Medium construct (clockwork), unaligned
Armor Class 16 (natural armor)
Hit Points 58 (9d8 + 18)
Speed 30 ft.
Proficiency Bonus +3
Proficiency Bonus +4 (5th Edition Advanced Mode)
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 (+1) | 18 (+4) | 15 (+2) | 3 (-4) | 10 (+0) | 1 (-5) |
Damage Immunities poison; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks that aren’t adamantine
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10
Languages understands one language of its creator but can’t speak
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
Magic Resistance. The oaken bolter has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
ACTIONS
- Multiattack. The oaken bolter makes two lancing bolt attacks or one lancing bolt attack and one harpoon attack.
- Lancing Bolt. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 100/400 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d10 + 4) piercing damage.
- Harpoon. Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, range 50/200 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d10 + 4) piercing damage, and the target is grappled (escape DC 12). While grappled in this way, a creature’s speed isn’t reduced, but it can move only in directions that bring it closer to the oaken bolter. A creature takes 5 (1d10) slashing damage if it escapes from the grapple or if it tries and fails. As a bonus action, the oaken bolter can pull a creature grappled by it 20 feet closer. The oaken bolter can grapple only one creature at a time.
- Explosive Bolt (Recharge 5-6). The oaken bolter launches an explosive charge at a point within 120 feet. Each creature within 20 feet of that point must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw, taking 17 (5d6) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
5th Edition Advanced Mode
Limiting the power of a character and making the overall difficulty of the game harder, does not reduce the creativity, indeed it does quite the opposite.
The Game Master has the option to use any and all of the instances proposed in this guide, or just some of them according to their preference.
It is the lack of something that move and motivate characters, not the abundance of it
DESCRIPTION
An oaken bolter is a construct that resembles a large wooden crossbow mounted on a wheeled platform. It is designed to fire powerful bolts that can pierce through armor, flesh, and even stone. Some oaken bolters are also equipped with harpoons that can grapple and drag enemies closer, or explosive charges that can detonate at a distance. Oaken bolters are usually created by artificers, wizards, or other inventors who need a reliable and deadly weapon for defense or offense. Oaken bolters are often used in conjunction with other clockwork constructs, such as bronze scouts, iron cobras, or stone defenders.
COMBAT
An oaken bolter is a formidable opponent in combat, as it can strike from long range with great accuracy and force. It can fire two lancing bolts per round, or one lancing bolt and one harpoon or explosive bolt. A lancing bolt can inflict severe damage on a single target, while a harpoon can grapple and pull a creature closer to the oaken bolter or its allies. An explosive bolt can create a blast radius that damages multiple enemies within 20 meters. An oaken bolter is immune to poison and nonmagical physical damage, and has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects. However, it is vulnerable to fire damage, which can ignite its wooden frame and cause it to malfunction.
HABITAT / SOCIETY
An oaken bolter does not have a natural habitat or society, as it is an artificial construct that serves its creator’s purpose. Oaken bolters are usually found in places where their creators need protection or firepower, such as fortresses, laboratories, battlefields, or dungeons. Oaken bolters are loyal to their creators and will follow their commands without question. They can understand one language of their creators, but cannot speak. They do not have emotions or personalities, but they can exhibit some degree of intelligence and tactics in combat.
ECOLOGY
An oaken bolter does not have a biological ecology, as it is an artificial construct that does not need to eat, breathe, or sleep. Oaken bolter’s only need is maintenance, which requires regular oiling, cleaning, and repairing of its parts. An oaken bolter’s lifespan depends on how well it is cared for and how often it is used in combat. An oaken bolter does not reproduce naturally, but it can be replicated by its creator or by other skilled craftsmen who have access to its blueprint and materials.