Clay Golem

Clay Golem

Species	construct
No. Appearing	1
Behaviour	servant
Range	rural, subterranean, urban
Size	8 ft. tall
Weight	665 lbs.
Intelligence	5
Armour Class	7
Hit Dice	8+2
Action Points	4
Max. Stride	9
THAC0	16
Hp/Die	d10
Attack Forms	fist
Damage	3–30
Special Attacks	bludgeoning weapons to hit, haste, clay meld, natural immunities, strength (20)

Clay golems are constructed, animated beings created from clay soil. The method of their creation is detailed under the sage study, golems. Clay golems are specifically constructed for the purpose of revenge against a chosen enemy, malevolently wreaking havoc, destroying property and killing as many as possible. A famous example of this is the creation of a clay golem by a Jewish sect in Prague; that golem raged for seven days and killed seven hundred before the golem was reduced to dust.

Form

Clay golems are formed of compacted clay, the density of which is slightly greater than water. Their broad, hulking shape is deceptive, for these creatures are unexpectedly fast moving. They are not careless in their attacks and will choose their targets selectively, preferring to kill those who are most like the chosen race or people they've been commanded to destroy. This command is sometimes written into the forehead of the golem; else written there is a blessing to send the golem upon its sacred path. When it attacks, the golem will strike with the flat of its hand, knocking enemies to the left or right.

Advantages

As they are made of clay, these golems are naturally immune to the effects caused by lightning or acid, petrification or paralysation. An attack by disintegration will be absorbed harmlessly by the golem. Its mind cannot be affected by sleep or charm. Cold will slow the golem by 50% while fire will cause the side of the golem so attacked to crystallize, granting it a +1 armour class; within a round, the golem will reform this part of its exterior to ensure it is able to move normally.

Clay Golems cannot be hurt by weapons of any time that pierce or cut; only bludgeoning weapons have any effect, which applies even if the weapon being used is magical. This, plus the immunities described, makes the clay golem difficult to attack.

However, spells such as stone to flesh, mud to rock or stone shape will cause 1d6 damage per level of the caster, but will not transform the clay golem into another form.

Although the golem has a 20 strength, it will never use weapons of any sort. This benefit is applicable to the structural damage it is able to commit against structures.

Once the clay golem is struck for a quarter of its damage (the golem cannot be stunned), it will suddenly haste for three rounds, as the spell of the same name. During which time it will be able to move and attack with twice its normal speed; the first two rounds will be spent attempting to destroy those immediately threatening it; with the third round, the golem will flee at its greatest stride, seeking an opportunity to conceal itself.

This is done by melding against the clay side of a building or upon any flat clay expanse, whereupon the golem will be effectively invisible. Because this melding immerses the golem into the existing clay or masonry, the golem is immune from harm when escaping in this manner. It is virtually untouchable if melded with the ground; but destroying a structure that the golem has melded with will force it into the open.

Control

The creator has very limited control over the golem once it has been created and its purpose defined. Prior to its activation, the golem must be either built where it is intended to function, or transported somehow to that place, for the clay golem cannot move until it is activated. Once activated, it will seek out those persons designated by the creator, which must be defined as their race, religion or bloodline. The golem will protect itself while it carries forth this agenda. No other orders can be given thereafter, though presumably the creator is safe, as are others who are not the golem's enemies and do not directly threaten the golem. However, if in the company of the golem, the creator can give a single command which will cause the clay golem to collapse into a pile of dust, ending its havoc.

See Bestiary