Caryatid Column

With its feet planted firmly together, this marble statue of a female warrior rises up to support the ceiling. In its slender hands it holds the pommel of a stone sword, the point resting lightly between its feet.

Defense

Offense

Statistics

Ecology

Description

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. Transmute mud to rock, on the other hand, heals any 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 nonmagical), the weapon takes 3d6 points of damage. Apply the weapon’s hardness normally. Weapons that take any amount of damage in excess of their hardness gain the broken quality.

Statue (Ex) A caryatid column can stand perfectly still, emulating a statue (usually one that is holding up the ceiling, like a carved column). An observer must succeed on a DC 20 Perception check to notice the caryatid column is alive.

Caryatid columns are the lesser cousins of true golems, created by spellcasters to guard objects or areas. Unlike true golems, caryatid columns cannot be made into shield guardians, but are often used in greater numbers due to their inexpensive creation cost. Each caryatid column is programmed to guard an object or area when created, and once set this command cannot be changed. They are often given specific parameters concerning whom to ignore and whom to attack, but since they have no special form of detection, such restrictions can be overcome with disguises if the parameters are known.

A caryatid column stands 7 feet tall and weighs 1,500 pounds. They are always equipped with a masterwork weapon that appears to be made out of stone as long as the caryatid column remains in statue form. The weapon can be recovered after a caryatid column has been defeated. Construction A caryatid column’s body is carved from a single 2,000-pound block of stone, such as granite or marble. The stone must be of exceptional quality, and costs 2,000 gp. Assembling the body requires a DC 15 Craft (sculpting) check or a DC 15 Craft (stonemasonry) check.

CL 9th; Craft Construct, polymorph, lesser geas, shatter, caster must be at least 9th level; Price 12,000 gp; Cost 7,000 gp.

Caryatid Column

Source: Bonus Bestiary