Constructs are a type of creature in Dungeons and Dragons that are made up of inorganic material, such as metal, stone, wood, or clay. They are usually created by intelligent tinkerers, talented magicians, and others with the know-how to forge such automatons. Constructs serve their masters with complete obedience, and often have special abilities or features that make them useful for various tasks or combat situations.
There are many different types of constructs in the world of D&D, each with their own origins, characteristics, and behaviors. Some of the most common subcategories of constructs are:
- Animated Objects: These are ordinary items or structures that have been given a semblance of life by magic or other means. They can range from tiny objects like books or candles, to large ones like statues or buildings. Some animated objects are loyal to their creators, while others act on their own accord.
- Automatons: These are constructs that resemble living creatures, such as humans, animals, or monsters. They are often powered by clockwork mechanisms, steam engines, or magical cores. Automatons can have varying degrees of intelligence and personality, depending on their design and purpose. Some examples of automatons are nimblewrights, iron cobras, and warforged.
- Clockworks: These are constructs that are made entirely of gears, springs, and other mechanical parts. They are usually driven by a winding key or a clockwork heart that needs to be periodically recharged. Clockworks are often used as toys, servants, or guardians by their makers. Some examples of clockworks are clockwork dragons, clockwork horrors, and clockwork hounds.
- Golems: These are constructs that are made of a single material, such as clay, flesh, iron, or stone. They are animated by powerful magic that binds an elemental spirit to their form. Golems are usually very strong and resilient, but also very slow and mindless. They follow the commands of their creators without question, unless they go berserk or develop a will of their own. Some examples of golems are clay golems, flesh golems, iron golems, and stone golems.
- Inevitables: These are constructs that originate from the plane of Mechanus, the realm of absolute law and order. They are agents of cosmic justice that seek out and punish those who violate the natural laws of the multiverse. Inevitables have a rigid and uncompromising sense of duty and morality, and will stop at nothing to fulfill their missions. Some examples of inevitables are maruts, kolyaruts, and zelekhuts.
- Modrons: These are constructs that also hail from Mechanus, but unlike the inevitables, they serve the will of Primus, the god-like ruler of the plane. Modrons are organized into a strict hierarchy of ranks and functions, from the simple monodrones to the complex pentadrones. Modrons are loyal and efficient workers that maintain the order and harmony of Mechanus, but they can also be sent to other planes for various purposes.
These are just some of the many types of constructs that exist in D&D. Each one has its own strengths and weaknesses, as well as its own role and story in the game world. By learning more about them, you can enrich your adventures and encounters with these fascinating creatures.