Golems are one of the most fascinating and versatile creatures in the world of Dungeons & Dragons. They are artificial beings created by magic, usually from inanimate materials such as clay, stone, metal, or flesh. Golems are often used as servants, guardians, or weapons by their creators, who are usually powerful wizards or priests. Golems have no will of their own, and obey the commands of their creators without question. However, some golems may develop a semblance of intelligence or personality over time, and may even rebel against their masters.
Golems come in many shapes and sizes, and each type of golem has its own unique abilities and weaknesses. Some of the most common types of golems are flesh golems, clay golems, stone golems, and iron golems. In this blog page, we will explore the origins, characteristics, and lore of these magical constructs in D&D. We will also provide some tips and tricks on how to use them effectively in your adventures, whether as allies or enemies. So, if you are interested in learning more about these amazing creatures, read on!
BASIC THEORIES BEHIND GOLEM CREATION
Golems are artificial beings created by magic, usually from inanimate materials such as clay, stone, metal, or flesh. The exceptions, such as the flesh golem, use organic materials as components. Golems are often used as servants, guardians, or weapons by their creators, who are usually powerful wizards or priests.
The animating force of the golem is an elemental spirit from the elemental plane of Earth. The process of creating the golem binds the unwilling spirit to the artificial body, and enslaves it to the will of the golem’s creator. The spirit is not a natural part of the body, and is not affected by most spells or even by most weapons (see individual descriptions). The nature of this spirit is unknown, and has so far eluded the grasp of all researchers. What is known is that it is hostile to all Prime Material plane life forms, especially toward the spell caster that bound it to the golem.
There are different theories and methods on how to create a golem, depending on the source and tradition. Some of the possible theories are:
- The Arcane Theory: This theory is based on the principles of arcane magic, a form of magic that manipulates the fundamental forces of reality. Arcane magic is usually practiced by wizards, sorcerers, and other spellcasters who use their knowledge and talent to cast spells and create magical effects. According to this theory, one can create a golem by using a special ritual that involves drawing complex symbols and formulas on the material of the golem, and infusing it with magical energy. The symbols and formulas are usually based on the language of magic, which can vary depending on the tradition and school of the spellcaster.
- The Divine Theory: This theory is based on the principles of divine magic, a form of magic that draws power from the gods or other sources of faith. Divine magic is usually practiced by clerics, paladins, and other holy warriors who use their devotion and conviction to channel the blessings and miracles of their deities. According to this theory, one can create a golem by using a special ritual that involves praying and offering sacrifices to their god or patron, and asking for their favor and guidance. The ritual may also require some holy symbols or relics that represent the god or patron.
- The Elemental Theory: This theory is based on the principles of elemental magic, a form of magic that harnesses the power of the four classical elements: fire, water, air, and earth. Elemental magic is usually practiced by druids, shamans, and other nature worshippers who use their connection and harmony with nature to summon and control elemental forces and creatures. According to this theory, one can create a golem by using a special ritual that involves attuning and binding an elemental spirit to the material of the golem, and giving it a purpose and command. The elemental spirit may be friendly or hostile, depending on the alignment and attitude of the spellcaster and the golem.
Carving or assembling the golem’s physical body is an exacting task. Most spell casters end up hiring skilled labor to do it for them, such as a stone mason or dwarf for stone golems, etc. If the maker has no experience working in that material, the construction time is doubled.
The standard spells for creating golems specify the size of the creature. Anything bigger or smaller will not work, although some have investigated spells for other sizes of golems, with limited success.
Golems come in many shapes and sizes, and each type of golem has its own unique abilities and weaknesses. Some of the most common types of golems are flesh golems, clay golems, stone golems, and iron golems.