Magical Construct Template from BOEM

[Bagpuss]

What are the rules on applying templates?

I only ask as it seems odd to me that the Magical Construct template from Book of Eldrich Might, modifies the creature with Str +10, Dex -4, Con -, Int -, Wis -2, Cha -10. In the example creature initiative, AC, hit points and saves are all effected, but attack modifier and damage remain the same.

It does say they should remain the same as the base creature, but it seems the increase in Str is totally wasted in that case.

For example the "Brass Eleven headed hydra" detailed in the book gains the following.

AC: +10 points
SA : a pretty poor Breath Weapon
Str: +10 but no benifits from it.
Benifits of being a Construct, ie: No critcals, blindsight 60ft, etc.

In return it loses

Attributes: Con - (from 20), Dex -4, Int - (from 3), Wis -2, and Cha reduce to 1.
Hit points: -55 due to no consitution modifer
Initiative: -2 due to loss of dex
Speed: -5 foot of each type
Saves: Fort -5 point no consitution modifer
Ref -2 points reduced Dexterity
Will -1 point reduced Wisdom
Skills: All lost so that no Listen +8 or Spot +9
Feats: All lost so no Combat Reflexes which considering its reach was one of its most useful features.

This all gives it a +3 to its Challenge Rating.

Seems to me that without the increase in Attack modifer and damage from the increased strength that actually this works out more like -2 to its Challenge Rating.

Is this a mistake not giving the benifits for increased Str?

 

[Voadam]

Changes in strength score should change meleee attack and damage of a creature by the rules.

Looks like the sample hydra is mistaken in not applying those changes.

Does the AC change include the penalty from the lowered dex?

 

[Bagpuss]

Metal Constructs add +12 to the natural AC.

It does say in the template that attacks and damage remain the same, so I'm not sure it is a mistake. But if that's true is it really worth the +3 CR?

Also if attacks and damage do remain the same, but the base creature had say Multiattack or Weapon Focus before becoming, would the values change? It loses the Feat but the template said keep the attack values the same, you don't seem to raise them for strength do you lower them for loss of feats?

 

[AEtherfyre]

At a guess, I'd think that not changing the attack rating is because constructs get BAB at the worst rate, and that changing the aforementioned hydra to a construct shouldn't reduce its BAB by a dramatic amount. If that's correct, then the change to Strength would change the attack bonus and damage.

That's just IMHO, however.