Dwarven Gate Guardian (CR 14)

This towering automaton made of bluish metal bears the likeness of an armored dwarven warrior. It moves with ponderous but inexorable steps that shake the ground. 

XP 38,400

N Large construct

Init +2; Senses darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision; Perception +0

DEFENSE

AC 31, touch 9, flat-footed 29 (+2 Dex, +20 natural, –1 size)

hp 140 (20d10+30)

Fort +6, Ref +7, Will +6

Defensive Abilities heavy fortification; DR 15/adamantine; Immune construct traits, magic

OFFENSE

Speed 20 ft.

Melee 2 slams +30 (2d10+16/19-20)

Space 10 ft.; Reach 10 ft.

Special Attacks powerful blow, slow

STATISTICS

Str 32, Dex 14, Con —, Int —, Wis 11, Cha 1

Base Atk +20; CMB +30; CMD 42

SQ Ring link

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Heavy Fortification (Ex) 

A dwarven gate guardian has a 75% chance to ignore additional damage caused by critical hits or sneak attacks.

Immunity to Magic (Ex) 

A dwarven gate guardian is immune to any spell or spell-like ability that allows spell resistance. In addition, certain spells and effects function differently against the creature, as noted below. 

• • A magical attack that deals electricity damage slows a dwarven gate guardian (as the slow spell) for 3 rounds, with no saving throw. 

  • A magical attack that deals fire damage breaks any slow effect on the dwarven gate guardian and heals 1 point of damage for each 3 points of damage the attack would otherwise deal. If the amount of healing would cause the golem to exceed its full normal hit points, it gains any excess as temporary hit points. A dwarven gate guardian gets no saving throw against fire effects. 

  • A dwarven gate guardian is affected normally by rust attacks, such as those of a rust monster or a rusting grasp spell. 

Powerful Blows (Ex) 

A dwarven gate guardian inflicts one and a half times its Strength modifier and threatens a critical hit on a 19–20 with its attacks. 

Ring Link (Su) 

A dwarven gate guardian is linked to a magic ring. The construct will never attack any creature that wears this ring, nor any creatures within 10 feet of the ring wearer, unless one of those creatures attacks the guardian first. 

See Invisibility (Ex) 

A dwarven gate guardian constantly sees invisible creatures and objects, as per the spell see invisibility.

Slow (Su) 

A dwarven gate guardian can use a slow effect, as the spell, as a free action once every 2 rounds. The effect has a range of 10 feet in a burst centered on the guardian and a duration of 7 rounds, requiring a DC 17 Will save to negate. The save DC is Constitution-based 

ECOLOGY

Environment any underground (usually dwarven strongholds)

Organization solitary or brigade (2–8)

Treasure none

Dwarven gate guardians are very similar to the iron golem. They are often used by dwarves to guard the entrances to their cities or strongholds. When a dwarven gate guardian is first constructed, the creator crafts a magical ring that offers himself (or anyone to whom he gives the ring, most often the dwarf in charge of the defense of the city or stronghold) protection from that guardian.

A dwarven gate guardian is 9 feet tall and weighs 5,000 pounds. It resembles a stocky dwarven-like humanoid formed of dwarven blue steel. While it may be sculpted to carry a metal shield or weapon, it is most often forged with a great axe in one hand and a massive hammer in the other. Regardless of these aesthetic choices do not affect its combat abilities.

Like most golems, a dwarven gate guardian cannot speak and makes no sound other than the grinding of metal against metal when it moves. Dwarven gate guardians are fierce combatants and attack with their powerful slams.

CONSTRUCTION

A dwarven gate guardian’s body is sculpted from 3,000 pounds of dwarven blue steel, smelted with rare tinctures costing at least 25,000 gp.

Dwarven Gate Guardian

CL 16th; Price 200,000 gp 

CONSTRUCTION

Requirements Craft Construct, animate object, antimagic field, geas/quest, haste, limited wish, polymorph any object, see invisibility, shield of faith (for the magical ring), symbol of stunning, creator must be caster level 16th; Skill Craft (armor) or Craft (weapons) DC 23, Craft (jewelry) DC 23 for the ring; Cost 100,000 gp