questions about Encyclopedia Arcane: Constructs, by Mongoose Publishing

[Devon]

I recently purchased a copy of this guidebook, and I like it very much. There are some things I had wanted to see, features which I may have to add myself if they're not already planned for a web enhancement:

- Adding more intelligence to constructs: at the moment, only simulacra have the capacity for any reasonable intelligence, and adding the Speech ability to a golem or clockwork only gives it an 8 Int. What kind of CR/BR/ability slot use would adding more Int, to create constructs that can formulate their own ways of achieving the goals set by their creator?

- Flight was difficult to find at first, but I found it in Extra Miscellaneous Limbs. Is it possible in the rules to simply substitute wings for limbs? Also, would there be an added Fly ability which grants the construct a better speed, and a maneuverability class better than Poor--something to simulate a fine, clockwork bird, perhaps?

I can try to formulate these abilities for my own constructs, but I'd love to have some input in the format which this sourcebook has provided.

Thank you for any direction you're able to provide,

- Devon

 

[Devon]

bump

 

[der_kluge]

Well, I would respond to this, but... well, I can't.

 

[JoeGKushner]

Well, I would respond to this, but... well, I can't.

That's just like you Curtis. Sometimes it's not about you man, it's about the D20! Now roll for initiative!

 

[coyotzin]

--Adding Intelligence
Golems and automata have no sentience of their own, which is why they usually have no Intelligence scores. Depending on what you want to have the construct do, you can give it the Skill Competence ability to simulate that the construct knows well what it is meant to do.

If you want an all-purpose intelligent construct, go for the Spell Effect ability to instil the construct with Limited Wish, Miracle or Wish, since those are the only effects that can grant intelligence to something that doesn't have any

Or if you're cruel, Magic Jar and Geas another being inside the construct...

--Flight
When you want the construct to have wings as its only limbs, select the Extra Miscelaneous Limb feat, and the No Arms/No Legs deficiencies.

If you want it to fly much better than a rather clumsy set of limbs allow, use the Spell Effect ability to infuse the construct with the Fly spell.


You are free to make up your own feats and abilities of course (Improved Flying, Extra Limb: propeller, etc. ), there's only so much things that can be included in 64 pages, and the possibilities for construct design are endless. The construction system was made as open as possible to be able to provide space for growth.

Cheers

 

[MonkeyBoy]

cheers!

coyotzin:
"Or if you're cruel, Magic Jar and Geas another being inside the construct..."

Just wanted to say thanks; you've just given me a hook for a new villain for my game. Nice one!

 

[Devon]

thank you

Thank you for following up with me, Alejandro.

I'll loosen up a little in my golem creation. Since I'm the DM, I can make them however I need them--it was just going to be so cool to have an internally consistent means of putting them together. Now that I'm a bit more familiar with your book, it'll be easier for me.

That said, I would certainly look forward to a web enhancement for this sourcebook If you need a compendium of customized abilities that players have invented, I'll be glad to contribute.

Thank you again,

- Devon