Race:Golem

Golem Characteristics

Golems are magically animated automatons, often constructed with pieces of armor fashioned from whatever material was used in their construction. Since the magic used to bind such creatures together is quite versatile, the types of golems that can exist are just as varied. The most common versions are stone and iron, although clay, diamond, and even flesh golems are known to exist. Golems vary in size and weight as well, typically ranging from Large to Collosal, and can weigh anywhere from hundreds of pounds to hundreds of tons, depending on their size and the material of their constrcution.

Golems are immune to most forms of magic, with specific types or spells having unusual effects on them. They are also immune to ordinary weapons, with magical weapons only being partially effective. Adamantine’s extraordinary properties, however, are able to pierce the defenses of most of these creatures. They are unthinking constructs, and thus are not harmed by mind-affecting abilities, powers that harm living creatures, and maladies such as disease or disorientation. Finally, Golems are extremely strong and deadly combatants in hand to hand combat. Often having an elaborate preset of instructions from their creator on how to deal with intruders, they are unfeeling and attack without mercy until their task is completed, utilizing their heavy-handed strikes along with any special powers they have been enchanted with two crush their adversaries.

History

The name “Golem” is synonymous with “Dungeon” in the adventuring world, as many powerful parties of heroes have encountered these beings when treading too deeply into the lair of a powerful wizard or sorcerer only to find their progress halted by these silent and lethal guardians. The time and resources it takes to create a golem are costly to the crafter, extracting both irreplaceable energy and finances that could bankrupt a small city. For this reason, it is safe to assume that a Golem of any kind is only found in an area where the creator had something of great value they wished to protect. Some Golems even have individual history, made from the armor of a fallen champion, or sent out by a benevolent caster to combat an evil foe of great power. Golems themselves are neutral, and only act based on the instructions and alignment of their crafters. More often than not, however, golems are made by an evil and often insane spellcaster, hellbent on keeping their nefarious plans protected from prying eyes until they can come to fruition.

Culture

Golems have no culture of their own, save that evidenced by those who created them. Many of these constructs bear designs from the materials used, or embellishments placed there by the crafter themselves. Many of these magical guardians have distinctive flair similar to the region they are found in as well. An Iron Golem made by a gnome sorcerer living in the far east will typically look much differently than an Iron Golem crafted by a human mage living in the west. Other than visual differences, golems are mindless servants that only carry out the tasks given to them and have no society or even language to call their own.