Homebrew Earth Golem Species Details

“Y-You’re one of them aren’t you?” The little blonde looked up at the hulking creature. It was not made of flesh of any kind, but its glittering stone eyes gave the spark of knowledge and life. It was somehow clunky in movement and simultaneously fluid as it moved in a way that implied that it was elated to be recognized, excited even.

The child couldn’t explain why or how she could feel the happiness coming from it... she couldn’t help the instinct to shy away.  Creatures this large typically weren’t very friendly in this part of the forest.

“C-Can you talk?” She asked slowly approaching, defensive. It shook its head, shoulders sagging, clearly sad, “That’s okay... I’m sure the town would be happy to see you - we might even need a bit of help! Would you come?” Slowly the being extended its hand, letting the child lead the way. Gingerly, she touched a finger, little hand not at all wrapping around even the smallest digit.

“I’ve never touched a golem before... you’re so smooth!” If they could’ve smiled at each other, they would’ve for now the golem was perfectly content to let the little child lead the way. Onward, to new purpose.

— Lydarus Merrigan, The Returned

 

From either the skills, or perhaps accidents of magic users powerful and not, came the spark of seemingly forbidden life, taking a hulking and massive (usually humanoid) form as the fleshless beings known as golems. Originally crafted with the intent to serve a master, they do their best to carry out functions set to them until they are released/destroyed, fearing neither and happy to enjoy any amount of life. When created by accident, they make their own purpose, never confining themselves to one specific trait, not when they’ve received the gift of life like everyone else. Unlike what is spoken of them, they take no solace or comfort in destroying, only building, and surprisingly simple goals.

Blood from a Stone

Most Golems are of incredible size rivaling the stature of goliaths with an average 7 foot tall height, no one golem looks the same, made of hundreds of different materials that are usually organic. The main components of a golem are at least 1 arm and/or leg, a head, and any assorted number of eyes in any place - made usually of onyx or another hard stone. More powerful golems have geode or crystalline eyes - most uncommon being geode. Most golems have no hair to offer, but in an attempt to look more likeable, most decorate themselves with leaves, or moss. Some can have tails, others may even have horns, but all of them lack any ability to swim. Without a need to breathe, eat, or sleep, golems have their own way of rest - they need at minimum four hours of uninterrupted meditation to gain a full rest.

No Distance too Great

Without a proper language to communicate in, golems find it difficult to live among others, preferring a nomadic life and travelling to astounding distances to seek greater purpose, often leaving impressive constructs in their wake. Unfortunately for them, they’re often made to function without the use of language or any semblance of vocal chords or speaking. Golems typically communicate via a very limited forms of telepathy, they can convey simple emotion, and answer yes or no. Most golems gesture with a mild form of sign language, and a very limited number can send pictures to convey a feeling, but it’s incredibly uncommon.

Immovable Wall

Unless the golem is created to do so, no golem is inherently violent or evil. Typically, they spring to life hunting for meaning or purpose - usually finding it in making unique and astounding constructs. Unless provoked a lot and made to defend themselves, most golems never engage in combat for any reason other than to protect their life.

Golem Names

Golems, since they have no language, are typically named by those they befriend, or go on without need of one - should they need to identify, the best they can do is to grind the material they’re made from to attempt any semblance of a unique sound.

Gentle Giants

While generally accepting of all races, humans typically frighten most golems, and if they can, golems do their best to avoid most human made settlements. This is typically due to the unfortunate truth of the ambition and their quickness to attack those they don’t know or understand. Rather than provoke humans, golems do their best to live in other nations - commonly dwarven ones - than make their own.

Earth Golem Traits

Golems are gentle giants with the capacity to destroy all in their path.

Ability Score Increase

Your Constitution score increases by 2, and Strength score increases by 1

Age

Golems were created at once, and only recently began creating their own children.  The existing Golems are several hundreds of years old and it is unknown how long the can live naturally, though it is believed to be upwards of thousands of years based on their form.

Alignment

Golems typically follow the alignment of their creator when made. Most are protective, and will choose to remain neutral.

Size

Usually larger than even Goliaths, and weighing well over 400 pounds, Golems are large.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet and your base burrowing speed is 5 feet.

Languages

Over the years you learned to speak common though it is a bit broken and sometimes hard to understand. Though as a relative to the Earth Elementals you know how to speak, read, and write Terran.

Creation

You know the cantrip Mold Earth and can cast it at will. Starting from 3rd level, you know the Earth Tremor spell and can cast it once per short rest. Starting from 5th level, you know the  Maximillian's Earthen Grasp spell and can cast it once per long rest. Constitution is your spellcasting ability for these spells.

Huge Frame

Your large size and powerful muscles allow you to push further beyond what most creatures your size are capable of. You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag, or lift. However, you have disadvantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks.

Thick-Skinned

While you are not wearing armor, your Armor Class equals 13 + your Constitution modifier.

Thanks to the sheer unyielding nature of golem skin, you have a resistance to piercing damage and immune to being poisoned.

Corrosive

Due to their composition, earth golems are vulnerable to Acid damage.

Hidden in Nature

Your nature-based form makes it easy to hide in nature.  While you are in forests, mountains, or other rocky and foliage filled terrain, you are more difficult to see.  Creatures have disadvantage on Perception checks to see you within these terrains.

Because of your "rockin" appearance, you gain advantage to Stealth while in the mountains.

One with Nature

Golems are made from nature and are attuned with it.  You gain proficiency in the Nature skill.

Mana from the Heavens

You do not need to eat or breathe as the light from the sun and Apex provide ample amounts of energy to be absorbed.