Caryatid Column (3pp)

An exquisitely sculpted and chiseled statue of a beautiful female warrior adorns the area, longsword in her hand.

Caryatid Column CR 3

XP 800
N Medium construct
Init –1; Senses darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision; Perception +0

DEFENSE

AC 14, touch 9, flat-footed 14 (–1 Dex, +5 natural)
hp 42 (4d10+20)
Fort +1; Ref –1; Will +0
Defensive Abilities shatter weapons; DR 5/—; Immune construct traits, magic

OFFENSE

Speed 20 ft.
Melee type +6 (1d8+2)

STATISTICS

Str 14, Dex 9, Con —, Int —, Wis 11, Cha 1
Base Atk +4; CMB +6; CMD 15

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Immunity to Magic (Ex)

A caryatid column 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 transmute rock to mud spell deals 1d6 points of damage per caster level to a caryatid column, with no saving throw, while transmute mud to rock heals all of its lost hit points.

A stone to flesh spell does not actually change the column’s structure but negates its damage reduction and immunity to magic for 1 full round.

Shatter Weapons (Ex)

Whenever a character strikes a caryatid column with a weapon (magical or non-magical), the weapon must succeed on a DC 14 Fortitude save or shatter into pieces. A magic weapon uses its own save bonus or that of the wielder, whichever is higher. If the weapon breaks, the caryatid column takes no damage from the attack. The save DC is Constitution-based and includes a +2 racial bonus.

Construction

A caryatid column’s body is chiseled from a single block of hard stone, such as granite, weighing at least 1,500 pounds. The stone must be of exceptional quality, and costs 2,000 gp.

Caryatid Column

CL 12th; Price 17,000 gp

Requirements Craft Construct, lesser geas, limited wish, polymorph any object, shatter; Special creator must be caster level 12th; Skill Craft (sculptures) or Craft (stonemasonry) DC 15; Cost 9,500 gp

ECOLOGY

Environment any
Organization solitary, pair, or troupe (6–11)
Treasure none

A caryatid column is akin to the stone golem in that it is a magical construct created by a spellcaster. Caryatid columns are always created for a specific defensive function. The caryatid column stands 7 feet tall and weighs around 1,500 pounds. The column always wields a weapon (usually a longsword) in its left hand. The weapon itself is constructed of steel, but is melded with the column and made of stone until the column animates. When melded, the sword is likely to be overlooked (DC 20 Perception check to see it).

Caryatid columns are programmed as guardians and activate when certain conditions or stipulations are met or broken (such as a living creature enters a chamber guarded by a caryatid column). A caryatid column attacks its opponents with its longsword. It does not move more than 50 feet from the area it is guarding or protecting.

Section 15: Copyright Notice

Caryatid Column from the Tome of Horrors Complete, Copyright 2011, Necromancer Games, Inc., published and distributed by Frog God Games; Author Scott Greene, based on original material by Jean Wells.

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