FoxWander
Adventurer
I’m running an Artificer and have some questions and thoughts about Homunculi. I really like all the different types in the Eberron books (Campaign setting and Magic of) and can’t help thinking of variations and new types. But I need to figure a few things out first…
1) Has anyone worked out the pricing for Homunculi? The one in the SRD requires caster level 4 and lists the spells arcane eye, mirror image and mending with a cost of 1050 gp and 78 XP (plus 50 gp of raw materials). What’s the formula to get that cost in gp/xp? The closest I can figure is a variation of the “multiple similar abilities” pricing, 100% for the costliest power then 50% for the rest with a 50gp multiplier. That works out as: 4th level spell X 4th level caster X 50gp = 800gp for arcane eye, (2 X 4 X 50)/2 = 200gp for mirror image and (0.5 X 4 X 50gp)/2 = 50gp for mending, totaling 1050gp for spells. But how does the 78xp work? 1/25 of 1050 is 42, or 84 for the "market" price. Anyway, IDHMBWM, so can someone check that formula against the other Eberron homunculi to see if it works?
2) If that is a valid formula for spell costs now we can work out the pricing for different or custom types (assuming the DM allows this). So, not worrying about the cost for now, what would be the effects of some additional spells in the mix. For instance- can I include the spells for TWO different types to get ONE that can do the functions of both, like a Packmate/Arbelester? (Assuming also an increased materials cost and higher craft DCs for the additional construction) Could I combine TWO like this and add Alter Self into the mix to get a homunculus that can transform into a different type, such as an Expeditious Messenger that can become an Arbalester? How about something totally new- a Spirit Homunculus that has Magic Jar or Animate Object allowing it to possess objects (up to Small size) and Animate them?
Any other thoughts on the matter? I’m starting to see a character concept of a Shadowrun-style Drone Rigger in D&D. Of course that could bring up ugly “you got your sci-fi in my fantasy” arguments, but it’s still a cool concept. And then if you take the Alter Self concept too far you get Transformers.
(Disclaimer- I’m not sure if this is Rules or House Rules, but I think it fits here better. Assuming custom items are allowed, this is just Rules stuff. But then, are custom items a house rule in themselves?)
1) Has anyone worked out the pricing for Homunculi? The one in the SRD requires caster level 4 and lists the spells arcane eye, mirror image and mending with a cost of 1050 gp and 78 XP (plus 50 gp of raw materials). What’s the formula to get that cost in gp/xp? The closest I can figure is a variation of the “multiple similar abilities” pricing, 100% for the costliest power then 50% for the rest with a 50gp multiplier. That works out as: 4th level spell X 4th level caster X 50gp = 800gp for arcane eye, (2 X 4 X 50)/2 = 200gp for mirror image and (0.5 X 4 X 50gp)/2 = 50gp for mending, totaling 1050gp for spells. But how does the 78xp work? 1/25 of 1050 is 42, or 84 for the "market" price. Anyway, IDHMBWM, so can someone check that formula against the other Eberron homunculi to see if it works?
2) If that is a valid formula for spell costs now we can work out the pricing for different or custom types (assuming the DM allows this). So, not worrying about the cost for now, what would be the effects of some additional spells in the mix. For instance- can I include the spells for TWO different types to get ONE that can do the functions of both, like a Packmate/Arbelester? (Assuming also an increased materials cost and higher craft DCs for the additional construction) Could I combine TWO like this and add Alter Self into the mix to get a homunculus that can transform into a different type, such as an Expeditious Messenger that can become an Arbalester? How about something totally new- a Spirit Homunculus that has Magic Jar or Animate Object allowing it to possess objects (up to Small size) and Animate them?
Any other thoughts on the matter? I’m starting to see a character concept of a Shadowrun-style Drone Rigger in D&D. Of course that could bring up ugly “you got your sci-fi in my fantasy” arguments, but it’s still a cool concept. And then if you take the Alter Self concept too far you get Transformers.

(Disclaimer- I’m not sure if this is Rules or House Rules, but I think it fits here better. Assuming custom items are allowed, this is just Rules stuff. But then, are custom items a house rule in themselves?)