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{{Nofootnotes}}
  
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{{wikipedia|Golem (Dungeons & Dragons)}}
  
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{{Creature
  
{{Creature
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| image = [[File:Golems - Doug Kovacs.jpg|220px|A stone and flesh golem]]
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| image = Golems - Doug Kovacs.jpg
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| name = Golem
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| caption = A stone and flesh golem.
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| name = Golem
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| type = [[natural (creature)|Natural]] [[animate]] ([[construct]])
  
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| origin5e =
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| location = [[Prime Material Plane]]
  
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| type5e =
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| alignment = {{alignment grid|off|off|off|off|on|off|off|off|off}}
  
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| subtype5e =
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| alignment5e =
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| challenge5e =
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| refs5e =
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| size4e =
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| origin4e = [[Natural creature|Natural]]
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| type4e = [[Animate]]
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| subtype4e = [[Construct]]
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| alignment4e =
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| refs4e =
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| size3e =
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| type3e = [[Construct]]
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| subtype3e =
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| alignment3e = Always [[neutral]]
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| challenge3e =
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| refs3e = <ref name="MMv.3.5-pp134-137">{{Cite book/Monster Manual 3.5|134-137}}</ref>
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| size2e =
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| alignment2e =
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| refs2e =
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| size1e =
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| alignment1e =
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| refs1e =
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| patron deity =
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| vision = [[Darkvision]], [[low-light vision]]<ref name="MMv.3.5-pp134-137" />
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| activecycle =
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| diet =
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| lifespan =
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| location =
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| language =
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| subraces = [[Clay golem]]<br />[[Flesh golem]]<br />[[Iron golem]]<br />[[Stone golem]]
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| climate = Any<ref name="MMv.3.5-pp134-137" />
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| terrain = Any<ref name="MMv.3.5-pp134-137" />
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| height =
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| length =
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| wingspan =
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| weight =
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| skincolor =
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| distinctions =
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| based = [[wikipedia:Golem|Golem]]
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| first =
 
}}
  
}}
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'''Golems''' ({{Pronounce|GO|lemz|refs=<ref name="D93-APG-p26">{{Cite dragon/93/Ay pronunseeAYshun gyd|26}}</ref>}}) were several types of magically created [[construct]]s. They were mindless, emotionless creations that only know how to fulfill the orders of their creators.<ref name="MMv.3.5-pp134-137" /> The gods [[Azuth]], [[Gond]], [[Oghma]], and [[Thoth]] favored golems and used them as servants. [[Clangeddin Silverbeard]], [[Geb]], [[Red Knight]], and [[Segojan Earthcaller]] favored specifically [[stone golem]]s, while [[iron golem]]s were used by [[Flandal Steelskin]] and [[gem golem]]s by [[Nephthys]]. [[Velsharoon]] favored [[flesh golem]]s.<ref name="DD&D-pp10-15">{{Cite web enhancement/Deity Do's and Don'ts|10-15}}</ref>
⚫
'''Golems''' are an amalgam of several types of magically created [[construct]]s. They are tough, fearsome combatants with incredible defenses. Although they move like living creatures, they are merely animated objects, giving them several advantages and disadvantages in battle. As constructs, golems are innately immune to a number of attacks; among these are mind-altering, poison, sleep, paralysis, stunning, disease and death effects as well as most spells. They never tire, get confused or distracted and possess both [[low-light vision|low-light]] and [[darkvision]]. Because they are mindless, golems lack much in the way of creativity and initiative.
  
   
  +
==Abilities==
⚫
The creator of a Golem is typically a [[wizard]] or a [[cleric]]), both of whom have control over the creature. Due to the process involved in creating a Golem, in which an elemental from the [[Plane of earth]] is bound against its will into the Golem's body, the control of certain golems has a chance of being voided in proportion to the length of time that it is used in combat.
  
  ⚫
They were tough, fearsome combatants with incredible defenses. Although they moved like living creatures, they were merely animated objects, giving them several advantages and disadvantages in battle. As constructs, golems were innately immune to a number of attacks; among these were mind-altering, poison, sleep, paralysis, stunning, disease and death effects as well as most spells.<ref name="MMv.3.5-pp134-137" /> They never tired, got confused or distracted and possessed both [[low-light vision|low-light]] and [[darkvision]]. Because they were mindless, golems lacked much in the way of creativity and initiative.{{fact}}
   
  +
==Creation==
⚫
When a golem of a more expensive material is made - such as adamantine or mithral - it is originally made using a cheaper metal - usually iron - and then polymorphed, usually via a [[Wish]] spell.
  
  ⚫
The creator of a golem was typically a [[wizard]] or a [[cleric]], both of whom had control over the creature. They can issue simple commands as long as they are within 60' of the construct. The creation process involves a spirit from the [[Plane of Earth]] was bound against its will into that of the golem.<ref name="MMv.3.5-pp134-137" /> Thus the control of certain golems had a chance of being voided in proportion to the length of time that it was used in combat.{{fact}}
  +
  ⚫
When a golem of a more expensive material was made - such as [[adamantine]] or [[mithral]] - it was originally made using a cheaper metal - usually iron - and then polymorphed, usually via a ''[[Wish]]'' spell.{{fact}}
   
 
==Types of Golems==
  
==Types of Golems==
  ⚫
* '''[[Adamantine golem]]''': Incredibly resilient golems that were sometimes found in the [[Underdark]], usually in the service of [[drow]], [[duergar]] or [[svirfneblin]] masters. One of the more powerful variants.
−
* '''[[Brain golem]]''': Brain golems are created by [[mind flayers]] as guardians and are made from brain tissue
  
⚫
* '''[[Clay golem]]''': Clay golems are created by clerics. While in combat, there is a cumulative chance as the battle progresses that a the golem will be possessed by a [[chaotic evil]] spirit. If this happens, control over the golem is lost and it will attack the closest living creature.
  
⚫
* '''[[Crystal golem]]''': Crystal golems are constructed from dagger-like shards of purple crystal and are surprisingly resilient given their fragile appearance. They can throw these crystals at their foes as missile weapons.<ref name="DR367-p43">{{Cite dragon|author=[[Greg Bilsland]]|title=Bestiary: Mindless Monstrosities|issue=367|pages=43|publisher=[http://www.wizards.com Wizards of the Coast]}}</ref>
  
⚫
* '''[[Flesh golem]]''': These golems are created from human remains. If control over the Flesh Golem is lost, it goes [[berserk]], attacking allies and enemies both.
  
⚫
* '''[[Iron golem]]''': Iron golems are among the strongest type of golem and never revoke the control of those who created them.
  
⚫
* '''[[Rimefire golem]]''': Rimefire golems are powerful beings made of living ice that are thuggish and have little regard for their own well-being.<ref name="DR367-p43-44">{{Cite dragon|author=[[Greg Bilsland]]|title=Bestiary: Mindless Monstrosities|issue=367|pages=43-44|publisher=[http://www.wizards.com Wizards of the Coast]}}</ref>
  
⚫
* '''[[Sand golem]]''': Sand golems are incredibly evasive constructs that are more intelligent than most golems and can transform into storms of sand.<ref name="DR367-p43">{{Cite dragon|author=[[Greg Bilsland]]|title=Bestiary: Mindless Monstrosities|issue=367|pages=43|publisher=[http://www.wizards.com Wizards of the Coast]}}</ref>
  
⚫
* '''[[Stone golem]]''': Golems of stone are twice as powerful as those of flesh. They are highly resistant to attacks because of their stone composition. They do not revoke their creators control like Flesh and Clay Golems.
  
⚫
* '''[[Mithral golem]]''': Relatively lightweight golems that move with astounding agility, frequently surprising would-be adversaries.
  
⚫
* '''[[Adamantine golem]]''': Incredibly resilient golems that are frequently found in the [[Underdark]], usually in the service of [[Drow]], [[Duergar]] or [[Svirfneblin]] masters. Possibly one of the more powerful variants.
  
⚫
* '''[[Brass golem]]''': Made of brass, these are created to fulfill one goal, set at the time of their creation, and wait with absolute patience until activated to perform this task.
  
⚫
* '''[[Chain golem]]''': Creatures of the [[Kyton]]s made out of chains, these serve as bodyguards for [[Devil (Dungeons & Dragons)|devils]] and as guardians of unholy places. They are composed entirely of shifting chains that vary in size and shape.
  
⚫
* '''[[Dragonflesh golem]]''': Made out of the remains of dead [[dragons]], these creatures can remember more complicated commands than most golems can, but because they cannot think, they obey commands to the letter rather than evaluating the intent.
  
⚫
* '''[[Stained glass golem]]''': Made out of stained glass and built to harmonize with a structure's decor so that their presence is not obvious, these are flat, two-dimensional replicas of living beings. When they move, they produce a tinkling sound like that made by delicate crystal.
  
⚫
* '''[[Alchemical golem]]''': Weighing 800lbs, these are composed from a single tough membrane in the shape of a humanoid and are filled with toxic liquids.
  
−
* '''[[Hangman golem]]''': Composed of ropes that are twisted and wrapped into a humanoid figure. Their ropes become a dangerous whirlwind when they engage in combat.
 
⚫
* '''[[Shadesteel golem]]''': Crafted from metal mined and forged entirely on the [[Plane of Shadow]], these silent and powerful guardians are sometimes created by necromancers and powerful undead. They are very stealthy creatures which float about.
  
⚫
* '''[[Web golem]]''': Built by [[drow]] sorcerers, these are approximately humanoid and are built from masses of spider web. They typically have eight eyes about their head and poisonous spiders fangs.
  
−
* '''[[Fang golem]]''': The creation of druids, shaped to resemble a wild beast, composed entirely of claws. These are often set to guard druid groves. They are tenacious, strong, and mindless combatants.
  
−
* '''[[Blood golem of Hextor]]''': Made of the coagulated blood of sacrificial victims, girded in magical armor and bearing masterwork weapons, these bring death to enemies of [[Hextor]]'s faith.
  
⚫
* '''[[Brain golem]]''': A creation of the [[mind flayers]], these exist purely for the desires of the illithids and are unswayed from their goals. The appear as a huge, burly humanoid with an oversized brain for a head. In fact, the whole body is made up of brain tissue. Brain golems are more intelligent than other golems.
  
⚫
* '''[[Demonflesh golem]]''': Demonstrating truly fiendish grafting of demonic body parts assembled into a vile whole. These bear superficial resemblance to flesh golems. Most are reasonably intelligent.
  
−
The making of demonflesh golems has become close to a sport on some levels of the Nine Hells.
  
⚫
* '''[[Hellfire golem]]''': Built by [[devils]], these appear as towering humanoid creatures that seem to be formed of brilliant lava and crumbling black crust. Most are reasonably intelligent.
  
⚫
* '''[[Dragonbone golem]]''': Crafted from the skeletons of one or more [[dragons]] and wired together into a gruesome whole, these are easily mistaken for [[skeletal dragon]]s or [[dracolich]]es. They wade into combat without hesitation as commanded by their creators.
  
⚫
* '''[[Drakestone golem]]''': Appearing as beautiful crafted statues of dragons whose muscles look like rippling stone flesh when they move in motion. Their breath can petrify flesh.
  
⚫
* '''[[Ironwyrm golem]]''': An animated, self-contained furnace built into the shape of a dragon. Smoke trails from its nostrils except when the creature is at rest, and when animate, it exudes a palpable heat.
  
⚫
* '''[[Grave dirt golem]]''': Composed of magically coherent grave earth, these constructs leave soiled wounds which are suffused with negative energy to further harm their foes.
  
⚫
* '''[[Tombstone golem]]''': Powerful guardians which are constructed from grave headstones. They are able to slay living beings with the negative energy that empowers them through their powerful strike.
  
⚫
* '''[[Ice golem]]''': A humanoid formed of roughly chiseled ice, standing 9 feet tall and weighing around 800 pounds. They appear to be normal ice sculptures when at rest.
  
⚫
* '''[[Coral golem]]''': Resembling aquatic sea-creatures in shape, such as fish or crabs, these are made entirely of living coral. They are created by sea druids to guard threatened aquatic regions or to attack the ships of intruders.
  
⚫
* '''[[Equine golem]]''': Golems shaped as heavy warhorses. They are faster and more agile than a regular golem, but less durable. They are crafted from thick hardwoods and an animating [[air elemental]] spirit.
  
⚫
* '''[[Incarnum golem]]''': Towering humanoid forms that resemble smoky glass plates reinforced with shimmering metal bands. Within them is bound spirit energy which allows the golem to adapt its attacks to fit the situation.
  
⚫
* '''[[Cadaver golem]]''': Misshapened constructs easily mistaken for flesh golems, but they are more intelligent and dangerous, capable of making use of the skills and abilities of those who contributed to its body. These creatures constantly seek out humanoids who boast talents that it wishes to possess.
  
−
* '''[[Doll Golem]]''': A living toy that is usually created for protecting or killing children. Normally, it looks mottled, beautiful and colorful, but, in battle, looks dirty, scary and stitched.
  
   
  ⚫
* '''[[Alchemical golem]]''': Weighing 800lbs, these were composed from a single tough membrane in the shape of a humanoid and were filled with toxic liquids. <ref name="Dragon.302-p57-59">{{Cite dragon/302/Bestiary: Construct of Destruction: Five New Golems|57-59}}</ref>
−
==External Links==
  
  +
  +
* '''[[Blade golem]]'''{{fact}}
  +
  +
* '''[[Book storm]]'''{{fact}}
  +
  ⚫
* '''[[Brain golem]]''': A creation of the [[mind flayers]], these existed purely for the desires of the illithids and were unswayed from their goals. They appeared as huge, burly humanoids with oversized brains for heads. In fact, the whole body was made up of brain tissue. Brain golems were more intelligent than other golems.<ref name="FFe3e-pp85-86">{{Cite book/Fiend Folio 3rd edition|85-86}}</ref>
  +
  ⚫
* '''[[Brass golem]]''': Made of brass, these were created to fulfill one goal, set at the time of their creation, and wait with absolute patience until activated to perform this task.<ref name="MM IIv.3-p116">{{Cite book/Monster Manual II 3rd edition}}</ref>
  +
  ⚫
* '''[[Cadaver golem]]''': Misshapen constructs easily mistaken for flesh golems, but they were more intelligent and dangerous, capable of making use of the skills and abilities of those who contributed to its body. These creatures constantly sought out humanoids who boasted talents that it wished to possess.{{fact}}
  +
  ⚫
* '''[[Chain golem]]''': Creatures of the [[Kyton]]s made out of chains, these served as bodyguards for [[devil]]s and as guardians of unholy places. They were composed entirely of shifting chains that varied in size and shape.{{fact}}
  +
  ⚫
* '''[[Clay golem]]''': Clay golems were created by clerics. While in combat, there was a cumulative chance as the battle progressed that the golem would be possessed by a [[chaotic evil]] spirit. If this happened, control over the golem was lost and it would attack the closest living creature.<ref name="MMv.3.5-pp134-137" />
  +
  ⚫
* '''[[Coral golem]]''': Resembling aquatic sea-creatures in shape, such as fish or crabs, these were made entirely of living coral. They were created by sea druids to guard threatened aquatic regions or to attack the ships of intruders.
  +
  ⚫
* '''[[Crystal golem]]''': Crystal golems were constructed from dagger-like shards of purple crystal and were surprisingly resilient given their fragile appearance. They could throw these crystals at their foes as missile weapons.<ref name="DR367-p43">{{Cite dragon/367/Bestiary: Mindless Monstrosities|43}}</ref>
  +
  ⚫
* '''[[Demonflesh golem]]''': Demonstrating truly fiendish grafting of demonic body parts assembled into a vile whole. These resembled flesh golems. Most were reasonably intelligent. The making of demonflesh golems had become close to a sport on some levels of the Nine Hells.
  +
  +
* '''[[Desert wrath]]'''{{fact}}
  +
  ⚫
* '''[[Dragonbone Golem]]''': Crafted from the skeletons of one or more [[dragons]] and wired together into a gruesome whole, these were easily mistaken for [[skeletal dragon]]s or [[dracolich]]es. They waded into combat without hesitation as commanded by their creators.{{fact}}
  +
  ⚫
* '''[[Dragonflesh golem]]''': Made out of the remains of dead [[dragons]], these creatures could remember more complicated commands than most golems could, but because they could not think, they obeyed commands to the letter rather than evaluating the intent.<ref name="MM IIv.3-p116">{{Cite book/Monster Manual II 3rd edition}}</ref>
  +
  ⚫
* '''[[Drakestone golem]]''': Appearing as beautifully crafted statues of dragons, whose muscles looked like rippling stone flesh when in motion. Their breath could petrify flesh.{{fact}}
  +
  ⚫
* '''[[Equine golem]]''': Golems shaped as heavy warhorses. They were faster and more agile than a regular golem, but less durable. They were crafted from thick hardwoods and an animating [[air elemental]] spirit.{{fact}}
  +
  +
* '''[[Fang golem]]'''" An abomination created by a [[druid]] made of claws, fangs and tusks.<ref name="MMIV-p72">{{Cite book/Monster Manual IV}}</ref>
  +
  ⚫
* '''[[Flesh golem]]''': These golems were created from human remains. If control over the Flesh Golem was lost, it went [[berserk]], attacking allies and enemies both.<ref name="MMv.3.5-pp134-137" />
  +
  ⚫
* '''[[Grave dirt golem]]''': Composed of magically coherent grave earth, these constructs left soiled wounds which were suffused with [[negative energy]] to further harm their foes.{{fact}}
  +
  +
* '''[[Half-golem]]''': A fusion of a creature with golem parts.{{fact}}
  +
  ⚫
* '''[[Hellfire golem]]''': Built by [[devils]], these appeared as towering humanoid creatures that seemed to be formed of brilliant lava and crumbling black crust. Most were reasonably intelligent.{{fact}}
  +
  ⚫
* '''[[Ice golem]]''': A humanoid formed of roughly chiseled ice, standing 9 feet tall and weighing around 800 pounds. They appeared to be normal ice sculptures when at rest.{{fact}}
  +
  ⚫
* '''[[Incarnum golem]]''': Towering humanoid forms that resembled smoky glass plates reinforced with shimmering metal bands. Within them was bound spirit energy which allowed the golem to adapt its attacks to fit the situation.{{fact}}
  +
  ⚫
* '''[[Iron golem]]''': Iron golems were among the strongest type of golem and never revoked the control of those who created them.<ref name="MMv.3.5-pp134-137" />
  +
  ⚫
* '''[[Ironwyrm golem]]''': An animated, self-contained furnace built into the shape of a dragon. Smoke trailed from its nostrils except when the creature rested, and when animated, it exuded a palpable heat.{{Fact}}
  +
  ⚫
* '''[[Mithral golem]]''': Relatively lightweight golems that moved with astounding agility, frequently surprising would-be adversaries.{{Fact}}
  +
  +
*'''[[Mud golem]]''': Swamp dwelling, mud golem with empty hollow eye sockets with glowing red spheres in them. <ref name="Dragon.302-p59-60">{{Cite dragon/302/Bestiary: Construct of Destruction: Five New Golems|59-60}}</ref>
  +
  +
*'''[[Puzzle golem]]''': A specialised Stone golem constructed from smaller stone golems that split or reform. <ref name="Dragon.302-p61-64">{{Cite dragon/302/Bestiary: Construct of Destruction: Five New Golems|61-64}}</ref>
  +
  ⚫
* '''[[Rimefire golem]]''': Rimefire golems were powerful beings made of living ice that were thuggish and had little regard for their own well-being.<ref name="DR367-p43-44">{{Cite dragon/367/Bestiary: Mindless Monstrosities|43-44}}</ref>
  +
  +
*'''[[Rope golem]]''': Rope golems, also called Hangman golems, were wrapped and shaped in vague humanoid shapes. It only communicated with the twisting sounds of its ropes.<ref name="Dragon.302-p60-61">{{Cite dragon/302/Bestiary: Construct of Destruction: Five New Golems|60-61}}</ref>
  +
  ⚫
* '''[[Sand golem]]''': Sand golems were incredibly evasive constructs that were more intelligent than most golems and could transform into storms of sand.<ref name="DR367-p43" />
  +
  +
* '''[[Serpentflesh golem]]''': This automaton was a grisly assortment of decaying serpentine body parts grafted together into a gruesome form.<ref name="SK-p81-83">{{Cite book/Serpent Kingdoms|81-83}}</ref>
  +
  ⚫
* '''[[Shadesteel golem]]''': Crafted from metal mined and forged entirely on the [[Plane of Shadow]], these silent and powerful guardians were sometimes created by necromancers and powerful undead. They were very stealthy creatures which floated about.<ref name="MM IIIv.3-p72">{{Cite book/Monster Manual}}</ref>
  +
  +
* '''[[Spiderstone golem]]''': A four-armed obsidian golem carved in the likeness of the drow.<ref name="CotSQ-p120">{{Cite book/City of the Spider Queen|120}}</ref>
  +
  ⚫
* '''[[Stained glass golem]]''': Made out of stained glass and built to harmonize with a structure's decor so that their presence was not obvious, these were flat, two-dimensional replicas of living beings. When they moved, they produce a tinkling sound like that made by delicate crystal.<ref name="MM IIv.3-p116">{{Cite book/Monster Manual II 3rd edition}}</ref>
  +
  ⚫
* '''[[Stone golem]]''': Golems of stone were twice as powerful as those of flesh. They were highly resistant to attacks because of their stone composition. They did not revoke their creators control like flesh and clay Golems.<ref name="MMv.3.5-pp134-137" />
  +
  +
* '''[[Stoneform golem]]'''{{fact}}
  +
  ⚫
* '''[[Tombstone golem]]''': Powerful guardians which were constructed from grave headstones. They were able to slay living beings with the negative energy that empowered them through their powerful strikes.{{fact}}
  +
  ⚫
* '''[[Web golem]]''': Built by [[drow]] sorcerers, these were approximately humanoid and were built from masses of spider web. They typically had eight eyes about their head and poisonous spiders fangs.<ref name="Dragon.302-p57">{{Cite dragon/302/Bestiary: Construct of Destruction: Five New Golems|57}}</ref>
  +
  +
==Appendix==
  +
===Further Reading===
 
* {{Cite web
  
* {{Cite web
 
|url=http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/tt/20051108a
  
|url=http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/tt/20051108a
Line 63: Line 153:
 
|accessdate=2007-03-15
  
|accessdate=2007-03-15
 
}}
  
}}
  +
===Gallery===
  +
<gallery>
  +
Crystal golem - Ben Wootten.jpg|''A crystal golem.''
  +
Rimefire golem - Ben Wootten.jpg|''A rimefire golem.''
  +
Sand golem - Ben Wootten.jpg|''A sand golem.''
  +
Golem mm2e p170.png|''Rare golem types: A [[necrophidius]] and a [[scarecrow]].''
  +
</gallery>
   
  ⚫
===References===
−  
  ⚫
{{Refs}}
⚫
==References==
  
  +
===Connections===
⚫
{{refs}}
  
  +
{{Golems}}
−
* {{Cite book/Monster Manual 1st edition}}
  
−
[[Category:Golems]]
  
−
[[Category:Animates]]
  
−
[[Category:Constructs]]
  
−
[[Category:Inhabitants of true neutral alignment]]
  
−
[[Category:Natural creatures]]
  

Revision as of 16:10, 3 September 2019

Golems (pronounced: /ˈgoʊlɛmz/ GO-lemz[2]) were several types of magically created constructs. They were mindless, emotionless creations that only know how to fulfill the orders of their creators.[1] The gods Azuth, Gond, Oghma, and Thoth favored golems and used them as servants. Clangeddin Silverbeard, Geb, Red Knight, and Segojan Earthcaller favored specifically stone golems, while iron golems were used by Flandal Steelskin and gem golems by Nephthys. Velsharoon favored flesh golems.[3]

Abilities

They were tough, fearsome combatants with incredible defenses. Although they moved like living creatures, they were merely animated objects, giving them several advantages and disadvantages in battle. As constructs, golems were innately immune to a number of attacks; among these were mind-altering, poison, sleep, paralysis, stunning, disease and death effects as well as most spells.[1] They never tired, got confused or distracted and possessed both low-light and darkvision. Because they were mindless, golems lacked much in the way of creativity and initiative.[citation needed]

Creation

The creator of a golem was typically a wizard or a cleric, both of whom had control over the creature. They can issue simple commands as long as they are within 60' of the construct. The creation process involves a spirit from the Plane of Earth was bound against its will into that of the golem.[1] Thus the control of certain golems had a chance of being voided in proportion to the length of time that it was used in combat.[citation needed]

When a golem of a more expensive material was made - such as adamantine or mithral - it was originally made using a cheaper metal - usually iron - and then polymorphed, usually via a Wish spell.[citation needed]

Types of Golems

  • Alchemical golem: Weighing 800lbs, these were composed from a single tough membrane in the shape of a humanoid and were filled with toxic liquids. [4]
  • Brain golem: A creation of the mind flayers, these existed purely for the desires of the illithids and were unswayed from their goals. They appeared as huge, burly humanoids with oversized brains for heads. In fact, the whole body was made up of brain tissue. Brain golems were more intelligent than other golems.[5]
  • Brass golem: Made of brass, these were created to fulfill one goal, set at the time of their creation, and wait with absolute patience until activated to perform this task.[6]
  • Cadaver golem: Misshapen constructs easily mistaken for flesh golems, but they were more intelligent and dangerous, capable of making use of the skills and abilities of those who contributed to its body. These creatures constantly sought out humanoids who boasted talents that it wished to possess.[citation needed]
  • Chain golem: Creatures of the Kytons made out of chains, these served as bodyguards for devils and as guardians of unholy places. They were composed entirely of shifting chains that varied in size and shape.[citation needed]
  • Clay golem: Clay golems were created by clerics. While in combat, there was a cumulative chance as the battle progressed that the golem would be possessed by a chaotic evil spirit. If this happened, control over the golem was lost and it would attack the closest living creature.[1]
  • Coral golem: Resembling aquatic sea-creatures in shape, such as fish or crabs, these were made entirely of living coral. They were created by sea druids to guard threatened aquatic regions or to attack the ships of intruders.
  • Crystal golem: Crystal golems were constructed from dagger-like shards of purple crystal and were surprisingly resilient given their fragile appearance. They could throw these crystals at their foes as missile weapons.[7]
  • Demonflesh golem: Demonstrating truly fiendish grafting of demonic body parts assembled into a vile whole. These resembled flesh golems. Most were reasonably intelligent. The making of demonflesh golems had become close to a sport on some levels of the Nine Hells.
  • Dragonbone Golem: Crafted from the skeletons of one or more dragons and wired together into a gruesome whole, these were easily mistaken for skeletal dragons or dracoliches. They waded into combat without hesitation as commanded by their creators.[citation needed]
  • Dragonflesh golem: Made out of the remains of dead dragons, these creatures could remember more complicated commands than most golems could, but because they could not think, they obeyed commands to the letter rather than evaluating the intent.[6]
  • Drakestone golem: Appearing as beautifully crafted statues of dragons, whose muscles looked like rippling stone flesh when in motion. Their breath could petrify flesh.[citation needed]
  • Equine golem: Golems shaped as heavy warhorses. They were faster and more agile than a regular golem, but less durable. They were crafted from thick hardwoods and an animating air elemental spirit.[citation needed]
  • Fang golem" An abomination created by a druid made of claws, fangs and tusks.[8]
  • Flesh golem: These golems were created from human remains. If control over the Flesh Golem was lost, it went berserk, attacking allies and enemies both.[1]
  • Grave dirt golem: Composed of magically coherent grave earth, these constructs left soiled wounds which were suffused with negative energy to further harm their foes.[citation needed]
  • Hellfire golem: Built by devils, these appeared as towering humanoid creatures that seemed to be formed of brilliant lava and crumbling black crust. Most were reasonably intelligent.[citation needed]
  • Ice golem: A humanoid formed of roughly chiseled ice, standing 9 feet tall and weighing around 800 pounds. They appeared to be normal ice sculptures when at rest.[citation needed]
  • Incarnum golem: Towering humanoid forms that resembled smoky glass plates reinforced with shimmering metal bands. Within them was bound spirit energy which allowed the golem to adapt its attacks to fit the situation.[citation needed]
  • Iron golem: Iron golems were among the strongest type of golem and never revoked the control of those who created them.[1]
  • Ironwyrm golem: An animated, self-contained furnace built into the shape of a dragon. Smoke trailed from its nostrils except when the creature rested, and when animated, it exuded a palpable heat.[citation needed]
  • Mithral golem: Relatively lightweight golems that moved with astounding agility, frequently surprising would-be adversaries.[citation needed]
  • Mud golem: Swamp dwelling, mud golem with empty hollow eye sockets with glowing red spheres in them. [9]
  • Puzzle golem: A specialised Stone golem constructed from smaller stone golems that split or reform. [10]
  • Rimefire golem: Rimefire golems were powerful beings made of living ice that were thuggish and had little regard for their own well-being.[11]
  • Rope golem: Rope golems, also called Hangman golems, were wrapped and shaped in vague humanoid shapes. It only communicated with the twisting sounds of its ropes.[12]
  • Sand golem: Sand golems were incredibly evasive constructs that were more intelligent than most golems and could transform into storms of sand.[7]
  • Serpentflesh golem: This automaton was a grisly assortment of decaying serpentine body parts grafted together into a gruesome form.[13]
  • Shadesteel golem: Crafted from metal mined and forged entirely on the Plane of Shadow, these silent and powerful guardians were sometimes created by necromancers and powerful undead. They were very stealthy creatures which floated about.[14]
  • Stained glass golem: Made out of stained glass and built to harmonize with a structure's decor so that their presence was not obvious, these were flat, two-dimensional replicas of living beings. When they moved, they produce a tinkling sound like that made by delicate crystal.[6]
  • Stone golem: Golems of stone were twice as powerful as those of flesh. They were highly resistant to attacks because of their stone composition. They did not revoke their creators control like flesh and clay Golems.[1]
  • Tombstone golem: Powerful guardians which were constructed from grave headstones. They were able to slay living beings with the negative energy that empowered them through their powerful strikes.[citation needed]
  • Web golem: Built by drow sorcerers, these were approximately humanoid and were built from masses of spider web. They typically had eight eyes about their head and poisonous spiders fangs.[16]

Appendix

Further Reading

Gallery

References

  1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 Skip Williams, Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook (July 2003). Monster Manual v.3.5. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 134–137. ISBN 0-7869-2893-X.
  2. ↑ Frank Mentzer (January 1985). “Ay pronunseeAYshun gyd”. In Kim Mohan ed. Dragon #93 (TSR, Inc.), p. 26.
  3. ↑ Sean K. Reynolds (2002-05-04). Deity Do's and Don'ts (Zipped PDF). Web Enhancement for Faiths and Pantheons. Wizards of the Coast. pp. 10–15. Archived from the original on 2016-11-01. Retrieved on 2018-09-08.
  4. ↑ Eric Cagle (December 2002). “The Dragon's Bestiary: Construct of Destruction”. In Jesse Decker ed. Dragon #302 (Paizo Publishing, LLC), pp. 57–59.
  5. ↑ Eric Cagle, Jesse Decker, James Jacobs, Erik Mona, Matthew Sernett, Chris Thomasson, and James Wyatt (April 2003). Fiend Folio. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 85–86. ISBN 0-7869-2780-1.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Ed Bonny, Jeff Grubb, Rich Redman, Skip Williams, and Steve Winter (September 2002). Monster Manual II 3rd edition. (TSR, Inc). ISBN 07-8692-873-5.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Greg Bilsland (September 2008). “The Dragon's Bestiary: Mindless Monstrosities”. In Chris Youngs ed. Dragon #367 (Wizards of the Coast), p. 43.
  8. ↑ Gwendolyn F.M. Kestrel (July 2006). Monster Manual IV. (Wizards of the Coast). ISBN 0-7869-3920-6.
  9. ↑ Eric Cagle (December 2002). “The Dragon's Bestiary: Construct of Destruction”. In Jesse Decker ed. Dragon #302 (Paizo Publishing, LLC), pp. 59–60.
  10. ↑ Eric Cagle (December 2002). “The Dragon's Bestiary: Construct of Destruction”. In Jesse Decker ed. Dragon #302 (Paizo Publishing, LLC), pp. 61–64.
  11. ↑ Greg Bilsland (September 2008). “The Dragon's Bestiary: Mindless Monstrosities”. In Chris Youngs ed. Dragon #367 (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 43–44.
  12. ↑ Eric Cagle (December 2002). “The Dragon's Bestiary: Construct of Destruction”. In Jesse Decker ed. Dragon #302 (Paizo Publishing, LLC), pp. 60–61.
  13. ↑ Ed Greenwood, Eric L. Boyd, Darrin Drader (July 2004). Serpent Kingdoms. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 81–83. ISBN 0-7869-3277-5.
  14. ↑ Template:Cite book/Monster Manual
  15. ↑ James Wyatt (September 2002). City of the Spider Queen. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 120. ISBN 0-7869-1212-X.
  16. ↑ Eric Cagle (December 2002). “The Dragon's Bestiary: Construct of Destruction”. In Jesse Decker ed. Dragon #302 (Paizo Publishing, LLC), p. 57.

Connections

Golems
Adamantine • Aphelda's vendor • Basal • Bone • Bronze • Burning man • Canopic • Chain • Clay (Clay warrior) • Coal
Crystal • Doll • Flesh (Blood • Brain • Demonflesh • Fiendish flesh • Nyraala) • Gemstone (Diamond • Emerald • Ruby) • Gloom
Hammer • Ice • Iron (Furnace) • Lightning • Magic • Minogon • Necrophidius • Rag & String • Sand • Scarecrow
Siege golem • Snow • Stained glass • Stone (Gargoyle • Spiderstone • Stone guardian • Stone juggernaut)
Thayan golem • Vault guardian
Related Creature
Half-golem
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