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Methods for Creating Mystaran Constructs

by Håvard

I have compiled a list of Mystaran constructs, but before I post that I would like us to take a look at various magical traditions and methods for creating Constructs on Mystara.

The Process

The Companion Set DM's Booklet (p21) and the Rules Cyclopedia (p 253) gives us the basic rules for how Constructs can be created. The process will vary depending on traditions (see below), but will often feature the use of a special book regarding that type of Construct (Book of Gargoyle creation is mentioned). Although it is nots specified in the rules, I assume that this book is consumed in the process, possibly because the book is used to channel life force into the creation. The requirment fo the special book is not mentioned in the RC, but I assume this is an omission. The RC is much more specific on which spells are needed to be used though.

Traditions

Various traditions of Construct Creation exist around Mystara. While it would be a massive undertaking to list all of them, there are a few traditions that I would like to explore further:

Types of Constructs

I am dividing the Constructs into two types:

MAGIC-USERS AND ALCHEMISTS

This is perhaps the most common tradition of creating constructs on Mystara. While Magic-User can fall into many different groups of practitioners of arcane magic themselves, their methods of creating constructs are usually the same for most parts of Mystara. Magic-Users can create most types of constructs and typically use the processes described in the Rules Cyclopedia.

There are two types of Alchemy practised on Mystara. I like to refer to them as High Alchemy and Low Alchemy. Low Alchemy is accessed through the Alchemy general Skill and typically deals with brewing and identifying potions and general knowledge of various minerals of magical properties. High Alchemy is that is known the practitioners of the Secret Craft of Alchemy in Glantri. At the higher circles, these Alchemists are able to transfer life force into created magical items. This method is often used for creating constructs. It has been speculated that this method was used for creating the Bronze Giant Golem of Alexander Glantri which is hidden deep below the City of Glantri itself (See WotI for details).

DRUIDS, SHAMANS AND CLERICS

Divine Spellcasters can pray to their Immortals and create constructs through complex rituals performed in their temples and stone circles. Visually these constructs often have a slightly different appearance, often decorated with the symbols of the relevant immortal and sometimes give off a divine glow.

Druids and Shamans will only work with materials they are comfortable with such as wood, bone, crystal, amber, jade, rock, mud or clay.

The Naaruk and Temple Critters of the Savage Coast are often created by Clerics. It is also theorized that the Juggernauts of Hule are created through rituals dedicated to those dark Immortals worshipped there. Aeldar Golems are unique Golems created by Ee'ar Clerics.

Clerics of Evil or Entropic Immortals often prefer Undead servants rather than Constructs, but some of those Immortals teach their Clerics to create various constructs. These often have a sinister appearance.

BLACKMOOR AND GALACTIC TECHNOLOGY

Constructs of these categories are rarely created on Mystara today, but many exist left behind by various civilizations. These include Robots, Automatons, Meks etc. They are found in various states and conditions. Some have been dormant for centuries before being awakened by unsuspecting adventurers. Others have all but broken down, but are brought back to functional state by wizards, Gnomes, dwarves or others. Their creators include the Blackmoor Civilization, the Galactic Federation, the race that created Meks, Blacklore Elves of the Hollow World and others.

GNOMES AND DWARVES

These races have shown a strong affinity for various types of technology and methods of creating constructs. Gnomes are innately curious and love tinkering with all mechanical devices. This has lead them to develop fantasy physics which allows them to create a range of constructs. They have also been known to make use of recovered Galactic or Blackmoor Technology (see above) and repurpose these devices into creations of their own. The most impressive constructs made by Gnomes of Mystara are the colossal Earthsakers. Gnomes prefer making constructs of metal, bolts and electricity.

Dwarves often work with Gnomes, but prefer more heavy machinery as opposed to the more minute devices that Gnomes tinker with. Dwarves also make use of Clerical methods to create Constructs and love working with rock, stone and crystal as well as metals. The Dwarven Forges of Power might also be used in these creation processes.

CLOCKWORK

Clockwork technology involves devices consisting of a series of interconnected gears often connected to a wind up mechanism. This type of technology was known to the men of Blackmoor. Rare examples of such technology has appeared throughout Mystara's history and was apparently known to the Milenians (although rare) and other cultures. Gnomes are also experts with this type of technology as are the men of the Savage Baronies.

Many kinds of Clockwork constructs exist including Clockwork Swordsmen, Clockwork horses and other animals. See this thread for more details on the Clockwork technology of the Savage Baronies.

CONSTRUCT TYPES: GOLEMS & LIVING STATUES

Golem, Aeldar (SCMCA)
Golem, Amber
Golem, Bamboo (Rage of Rakasta)
Golem, Bone
Golem, Bronze
Golem, Bronze Giant (WotI Book 2 p 64)
Golem, Colossus (X2 p 21)
Golem, Denwarf (Gaz10)
Golem, Drolem
Golem, Ganetra (HWA3)
Golem, Glassine Horror (SCMCA)
Golem, Mud
Golem, Obsidian
Golem, Red (SCMCA)
Golem, Rock (AC9)
Golem, Silver (AC9)
Golem, Wood
Guardian Warrior & Horse (AC9)
Living Statue, Crystal
Living Statue, Iron
Living Statue, Jade (AC9)
Living Statue, Rock
Living Statue, Rock/Ooze (AC9)
Living Statue, Silver (AC9)
Living Statue, Steel (AC9)
Silver Warrior (Faedorne Construct, AC9)
Winged Warrior (AC9)

CONSTRUCT TYPES: OTHER

Automaton, Blacklore (HW)
Beholder, Undead
Clockwork Automaton (SCMCA) – See swordsman
Clockwork Horse (SCMCA) – See swordsman
Clockwork Swordsman (SCMCA)
Cyborg, Blackmoor
Dusker (M5)
Earthshaker
Gargoyle
Gargoyle, Iron (AC9)
Huptzeen (AC9)
Juggernaut, Hulean (SCMCA)
Juggernaut, Stone (AC9)
Juggernaut, Wood (AC9)
Magen, Caldron (AC9)
Magen, Demos (AC9)
Magen, Galvan (AC9)
Magen, Hypnos (AC9)
Mek
Naaruk (SCMCA)
Robot, Blackmoor
Temple Critter (SCMCA)