Animate Object (spell)

Animate object is a spell that imbues inanimate objects with life, granting them mobility and a limited independence of action. Objects affected may be composed of any material — wood, metal, stone, fabric, leather, ceramic, glass and so on — so long as their form remains substantially intact. These will act in accordance with the caster’s will, attacking, defending, obstructing or otherwise serving as directed.

Animate Object

Range	30 ft.
Duration	2 rounds per level
Area of Effect	1 cubic foot per level
Casting Time	2 rounds
Saving Throw	none
Level	cleric (6th)

Once animated, the object becomes supple and responsive, unconstrained by its former rigidity; a wooden pole may bend into an arc, a chaise may gather itself and shift position, while other items may contort or adjust themselves as needed to fulfill their purpose.

The speed of an animated object depends upon both its weight and its means of movement. A large wooden table, though heavy, may move briskly upon its legs (5 hexes/round), while a rug must drag or slither (2 hexes/round). A stone pedestal can only rock forward (1 hex/round), whereas a carved stone statue may manage 2 or 3 hexes depending upon the articulation of its limbs. Wooden statuary is more agile (4–5 hexes), and lighter furnishings such as stools may reach speeds of 6 hexes.

Direction

Once animated, objects act together under the general will of the caster and cannot be separated to perform independent tasks, nor can they interpret complex or conditional instructions. They may accompany the caster, position themselves to obstruct movement or prevent escape, attack an enemy or be directed break other objects or each other when destruction is intended. Objects may be compelled to enter flame, but once ignited they cease all purposeful action and do nothing beyond burning.

Combat Value

Damage caused by an animated object is determined by its mass and the manner in which it can strike. Objects that can only collide inflict 1d4 hit points if small, 1d6 at 50 lbs., 1d8 at 100 lbs., 1d10 at 200 lbs. and 1d12 at 400 lbs. Wooden or leather objects capable of swinging or flexing some part of themselves, such as a hat rack or chair back, add an additional 1d4 to this damage. Stone or metal objects, particularly those with rigid striking surfaces or integral features such as blades, inflict double the listed damage. Fragile objects of glass or pottery may shatter in a single attack, dealing triple damage but destroying themselves in the process.

Flexible objects such as rugs or tapestries may attempt to smother opponents. Normal and small-sized creatures must make a saving throw or suffer damage equal to half their maximum hit points; three successive rounds of such smothering will kill the victim. Large creatures are not subject to this effect.

An animated object can sustain damage equal to 1d8 per level of the caster, modified by the cleric’s constitution bonus. Thus, while smaller objects may be difficult to strike, larger and heavier objects may endure substantial punishment before being destroyed.

Further Considerations

The spell may animate a collection of logically connected parts as a single unit, such as a suit of armour, even where those parts are not fixed together; such an assembly may strike with its limbs but cannot wield separate weapons. Otherwise, only a single object may be animated.

Objects that are fixed in place, such as doors, cannot free themselves, but may resist opening, swing unexpectedly or warp slightly to hinder or attack those nearby. Items such as swords, poles or lanterns do not levitate as though grasped, but instead balance, pivot or brace themselves in order to move and strike.