are the words �Construct Summoning and Theories by Mortemor Needlenose�
*Scribed in small golden letters on the cover under this are the words �revised edition�
Scribed in large fanciful font which fills the first page are the words �All you need to know about using the constructs summoned with the spells summon monster one through six�
Spell: Summon Monster One
Appearance: Unarmed gnome shaped automaton with rusty shell exterior.
Weapon(s): Fists
Damage output: Low
Combat Speed: Slow
Accuracy: Very Low
Defence: Fair
Uses:
Shield - Capable of keeping enemies busy or absorbing a blow or two for warriors on the frontline.
Decoy -capable of distracting enemies long enough to make a retreat or flank enemies, this is especially useful on un-intelligent creatures.
Spring traps - Perfect for setting off minor traps but be careful depending on the trap this could be a VERY good or bad idea, use only when there is no other option.
Notes: Like when working with all constructs ensure you protect your warriors from fire as explosions from constructs such as this one can cause minor burns.
Spell: Summon Monster Two
Appearance: Dwarf shaped construct with a light hammer attached to each arm similar rusty shell exterior to Summon Monster One.
Weapon(s): Two light hammers.
Damage output: Low
Combat Speed: Fast
Accuracy: Very Low
Defence: Moderate
Uses:
Shield - Capable of taking even more abuse from enemies than the first though watch out when it explodes.
Decoy - This construct will give you a lot more time as a decoy than summon one perhaps even double the amount of time.
Spring traps - Perfect for setting off minor traps but be careful depending on the trap this could be a VERY good or bad idea, use only when there is no other option.
Notes: This construct will help in many situations especially when enemies swarm in, often times enemies see them as more of a threat as they look more like powerful dwarves to the average goblinoid.
Spell: Summon Monster Three
Appearance: Large broad humanoid with a sickle in each hand similar rusty exterior to those previously mentioned.
Weapon(s): Two sickles.
Damage output: Fair
Combat speed: Fast
Accuracy: Low
Defence: Moderate
Uses:
Shield � This construct is a lot more durable than previous constructs mentioned it can withstand approximately double the amount of damage intake as the construct summoned with Summon Monster Two.
Decoy- Capable of keeping enemies distracted for a decent amount of time.Spring traps � All constructs are useful for this task but constructs above this one should not be wasted on such things.
Notes: Over time this construct and the ones below it will no longer be of use to you. By the time you learn Summon Monster Five I would suggest slowly weaning yourself off of these rusty constructs and use more of a combination of the more powerful ones to come.
Spell: Summon Monster Four
Appearance: Approximately 15 ft. tall Iron Golem, arms braced forming a shield-like bracer reinforced by granite. Its body is mostly composed of a mass of iron shields reinforced by granite
Weapon(s): Shield like arms reinforced by granite
Damage output: Very high
Combat speed: Slow
Accuracy: Moderate
Defence: High
Uses:
Extra Warrior - This powerful construct is capable of helping in any combat situation.
Walking wall - This construct is capable of keeping many enemies at bay at once while it kills one at a time it highly durable far more than any of its predecessors.
Surprise attack - Turn invisible and summon this construct in behind the mages or warriors of your enemies, sit back and laugh at the resulting panic ensued.
Notes: This construct represents your leap from simple decoy constructs to powerful battle golems. If you have reached the capability of summoning one of these you should be proud of your achievements thus far. You will find they can make a noticeable difference in many battles especially when summoned in numbers.
Spell: Summon Monster Five
Appearance: Approximately 12ft high Minotaur shaped construct, complex designs throughout this constructs body and strange looking over sized metal gloves on each arm.
Weapon(s): Left arm glove, Right arm glove, Horns.
Damage output: Average
Combat speed: Slow
Accuracy: Above Average
Defence: Very High
Uses:
Extra Warrior � Much like the iron golem this construct is a capable warrior it is more agile and there for is well defended it also has slightly more durability than the iron golem. Unfortunately it does not have the same power behind its blows as an iron golem.
Pincer attack � First turn invisible then summon a construct behind your enemy this will draw there attention behind them, then proceed to summon a construct on the other side for devastating results.
Notes: This construct has a complex form of attack. It will begin by pummeling its opponent by both arms and then only after doing this will it attempt to gore its target on its horns, this attack has a higher damage output than its fists.
Spell: Summon Monster Six
Appearance: Approximately 15 ft steel golem with an iron spiked sharp clawed hand coming out of a large spiked shield like bracer. Its chest is a massive steel breastplate like object with various designs about it. Its head much like summon monster four is small yet it does not require the granite reinforcement which iron golems require
Weapons(s): Clawed arm and spiked bracer.
Damage output: High
Combat speed: Fast
Accuracy: High
Defence: Very High
Uses:
Walking wall shield � This construct is very large and can hold back many enemies whilst it rips through them one at a time.
Surprise attack � Summon this in the middle of your enemies lines by the time they even come close to destroying it you will likely have finished them off.
Notes: This construct is by far the most useful you will find. Most of my tests have become pretty conclusive as of late.
Scribed in large fanciful font which fills this page are the words �Construct Theories�
Power Source
In order to sustain a �permanent construct� it is required that there is some form of artificial or living power source. A wizard or priest can often channel arcane or divine magic to control a construct but only for a limited time. If their concentration is broken the construct will become nothing but scrap metal.
In my experience I have seen two types of power sources and heard of one other. The ones that I have observed were three Tallassan demons keeping several constructs alive and then there is of course my own ability to keep a construct alive for the duration of a spell (although technically summoned constructs are not permanent constructs the principles are the same.) In each case breaking the concentration or killing said wizard or demon removed the construct threat.
The one I heard of was a collection of three crystals which maintained the golems. These power sources in theory are the best kind. They do not need rest and can maintain a golem within its radius (which is likely variable depending on the power of the power source) on a permanent basis.
Finally I heard an old legend once about an artifact called the Heart of Gold. It is said that if it were put into any golem it would live forever and gain fantastic powers.
Golem Control Wand
One thing that I have thought about for many years is how it is possible to control a construct if you are not the source from which it derives its power. I have heard only rumors of devices which enable a caster to interface with the constructs artificial mind. This gives him domination over said construct. I am not sure how exactly this process works but I will surely research it further in the future.
Self contained Power Source
Recently I have been thinking about a golem which has a power source such as crystals mentioned before within its own body. This would enable it to move anywhere without worrying about leaving the radius of its power source. Unfortunately I will need to figure out how a control wand works before I could ever think about creating a construct such as this. The thought of a golem with its own power source and a mind of its own is troubling to say the least.
Creating a Golems Weakness and Strengths
I have never physically created a golem without the use of summoning spells. Thus I have never been able to choose exactly what strengths and weaknesses they should have. When a construct is physically built in theory I believe it is possible to allow more weakness to one thing lets say fire in exchange for more power against ice or something like that. I am not entirely sure and one must remember this is just theory. But it is an interesting thought to say the least. Perhaps I will put more research into finding out which reagents can be used to induce these effects in the future.
Hybrid Golems
Recently my attention has been drawn to two different golems in particular those being Shield Golem and Iron golem. Iron golem being the more durable of the two although a shield golem has the capability of storing spells. What would happen I wonder if the two were combined to create a powerfully bulky golem with the ability to cast spells? Unfortunately I have no idea. Hopefully I will have a chance to attempt this someday in the future if I do I will certainly publish my notes on the process.
A power source or an apocalyptic device?
I have been thinking as of late. The gem power source which I mentioned previously was created by a lich known as Clar Banda who had access to ancient and advanced Netherese magic. I was told these were destroyed by crude means. But this makes me wonder what would happen should we design something more primitive as a power source for a golem? In theory that much magic held in one place for such a long time would release in an explosion big enough to wipe out an entire city �in theory� would be the key words mind you. This brings me to my next theory.
Would a self contained golem be fragile as glass?
In theory the creation of a self contained golem would require a power source built into the golem. It would likely be placed on its chest where there is the most room. One thing I have begun to wonder.
Its power source would have to be exposed to some sort of open air if it were to remain fully functional. As the magic contained within this power source would likely heat up as it is used up. Think of it as a sort of magic missile constantly trying to inflict a burst of magic on a non existence enemy. That burst of magic powers the golem constantly. If the power source is kept covered up it may explode causing a very large scale (or possibly small scale much like summoned golems) explosion.
This leads me to my next point. If the power source is exposed it is vulnerable to attack. Which means it would be constantly in danger of being hit with an arrow into the power source by some nut case intent on killing himself and others or some fool who doesn�t know what he�s doing.
I leave you with that for now. I hope you found this book useful. I do hope it helped you with whatever it is you are researching. Should you ever need my assistance with research however come to the city of Arabel and seek me out. Where I will be when you�re reading this I do not know but at the moment I am currently working as a retainer for House Thond and can be reached there. the date is scribed in small italic letters
~Mortemor Needlenose~ a.k.a Morty