Robot, Gladiator

One of this metallic humanoid’s four arms ends in the barrel of a large-bore rifle, while another ends in a spinning circular blade. Its final two arms grasp a massive chainsaw.

Gladiator Robot CR 17

XP 102,400
N Medium construct (robot)
Init +5; Senses blindsight 60 ft., darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision, superior optics; Perception +2

DEFENSE

AC 33, touch 15, flat-footed 28 (+5 Dex, +18 natural)
hp 161 (22d10+40)
Fort +14, Ref +17, Will +14
Defensive Abilities adaptive defense programming, dense structure, hardness 15, resilient; Immune construct traits; Resist electricity 30, fire 30
Weaknesses overclocked targeting, vulnerable to critical hits, vulnerable to electricity

OFFENSE

Speed 60 ft.
Melee adamantine chainsaw +29 (4d12+7/18–20), adamantine buzz saw +29 (2d12+7)
Ranged hypersonic rifle +27 (2d12/×3 plus stunned)
Special Attacks boosted charge, combined arms

STATISTICS

Str 25, Dex 20, Con —, Int 14, Wis 15, Cha 17
Base Atk +22; CMB +29; CMD 44
Feats Cleave, Combat Reflexes, Great Fortitude, Following Step, Lunge, Point-Blank Shot, Power Attack, Precise Shot, Step Up, Step Up and Strike, Vital Strike
Skills Acrobatics +27 (+39 when jumping), Intimidate +25, Perform (oratory) +25, Sense Motive +24; Racial Modifiers +12 Acrobatics when jumping
Languages Common, 2 additional
SQ flexible programming, integrated weaponry, programmed to entertain, work the crowd

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Adaptive Defensive Programming (Ex)

Three times per day as an immediate action, a gladiator robot can change one of its resistances to any other energy type for 1 minute.

Boosted Charge (Ex)

Twice per day, a gladiator robot can make a full-attack action at the end of a charge instead of a single attack.

Dense Structure (Ex)

A gladiator robot gains bonus hit points as if it were a construct two sizes larger.

Flexible Programming (Ex)

Ten times per day as an immediate action, a gladiator robot can gain the benefit of any feat for which it qualifies but does not have. Each feat remains in effect for 1 minute. In addition, it counts its racial Hit Dice as fighter levels for the purpose of qualifying for feats. If it has levels in fighter, these Hit Dice stack with these levels.

Integrated Weaponry (Ex)

A gladiator robot’s arms have integrated weaponry. These weapons cannot be disarmed, removed, or sundered. A gladiator robot’s programming allows it to wield these weapons as if it were proficient in their use.

Adamantine Chainsaw (Ex)

Two of a gladiator robot’s arms link into a motor-driven chainsaw with adamantine cutters and chain.

Adamantine Buzz Saw (Ex)

One of a gladiator robot’s arms ends in a spinning blade.

Hypersonic Rifle (Ex)

One of a gladiator robot’s arms ends in a powerful rifle that fires metal slugs at hypersonic velocities. This weapon has a range of 150 feet and deals 2d12 points of damage. A creature struck must succeed at a DC 30 Fortitude save or become stunned for 1 round. The save DC is Strength-based.

Overclocked Targeting (Ex)

Gladiator robots operate beyond the limits of stability and safety. A gladiator robot that suffers a critical hit does not become staggered or stunned as is normal for a robot, but it loses the ability to distinguish friend from foe. Upon taking a critical hit, the gladiator robot must attempt a DC 20 Fortitude save. On a success, for the following round it attacks a randomly determined target within 60 feet. On a failed save, it attacks random targets for the following 1d4+1 rounds.

Programmed to Entertain (Ex)

A gladiator robot gains Intimidate and Perform (gladiator) as class skills and gains a +2 bonus on performance combat checks.

Resilient (Ex)

Gladiator robots receive a +5 racial bonus on all saving throws.

Superior Optics (Ex)

Gladiator robots see invisible creatures or objects as if they were visible.

Work the Crowd (Ex)

Gladiator robots are programmed to reward themselves for victory and showiness. As a swift action after reducing a foe to 0 hit points or otherwise incapacitating it, a gladiator robot can attempt a DC 20 Perform (gladiator) check. If it succeeds, the gladiator robot recovers 4d10 hit points, up to its maximum hit points.

This ability functions only if the incapacitating action is observed by a crowd and must be performed on the same round as felling a foe or the round immediately after.

ECOLOGY

Environment any
Organization solitary, pair, or squad (3–6)
Treasure none

Adaptable in combat and programmed to entertain, gladiator robots are designed to provide a vicarious experience to sate spectators’ primal bloodlust. They fight with a passion that makes many observers forget they are watching a machine instead of a living being. Constructed to move with grace and swagger both in and out of battle, they are agile and incredibly strong for their size.

Gladiator robots stand 6 feet tall but are constructed of dense metals and weigh 450 pounds.

The inherent danger of spectating a gladiatorial contest starring a gladiator robot draws crowds from far and wide, although it necessitates either large, open arenas or protective structures like walls and raised seats to keep the crowd safe. Many cities that normally allow gladiatorial combat have banned competition involving these robots after incidents of audience members being targeted following a lucky hit against the robot.

While most robots behave in a logical and emotionless way, gladiator robots are gregarious, outgoing, and attention-seeking. Their voices are loud, upbeat, and cheerful, and they endlessly narrate their own actions in battle while providing commentary on their opponents and their actions. This attitude and presence stands in sharp contrast to their menacing, heavily-armored chassis and powerful weapons; these disparate elements make for a combination their opponents find unnerving.

Spectators, however, love the bluster and braggadocio of a gladiator robot, often waiting after a match in hopes of meeting it.

They then sell these rags to wealthy nobles for a few gold pieces each.

Since their programming has been pushed to the limits of their capacity, gladiator robots are prone to develop quirks and bugs in their behavior. Despite frequently being sent back to technicians for repair, gladiator robots often develop personality traits that begin to blur the line between machines and living creatures. While most of these quirks tend to emulate personalities that are brash and energetic, some gladiator robots become enamored of death. These robots are likely the source of rumors about out-of-control “kill bots” that view killing as pleasure.

Stories of gladiator robots leaving the service of their masters and taking up free lives on their own may be nothing more than propaganda, but such tales are appealing enough that several have spread throughout the world. One famous tale is told by knights who watched a “man of metal” walk directly into hordes of demons, shouting challenges the entire way. Whether the robot survived— or the story is true—is unclear.

Repair drones are robots programmed to repair machinery and other robots. They are often found in the employ of inventors or machinists, where their skills are put to good use not only for repair but also in optimizing mechanical designs.

Section 15: Copyright Notice

Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Construct Handbook © 2018, Paizo Inc.; Authors: Brian Duckwitz, Andrew Hoskins, Nathan King, Kris Leonard, Luis Loza, Adrian Ng, Tom Phillips, Alex Riggs, and Nicholas Wasko.

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