Help a Factotum build a cliff-dwelling fortress

[RUMBLETiGER]

The Even More Complete Polymorph Thread may prove useful.

Also, you don't get to use a beholder's eyebeams as they are supernatural abilities.

While I've read from multiple sources that most Earth Subtypes have the ability to burrow through solid rock, however most Earth subtype monsters do NOT specifically state this in their stat block, while the Thoqqua does. Since I tend to believe detailed write ups over general statements, I'm left with sighing.
I'd love to see the utility section of that guide expanded more. There have to be more than 4 useful monsters!
Too bad about the eyebeams, I'd love to be a Beholder for a little while. Rar!

 

[Pergentile]

The problem with Polymorph handbooks is that they would be the size of an actual printed WotC book, like 100+ pages. There are just so many options from so many sources, that to elaborate would be moot, as one can just search for monsters based on specific qualities without even mentioning polymorph. The handbooks are generally just more commonly known monsters/SRD monsters.

 

[Jack Simth]

While I've read from multiple sources that most Earth Subtypes have the ability to burrow through solid rock, however most Earth subtype monsters do NOT specifically state this in their stat block, while the Thoqqua does. Since I tend to believe detailed write ups over general statements, I'm left with sighing.

That'd be Because:

Burrow

A creature with a burrow speed can tunnel through dirt, but not through rock unless the descriptive text says otherwise. Creatures cannot charge or run while burrowing. Most burrowing creatures do not leave behind tunnels other creatures can use (either because the material they tunnel through fills in behind them or because they do not actually dislocate any material when burrowing); see the individual creature descriptions for details.

(Emphasis added)

The default is 'no tunnel', so *only* beasties that specify they leave a tunnel do.

 

[RUMBLETiGER]

That'd be BecauseEmphasis added)

The default is 'no tunnel', so *only* beasties that specify they leave a tunnel do.

So then, a Earth subtype creature can burrow through rock, but it will crumble and collapse behind, or the rock materials is shifted behind, or some such. Oh well. The Thoqqua suits my purposes fine.

 

[jefgorbach]

silly question perhaps, but wouldn't causing the affected rock to crumble/collapse behind suffice since you could then use other unseen servants/hirelings/etc to remove the loosened debris??

curiosity: stone shape affects 10+1/level cubic feet and says

You can form an existing piece of stone into any shape that suits your purpose. While it’s possible to make crude coffers, doors, and so forth with stone shape, fine detail isn’t possible. There is a 30% chance that any shape including moving parts simply doesn’t work.

... so could you sculpt a cage for instance to effectively slice/dice the stone work into a stack of unmortered bricks?? (if so, this might be your better choice since the resulting bricks could be relocated to where needed for further construction or sold)

 

[Jack Simth]

silly question perhaps, but wouldn't causing the affected rock to crumble/collapse behind suffice since you could then use other unseen servants/hirelings/etc to remove the loosened debris??

Yes and no.

Yes, it's something that could reasonably occur.

No, it's not something that's supported by the rules.

curiosity: stone shape affects 10+1/level cubic feet and says ... so could you sculpt a cage for instance to effectively slice/dice the stone work into a stack of unmortered bricks?? (if so, this might be your better choice since the resulting bricks could be relocated to where needed for further construction or sold)

Yes, you could, but it's much too slow to be of much use.

 

[RUMBLETiGER]

I've discovered the Create Wondrous Architecture options in Stronghold Builder's Guidebook (I love this book more and more...) and one very practical enchantment is the Invisible Helper, a permanent Unseen Servant located in one stronghold space (400sq feet, or a 20'x20' floorspace). Requires casting the Unseen Servant spell, 1500gp and one and a half days worth of time. I'm thinking of placing one of these guys in my indoor garden/fish hatchery area. Another in my crafting room to pass me supplies and keep things tidy.
Create Wondrous Architecture Chamber of Guidance would be placed in my crafting room to grant a +1 on the check for 750gp and 3/4 of a day's worth of enchanting time.
Create Wondrous Architecture Stable of Understanding will also go into my garden by some sophisticated bird feeders. for 3000gp, a scroll of Speak with animals (not an arcane spell, but cheap and easily UMD-able) and 3 days of time, I'll be making friends with the local sparrows and such, trading gossip on what's going on within the few miles of my cavernous home.

These are just some options for touching up on the place, without casting any higher-than-level spells or spending too much money.

 

[Pergentile]

Want a fortress? Pick thirty for a Deck of Many Things. You'll get a fortress... and a whole bunch of other junk! ^^

 

[SuperJebba]

Want a fortress? Pick thirty for a Deck of Many Things. You'll get a fortress... and a whole bunch of other junk! ^^

And likely end up imprisoned at the center of the earth being attacked by some beastie 4 levels higher than you. Maybe the fortress would be imprisoned with you.

Good times. Oh how I love the deck of many things.

 

[RUMBLETiGER]

Want a fortress? Pick thirty for a Deck of Many Things. You'll get a fortress... and a whole bunch of other junk! ^^

Fear and trepidation! Perhaps... Are there Luck-altering abilities that could manipulate one's use of a Deck of Many Things? something that permits, oh, maybe 50 or so re-rolls?

I digress. I have hit an obsticle and I require all of your help. By the magic of Microsoft Paint and patience, I've drawn up a graph and I've been designing what the work would look like day by day, 20'x10' 9' high of Thoqqua polymorphing goodness, to burrow out my magnificent mansion. I have a garden room, a fishing hatchery, a crafting room, a nifty hidden door enterance. All of these are the start of my bachelor pad, the place my Factotum will live in as he's carving out what will be the Mansion Fortress. There is a long hallway to a large 40'x40', 14' high Foyer that will be the primary enterance to this fortress. It's pretty spiffy. Once everything is done, I'll open up some really big doors, make it snazzy. Than I'll hide the Bachelor pad starter home behind some sort of secret door. it'll be swell.

Except.... I don't know what to make. I'm ambitious enough to design a mansion fortress. I've got the ability to do so. Only... I don't know what sort of rooms to design!

What would you build? What sorts of rooms might you have if you were in my shoes? You're a skill monkey, an arcane caster, a crafter of Wondrous Objects. You train Rust Monsters. You're social when you want to be, but don't aim to have a house full of people. The place could house an army of solders or refugees, but won't ordinarily. You have Time, Power, Imagination, and a smidgeon of Boredom. What do you build?