Golems

While the default material for Golems is (presumably) clay, there is a an interesting opportunity to make animated servant-warriors from a variety of other materials. Using other materials changes the base cost of 250 Energy, but never reduces it below 130 Energy. As per usual, golems are animated via the Golem spell.
== Fanon: Golem Vitals ==
Some golems have vitals in the form of runes, glyphs, or other symbols of magical power. For servitors, these are usually easy to spot, but golems meant for combat are often covered in "decoy" runes.Perhaps golems are supernaturally unable to wear armor or cover up their runes.
=== Spot the Difference ===
A knowledgeable Delver might know which rune is the real one by using Thaumatology or Symbol Drawing. In combat--especially in the dark, or with complex magic symbols--a Delver might need to get close to see the fine details.Range can vary depending on the size and complexity, but Range 1 or 2 could work well.
Telescopic Vision, or its spell counterpart, Hawk Vision could change this from Range 1 to 2 or more?
=== Melee Options ===
Fast delvers can Rapid Strike with Defensive(?) Attack, prodding different marks to see which causes the golem to "flinch" or flicker.
==== Golem Resonance ====
Strong delvers could hit the golem and see which side "feels" more magically resistant—it's not enough to count as additional DR, but there should be a different texture the closer the hit is to the "golem core". This would be a Perception check... maybe cutting weapons can get stuck in a golem, counting as a ST check (like Cotton Stomach!)
Knowledge of your foe's material improves this "Vitals detection check"—Prospecting for stone, Armoury for metals and leathers, Survival (any type) for woods, clays, and fleshy bits. Feel free to get creative with this rule—common materials should be more familiar, and weird rare ones should be trickier!
== Creating a Golem ==
=== Calculation Process Used ===
Golems in italic only appear in Classic: Magic Items 3 and have had their energy costs adjusted per the Golem spell's suggestion of every character point change from the clay golem results in a change of 2 energy points as several of them were below the 130 energy minimum.
To make things easier for GMs in dealing with Quadruped Golems a Base Golem that needs exactly 130 energy to make is provided. That base line is used to recalculate the energy costs of the Appendix Z article as the energy costs for both the standard and Quadruped golems are wrong, even using the authors base values and Quadruped [-35] points rather then the Author's homebrew Quadruped [-40] doesn't get to correct Q Energy values. Ironically the Quadruped [-35] results in totals closer to the authors Q Energy values (512 vs 518 for the Adamant.
Since classic Golems at best had only 'One weapon skill (maker’s choice) of (skill level)' and the Clay golem used weapons at default the skill points adjustments are figured from a DX/Hard weapon at the relevant level. The Stone Golem appeared without an energy cost in Dungeon Fantasy 2: Dungeons; it used the HP 30 (HP+10) that appeared in Magic Items 3.
Q Adj's formula is negative ST+DX cost (-40%)+35+skill point difference. So the Q Adj for the Clay Golem is (50+20)*-0.4-35 or [-63]. This results in -126 making a Quadruped Clay Golem's energy 124 which is below the 130 minimum. So a Quadruped Clay Golem costs 130 energy
=== Another Method ===
Another method is to build the Golem as a character/vehicle using points with the (number of character points x 2) adjusting the 250 base with the energy needed to enchant never going below 130. So a Fixed-Wing Aircraft [-8] version of a clay golem would require only 234 energy (250-8*2) while a Hovercraft [+24] clay golem would cost 298 energy (250+24*2). 
If the golem must have an operator than replace IQ-2 [-40]; Automaton [-85]; Cannot Learn [-30]; Disturbing Voice [-10]; and Reprogrammable [-10] (total [-175]); with IQ 0 [-200]; Compartmentalized Mind 1 (Controls) [25] (total [-175]) for [0]
==The Golem Table==
This table combines the information in Classic: Magic Items 3pg 58 and "Appendix Z: Golem Construction System for GURPS". Sadly the Energy totals in the Appendix article are wrong so it had to be recalculated using the method described above. Also every golem in Classic: Magic Items 3 has split HT many with HP different from their ST. However, the Clay Golem in 4e magic didn't have an adjustment to its HP as did its Classic counterpart; add another 20 energy to both totals if you want to model that golem in 4e.
Golems in bold appear in both sources; those in bold italics have different HT attributes between the two sources; the table uses the HT stat that appears in Appendix Z unless the one in Magic Items 3 is higher.
===Table Key===
*Q Energy: the energy cost to make a quadruped form of the golem.
*NA: Not Applicable
*NG: Not Given
*Type: Silver = Metal; Wheat = Earth; Pink = Body; Yellow = Plastic; Green = Plant
=== Low-Tech / Standard Golems ===
Material 	Lbs.	ST 	DX 	IQ 	HT 	HP	DR 	SkillPoints	BuildingTime	Points Adj
Energy	Q AdjEnergy 	$ Cost
A Base Golem 	NA 	10 	10 	8 	15 	10	0 	10 	NA 	130 	[0]
130 	NA
Adamant 	500 	35[250]	12[40]	9[20]	15 	35	12[60]	14[4] 	NG 	878
[+274]	(-302)
[-151]576	NG
Brick 	400 	15
[50]	10 	8 	15 	15	2
[10]	10 	 	250
[+80]	(-110)
[-55]140	
Bronze 	1800	25
[150]	13
[100]	9[20]	16
[10]	30
[10]	6
[30]	10 	5 Weeks 	690
[+280]	(-238)
[-119]452	$30,000
Chalk 	500 	14
[40]	10 	8 	14 	14	0 	10 	 	190
[+30]	(-102)[-51]130 	
Clay 	200 	15
[50]	11
[20]	8 	14
[-10]	15	0 	10 	1 Week 	250
[+60]	(-126)
[-63]130	$9,020
Concrete 	500 	17
[70]	11
[20]	8 	14
[-10]	17	1
[5] 	10 	1 Week 	300
[+85]	(-142)
[-71]158	$13,750
Copper 	1800	19
[90]	12
[40]	9[20]	14[-10]	19	5[25] 	10 	 	460
[+165]	(-174)
[-87]286	
Corpse(see 4e Rules note)	N/G 	15[50] 	12[40]	8 	12[-30]	20
[+20]	2[8] 	4
[-6] 	N/G 	300 	(-154)[-77]146 	
Cotton 	250 	12
[20]	11
[20]	8 	13
[-20]	12	0 	10 	 	170
[+20]	(-102)[-51]130 	
Crystal(Alchemy) 	 	20
[100]	15
[100]	9
[20]	13
[-20]	20	2
[10]	18
[8] 	6 Weeks 	566
[+218]	(-230)
[-115]336	$40,000
$3,000 of salt/crystals
Diamond 	700 	20
[100]	16
[120]	9
[20]	15 	20	2
[10]	14
[4] 	 	638
[+254]	(-246)
[-123]382	
Flesh 	200 	18
[80]	12
[40]	8 	14
[-10]	20
[4]	0 	10 	2 weeks 	358
[+114]	(-166)
[-83]188	$15,000
Glass 	500 	15
[50]	15
[100]	9
[20]	14
[-10]	15	2
[10]	10 	 	470
[+170]	280
(-190)
[-95]	
Gold 	4000	20
[100]	13
[60]	9
[10]	14
[-10]	20	4
[20]	10 	4 weeks 	510
[+190]	(-198)
[-99]312	$21,250
Granite 	500 	20
[100]	11
[20]	8 	15 	20	4
[20]	10 	 	410
[+140]	(-166)
[-83]244	
Ice 	200 	15
[50]	15
[100]	9
[20]	12
[-40]	15	1
[5] 	12[2] 	1 week 	404
[+137]	(-190)
[-95]214	$16,250
Iron 	1600	30
[200]	12
[40]	9
[20]	16
[10]	30	6
[30]	14
[4] 	5 weeks 	738
[+304]	(-216)[-131]476	$40,000
$1,000 of iron
Ivory 	400 	14 	12 	8 	13 	14	1 	10 	2 weeks 	260 	 	130
Lead 	2300	20 	11 	8 	14 	20	4 	10 	 	390 	 	214
Marble 	500 	20
[100]	11
[20]	8 	16
[10]	30
[20]	6
[30]	10 	4 weeks 	490
[+180]	(-166)
[-83]324	$25,000
Origami 	15
[50]	5
[-100]	14
[120]	8
[-70]	10
[-10]	5
[-25]	0 	10 	1 week 	160
[15] 	(-30)
[-15]130 	$556
Orichalcum 	1700	50 	12 	9 	15 	 	12 	14 	 	1178 	 	746
Paper 	250 	13 	11 	8 	14 	 	0 	10 	 	210 	 	130
Porcelain 	500 	9
[-20]	13
[120]	9
[20]	10
[-50]	13
[8]	0 	10 	3 weeks 	186
[28] 	(-55)
[-110]130	$1,970
Rag(Alchemy) 	80 	8
[-20]	14
[80]	8 	10
[-50]	11
[6]	0 	10 	 	162
[+16]	(-118[-59]130 	$556
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Salt 	420 	20 	15 	9 	14 	20	2 	10 	 	570 	330 	
Scarecrow 	 	7
[-30]	9
[-20]	8 	13
[-20]	8
[2]	0 	12
Wpn-8 [2]	1 week 	130
[-66]	(-110)
[-55]130	$150
Silver 	2000	20
[100]	14
[80]	9
[20]	14
[-10]	25
[10]	5
[25]	14
[4] 	4 weeks 	588
[+229]	(-214)[-107]374	$27,500
Stone 	200 	20[100]	11[20]	8 	14[-10]	30
[20]	4[20] 	14[4] 	3 weeks 	[+154]438	(-166)[-83]272 	$20,000
Tar 	250 	15[50] 	13[60]	8 	13[-20]	22
[14]	0 	10 	1 week 	[+94]304 	 	
$15,000 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Wax 	200 	10 	11
[20]	8 	14
[-20]	16
[12]	0 	10 	1 week 	154
[12] 	(-86)[-43]130 	$17,500
Wood 	200 	20[100]	12[40]	8 	14[-10]	20	5
[25]	10 	2 weeks 	440[155] 	(-182)[-91]258 	$17,500
Wool 	300 	16 	11 	8 	15 	 	0 	10 	 	290 	146 	
The Scarecrow Golem's materials consist of a set of clothes, a quantity of straw to stuff the clothes with, and a sack with a face drawn on it.
=== High-Tech Golems ===
These golems are made with materials that you probably wouldn't find in a Dungeon Fantasy setting!
==== Plastic Golems ====
Material 	Lbs.	ST 	DX	IQ 	HT	HP	DR	SkillPoints	BuildingTime	Points Adj
Energy	Q AdjEnergy 	$ Cost
A Base Golem 	NA 	10 	10	8 	15	10	0 	10 	NA 	130 	[0]
130 	NA
Bakelite 	300 	12
[20]	12
[40]	9[20]	13
[-20]	17
[10]	2
[10]	10 	1 Week 	290
[+80]	(-118)
[-59]172	$5,890
FPSFoamed Polystyrene 	10 	10 	13
[60]	8 	10	10	0 	10 	 	250
[60] 	130 	
Garbage(Plastic) 	100 	13
[30]	11
[20]	8 	11
[-40]	16
[6]	1
[5]	18
Wpn-12 [8]	1 week 	188 [+29]	130
[-66]
(-110)	$3,580
Plastic 	 	10 	13
[60]	6
[-40]	8
[-70]	15
[10]	1 	14
Wpn-13 [4]	1 week 	[-26]
130	[-59]
(-118)130	$15,000
$100 of plastic
PVCPolyvinyl Chloride. One of the more common plastics, used extensively in pipes, sidings for buildings, and signs. It's highly water-resistant.	250 	10 	13	8 	11	10	1 	10 	 	180 	130 	
Rubber 	200 	15[50]	15
[100]	8 	16
[10]	30
[30]	1
[10]	10 	3 weeks 	520
[+135]	(-95)[-190]330	$32,500
Silicone 	230 	14 	15	9 	15	14	1 	10 	 	460 	 	268
==== Advanced Metal Golems ====
Material 	Lbs.	ST	DX	IQ	HT	HP	DR	SkillPoints	BuildingTime	Points Adj
Energy	Q AdjEnergy 	$ Cost
Aluminum 	540 	20
[100]	14
[80]	8 	13
[-20]	20	6
[30]	10 	NG 	510 [+190]	(-214)
[-107]296	NG
MMCMetal Matrix Composite. A very high-performance, multi-layered material that uses a combination of metals and ceramics to achieve very high strength-to-weight ratios.	140 	50
[400]	12
[40]	9
[20]	15	40
[-20]	20
[100]	14
[4] 	6 weeks 	1218
[+544]	(-422)
[-211]796	$63,750
Steel 	1700	45
[350]	12
[40]	9
[20]	15	40
[-10]	8
[40]	14
[4] 	5 weeks 	1018
[444]	(-382)[-191]636	$50,000
Titanium 	900 	40
[300]	12
[40]	9
[20]	16
[10]	40	12	14 	NG 	998
[434] 	(-342)[-171]656	$60,000
$10,000 of titanium
Uranium 	3800	35	11	8 	16	35	12	10 	 	800 	504 	
==Different Sizes and Shapes==
===Classic Rules===
The Classic rules for building golems of different sizes and shapes were somewhat involved.
"Energy cost for larger golems increases in proportion to their volume and weight. Energy cost for smaller golems is 50% of that for full-sized golems, plus another 1% for each 2% of standard volume and weight." Golems can be made in animal shapes.
For High Tech Golems (TL6+), "Smaller golems can be created by using less energy and material. Energy cost, time to build the body, ST, hit points and DR are all multiplied by the golem's scale factor; e.g., by 1/2 for a 1/2-scale golem. The golem's weight and material cost scale with the cube of its scale; e.g., a 1/2-scale golem weighs 1/2 as much and requires 1/2 the materials. Round fractional statistics down. A golem needs at least ST 1 and 1 HP to function.GURPS Technomancer pg 19
===Examples===
* Mandrake: 6 inches high manikin formed from a whole mandrake root. Has ST 3, DX 4, HT 10/2, IQ 7. It has a speed of 5, no PD or DR and costs 100 energy.
* Undersea: 7’3” tall steel golem. Has ST 90, DX 12, HT 15, HP 80, IQ 9. It has a Speed of 6, PD 3, DR 13 and costs 1900 energy.
* Bronze Elephant: ST 2,000, DX 13, HT 15, HP 2,400, IQ 5. It has a Speed of 7, PD 3, DR 6 and costs 28,800 energy.
===4e Rules===
The Golem spell provides guidelines for the energy cost of more powerful golems with the baseline of an additional 2 energy for every extra character point of abilities added to the golem. So, for example, each additional 20 points of energy could give one ST+1, HP+5, or DR2. This rule can be reversed for less powerful golems (such as the watchmaker golems in Qabala's flavor textClassic: Steampunk pg 134 This makes it easy to figure out how to make Golem versions of nearly anything.
The Corpse Golem shows a different type of Golem in terms of Advantages and Disadvantage and how this rule can be applied to cost.
==Animation vs Golem==
While statues with Animation are more durable then Golems (being able to take more damage) they can only be controlled by the person who created them.
==Mechanical Golems==
The golem spell provides four components: articulation, animation (includes mechanical articulation), perception, and comprehension which can be replaced with their technological equivalents at TL1, TL3, TL5, and TL4 respectively.Classic: Magic Items 3 pg 64-65 This is a trade off of time for energy as it takes time and the relevant Engineer skill to add these improvements but it makes the Golem spell cheaper.
At a fundamental level this is -5% per TL so TL2 improvements are 90% of energy cost, TL5 is 75%, and TL9 is 55%.
==Golem, Attribute-less Meta-trait==
This is the clay golem from GURPS Magic stripped of its modifiers to Attributes.
Cost: -70 Points
Energy: 130 (minimum; by the math it would be 110)
Advantages 	Doesn’t Breathe [20]; Doesn't Eat or Drink [10]; Doesn't Sleep [20]; High Pain Threshold [10]; Immunity to Metabolic Hazards [30]; Injury Tolerance (Homogenous, No Blood) [45]; Single-Minded [5]; Unaging [15]; Unfazeable [15]; Vacuum Support [5]	[175]
Disadvantages	Automaton [-85]; Cannot Learn [-30]; Disturbing Voice [-10]; No Sense of Smell/Taste [-5]; Reprogrammable [-10]; Social Stigma (Valuable Property) [-10]; Unhealing (Total) [-30]; Unnatural [-50]; Wealth (Dead Broke) [-25] 	[-255]
Features 	Neither has nor spends Fatigue Points 	[0]
Skills 	10 points of skills appropriate to the golem’s intended function 	[10]
==Golem-Armor Swordsman (Quick and Dirty)==
This is a special Flesh Golem (it uses the body of a former swordsman) whose armor turns into an "armor golem" when the Flesh Golem is killed. It is stated that the armor is augmenting strength but it only has a ST 13 which is well below the Classic Flesh Golem of ST 18. A better version is to have the Golem have the ST of a Golem be the material the armor is made from and use that if it is higher then ST 18.
A quick and dirty way to calculate this golem via the table is to have the Golem Spell cost twice but with the exception of ST and DR all the stats of the material the armor is are the same as the Flesh Golem. Since both golems have the Berserk (12) [-10] disadvantage the Flesh Golem is only 320 Energy.
So a Golem-Armor Swordsman in bronze armor would be ST 25 or ST+7 [70], DR+6 [50], and Berserk (12) [-10] for 110 points which is 220 energy. So the "armor golem" is 540 and the Bronze Golem-Armor Swordsman 860 Energy to make.
==Go-limbs==
Go-limbs are golem based magical prosthetics that are created via variants of the Golem and Restoration spells. As presented in Classic: Magic Items 2, they are far more expensive in terms of money and time then a full human sized golem (For example, an arm alone costs $195,000, takes 6 months to make, and the spells cost another $240,000). This practically restricts go-limbs to settings where magical healing is difficult to obtain, absurdly expensive, or both, or that the recipient’s flesh was too badly damaged to regenerate.
Outside things like eyes and ears with full abilities, there are some logic issues with this. For example, it would be more effective in time and cost to create a hollow golem and have it function like an exoskeleton. Furthermore, Go-Limbs is a pun, sounding like "golems" itself.
== Notes ==
==References==
* GURPS Magic
Category:Bestiaries
Category:Magic Items