Low-CR constructs with ranged attacks?

[Shin Okada]

For a reason, I need some constructs with relatively low CR 4-8, 10 at maximum. as a DM.
I found Arcane Ballista and own one mini of it. Shield Guardian can cast spells so somewhat works. But other than those 2, are there any appropriate construct monster in WotC books?

Or, are there any template or something which gives ranged attacks to construct monsters? I have minis for most popular golems (I have almost all of DDM line). So it is good if I can just use those minis for that role.

Edit : Spell-like ability or spells may work. So if there is a template just like Spellstitched for construct, it will help.

 

[UltimaGabe]

There's always the Clockwork Horrors from the MM2. There's four of them, arranged in order of power, as well as by metal type (electrum horrors are the weakest, then gold horrors, platinum horrors, and then their leader, the adamantine horror). If I recall, they're all lower than CR 10 (is the Adamantine Horror a CR 9 or 11? I can't remember). However, though the Electrum Horror is relatively harmless, with its saw attack and little pressure-darts, the more powerful ones (particularly the adamantine horror) get a little bit overpowered compared to their CR. The Adamantine Horror, for example, is around a CR 10 (I think it's a 9), and has Disintegrate, Implosion, and Mordenkainen's Disjunction AT WILL.

You heard me right.

 

[mvincent]

For a reason, I need some constructs with relatively low CR 4-8, 10 at maximum. as a DM.

You could always use standard animated objects. There is no reason that they couldn't use ranged weapons. The rules say that they are:
"Proficient with its natural weapons only, unless generally humanoid in form, in which case proficient with any weapon mentioned in its entry."

... so they can be proficient if desired. But even without proficiency, they could still use ranged weapons at -4.

 

[werk]

You could always use standard animated objects. There is no reason that they couldn't use ranged weapons. The rules say that they are:
"Proficient with its natural weapons only, unless generally humanoid in form, in which case proficient with any weapon mentioned in its entry."

... so they can be proficient if desired. But even without proficiency, they could still use ranged weapons at -4.

Or, say, if you animated a ballista or crossbow...

 

[mvincent]

Or, say, if you animated a ballista or crossbow...

... or animate a gargantuan-sized 'mecha' that is bristling with crossbows and ballista. Sure, it could only fire three of them per round, but it'd certainly look intimidating.

 

[avr]

There's an Arbalester homonculus in either the ECS or Magic of Eberron (can't remember which) - only about CR1 at the start, but a dedicated artificer could increase the hit dice, enchant the built in crossbow, and/or infuse buffs into it. Then they could give it instructions like 'ride on the golems shoulder and shoot anything you see casting spells'.

 

[blargney the second]

Slap the dragonborn template on them to give them a breath weapon. Call it a flamethrower, if you want.

 

[Shin Okada]

Thank you guys for ideas

>UltimaGabe
Unfortunately, Clockwork Horror does not work for that adventure. Those constructs must be minions and part of humanoid army. The horrors are the very independent social group.

>mvincent
Isn't that a rule for "construct" type? In my understanding, that text means if there is a ranged weapon shown in a certain creature's entry, it is proficient with it. But otherwise, constructs are not proficient in manufactured weapons (thus clay golem can't use a longbow). And Animated Objects as monsters does not have manufactured weapon attacks in their entry. So I think they are not proficient with ranged weapons.

>Werk

Arcane Ballista is almost exactly that kind of thing.

>avr

I will try to check it.

>blargney the second

Aren't dragonbone template is for good living creatures?

 

[blargney the second]

Aren't dragonbone template is for good living creatures?

Yep! Does it need to be totally strict, or is there enough wiggle room to let that fly?

 

[Shin Okada]

Yep! Does it need to be totally strict, or is there enough wiggle room to let that fly?

Well, actually, this campaign is themed on dragons and both enemies and PCs are using various dragon-related rules. One PC sorcerer is a descendant of brass dragon (heritage feats). Another PC is a multiclassed paladin of Bahamut which is started to take levels of Silver Dragon Disciple. So using dragonborn in this case, may not seem appropriate. They will complain that Dragonbones should be their noble allies.