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Animated Alchemical Constructs

—

by

Dale
in

From: Alchemists Alembic

Lore: The Animated Alchemical Constructs found within The Alchemist’s Alembic are the testament to the alchemist’s unparalleled mastery of alchemy. Through their relentless pursuit of knowledge and understanding of the mystical arts, the alchemist has unlocked the secrets of imbuing life into otherwise lifeless objects. By infusing these constructs with alchemical solutions, intricate clockwork mechanisms, or the essence of the earth, the alchemist has created formidable guardians to protect their domain. These constructs serve as both extensions of the alchemist’s will and as embodiments of their deep connection to the alchemical forces that permeate the dungeon.

Level One Stats:

  • Health Points (HP): 30-40
  • Attack Damage: 7-12
  • Defense: 5-8
  • Speed: 4-6
  • Initiative: -1

Skills:

  • Alchemical Resilience: Animated Alchemical Constructs possess a heightened resistance to magical effects and alchemical attacks, allowing them to withstand damage and disruptions.
  • Unyielding Presence: These constructs emanate an aura of unyielding determination, inspiring fear or unease in foes, potentially causing them to hesitate or falter in their attacks.
  • Elemental Empowerment: Some constructs have been imbued with the power of the elements, allowing them to channel elemental forces in their attacks or to adapt to different environmental conditions.

Strategy: Animated Alchemical Constructs exhibit a strategic and methodical approach to combat. They rely on their durable nature and defensive capabilities to withstand attacks while unleashing powerful strikes. Their strategy involves engaging foes head-on, utilizing their strength and elemental abilities to overpower opponents. They prioritize protecting key areas or objects within the dungeon and work in tandem with other constructs or the alchemist’s minions to coordinate attacks and defend their master’s domain.

Attacks:

  • Elemental Strike: Constructs with elemental empowerment can unleash devastating elemental attacks, such as launching bolts of lightning, spewing streams of fire, causing the ground to tremble with seismic force, or creating gusts of wind to hinder opponents.
  • Alchemical Slam: The construct delivers a powerful slam or strike with its metallic or stone limbs, potentially causing significant physical damage and staggering foes.
  • Unstable Alchemy: Some constructs can release bursts of volatile alchemical mixtures or explosions, inflicting damage and potentially causing status effects such as burning, poisoning, or disorientation.

Vulnerabilities:

  • Arcane Disruption: Animated Alchemical Constructs are susceptible to attacks or disruptions that target their connection to alchemical forces. Disrupting the alchemical solutions, damaging their intricate mechanisms, or dispelling their magical essence can weaken or disable them.
  • Elemental Vulnerabilities: Constructs infused with elemental energy may have vulnerabilities to attacks of opposing elements. Exploiting these weaknesses can increase the effectiveness of elemental-based assaults.

Tags: Alchemical Constructs, Guardians of the Domain, Resilient Defenders, Elemental Empowerment, Strategic Coordinators

Encountering Animated Alchemical Constructs within The Alchemist’s Alembic poses a formidable challenge for level one adventurers. Their durable nature, formidable attacks, and strategic approach require careful planning and coordination to overcome. Understanding their vulnerabilities and exploiting their weaknesses, whether through strategic attacks or disrupting their connection to alchemical energies, is key to prevailing against these powerful guardians of the alchemist’s domain.

Animated Alchemical Constructs are typically encountered in specific areas of The Alchemist’s Alembic that require heightened protection or guard important chambers or objects. The environment in which they are fought reflects the alchemical nature of their creation and often provides challenges or advantages. Here are examples of where and how they can be encountered:

  • Chamber of Alchemical Mastery: This chamber serves as a central hub where the alchemist conducts their most intricate experiments. Animated Alchemical Constructs stand guard around the chamber, protecting the alchemist’s most prized and sensitive equipment. The battle takes place amidst rows of alchemical apparatus, vats of bubbling liquids, and the humming energy of arcane devices.
  • Clockwork Hallways: These narrow, winding passages are filled with intricate clockwork mechanisms and gears. Clockwork constructs move silently along the corridors, monitoring and defending specific areas of the dungeon. The battle involves evading or disabling the traps and mechanisms while engaging the constructs in confined spaces.
  • Guardian Sanctum: An expansive chamber housing precious relics or the alchemist’s personal quarters. Stone statues, imbued with alchemical life, come alive to protect the sanctum. The battle takes place amidst ornate decorations, mystical symbols, and the looming presence of the alchemist’s power.

When defeated, the remains of Animated Alchemical Constructs can be used in several ways within the dungeon:

  • Alchemical Enhancements: Extracting and utilizing the alchemical solutions or enchantments from the remains can enhance weapons, armor, or alchemical items. The remnants can be used to infuse other objects with the constructs’ defensive or elemental properties, granting temporary enhancements to the user.
  • Reassembly Projects: The intricate mechanisms and components of the remains can be salvaged and used in reassembly projects. Skilled craftsmen or engineers within the party can use these components to repair or modify other constructs or construct new devices or mechanisms.
  • Alchemical Analysis: Studying the remains can provide insights into the alchemical processes used to create the constructs. This knowledge can be applied to decipher alchemical texts, solve puzzles, or unlock hidden areas within the dungeon.
  • Arcane Energies: The remains may contain residual arcane energies or magical essences. These can be harnessed for casting spells, fueling magical devices, or imbuing items with temporary magical properties.

Utilizing the remains of Animated Alchemical Constructs requires a combination of alchemical knowledge, craftsmanship, and magical aptitude. The salvaged components and enchantments can provide adventurers with valuable resources, temporary enhancements, or insights into the alchemist’s craft. They can be vital for progressing further into the dungeon, overcoming challenges, or crafting powerful alchemical or magical items.

Sensory Perceptions of the Animated Alchemical Construct

  • Sight:
    • Perception: The animated alchemical construct immediately stands out with its imposing and intricate form.
    • Description: The construct is a combination of metal and stone, with gears and clockwork mechanisms visible beneath its surface. Glowing veins of elemental energy, such as fire, lightning, or wind, pulse through its body, illuminating the area around it with a faint, eerie light.
    • Positives: The glowing elemental energies provide a visual cue to the construct’s abilities, allowing adventurers to anticipate its attacks.
    • Negatives: The construct’s imposing appearance can be intimidating, potentially causing fear or hesitation in those who face it.
  • Sound:
    • Perception: The construct emits a constant mechanical hum, interspersed with the clinking and whirring of its internal mechanisms.
    • Description: When it moves, the grinding of gears and the clanking of metal against stone can be heard. Occasionally, crackling sounds accompany the release of elemental energy, such as the roar of fire, the sizzle of electricity, or the rush of wind.
    • Positives: The distinct sounds of the construct’s movements can help adventurers track its location, even in low visibility.
    • Negatives: The mechanical noises can be disorienting and may drown out other important sounds in the environment.
  • Smell:
    • Perception: A strong, metallic odor fills the air around the construct.
    • Description: The scent is a mix of heated metal, stone, and alchemical reagents. Depending on the elemental energy it channels, there may also be hints of ozone, sulfur, or scorched earth.
    • Positives: The unique smell can serve as an early warning of the construct’s presence.
    • Negatives: The overpowering odor can be unpleasant and distracting, potentially causing nausea or disorientation.
  • Taste:
    • Perception: While taste is not directly engaged, the construct’s presence can affect this sense indirectly.
    • Description: The air around the construct may carry a metallic tang or a bitter aftertaste, reminiscent of the alchemical substances used in its creation.
    • Positives: The taste can provide an additional sensory cue to the construct’s proximity.
    • Negatives: The unpleasant taste can cause discomfort and distraction.
  • Touch:
    • Perception: Physical contact with the construct reveals its solid and unyielding nature.
    • Description: Its surface is cold and hard, with the occasional warmth from elemental energy coursing through it. The edges of its metal components are sharp, and the stone parts are rough and abrasive.
    • Positives: The tactile sensations can provide information about the construct’s composition and potential weak points.
    • Negatives: Direct contact is dangerous due to the risk of injury from sharp edges, elemental energy, or crushing force.
  • Extra-Sensory Perceptions:
    • Magical Aura:
      • Perception: Those attuned to magic can sense a powerful and complex aura emanating from the construct.
      • Description: The aura is a blend of arcane and alchemical energies, pulsating with elemental power. It feels both mechanical and organic, reflecting the construct’s unique nature.
      • Positives: The magical aura provides insight into the construct’s abilities and the nature of its creation.
      • Negatives: The overwhelming energy can interfere with spellcasting or other magical abilities, causing unpredictability.
    • Intuitive Dread:
      • Perception: A deep, instinctual sense of dread grips those who encounter the construct.
      • Description: This fear is an innate response to the construct’s unnatural and formidable presence. It feels like an impending threat or a sense of being overpowered by a relentless force.
      • Positives: The fear can heighten alertness and readiness to react.
      • Negatives: The overwhelming dread can cause hesitation, panic, or a decrease in combat effectiveness.
    • Empathic Echoes:
      • Perception: Some may sense the remnants of the alchemist’s will and purpose within the construct.
      • Description: Echoes of determination and control emanate from the construct, reflecting the alchemist’s intent to protect their domain. These empathic impressions are faint but persistent.
      • Positives: Understanding the construct’s purpose can evoke sympathy and a strategic approach to combat.
      • Negatives: The empathic connection can be emotionally draining and may cause distraction or reluctance to destroy the construct.

Encountering an animated alchemical construct engages all the senses and extra-sensory perceptions, providing a comprehensive and often overwhelming experience. The sensory details offer crucial information while simultaneously testing the resolve and focus of those who face it.

Legend of the Alchemist’s Guardian

Long ago, in the time when the world was still young and filled with wonder, there lived a great alchemist. His name has been lost to the ages, but his creations, they remain to this day. The alchemist, in his relentless quest for the secrets of the universe, discovered the means to breathe life into the lifeless. With his potions and formulas, he created the Animated Alchemical Constructs, guardians of his hidden sanctuary.

These constructs, fashioned from metal, stone, and the essence of the earth itself, were mighty and unwavering. The alchemist infused them with the power of the elements: fire, lightning, wind, and more. They stood watch over his domain, silent sentinels of his incredible knowledge and power. They moved with purpose, their mechanisms clicking and whirring, their eyes glowing with a strange light.

One tale tells of a brave warrior who ventured into the alchemist’s lair, seeking the secrets held within. The warrior, strong and bold, faced the constructs with his sword and shield. As he stepped into the Chamber of Alchemical Mastery, he was met with the sight of the constructs, their forms both beautiful and terrifying.

The constructs attacked with elemental fury, launching bolts of lightning and streams of fire. The warrior fought valiantly, his sword clashing against metal and stone. Yet, despite his strength and skill, he found himself overpowered by the relentless guardians. The constructs, imbued with the alchemist’s will, were unstoppable.

The warrior, realizing he could not defeat them by force alone, used his wits. He remembered the old stories of the constructs’ vulnerabilities. With careful planning, he disrupted the alchemical energies that powered them, using the very elements they commanded against them. He struck at their weak points, causing the constructs to falter and eventually fall.

As the last construct crumbled to the ground, the warrior found himself standing before the alchemist’s greatest treasures. He took not the gold or jewels, but the knowledge, the secrets of alchemy that had created the constructs. With this wisdom, he left the alchemist’s lair, his quest fulfilled.

Moral of the story: In the pursuit of great power, one must also seek great wisdom, for brute strength alone cannot conquer all challenges. The mind, keen and cunning, is the true key to unlocking the mysteries of the world.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

Animated Alchemical Construct

  • Characteristics:
    • STR: 90
    • CON: 80
    • SIZ: 70
    • DEX: 30
    • INT: 40
    • POW: 60
    • Hit Points: 15
    • Move: 6
    • Damage Bonus: +1D6
  • Attacks:
    • Alchemical Slam: 60%, damage 2D6 + 1D6 (crushing)
    • Elemental Strike: 50%, damage 2D6 + elemental effect (fire, lightning, etc.)
  • Armor: 8 points of natural armor
  • Sanity Loss: 1/1D8
  • Special Abilities:
    • Alchemical Resilience: +4 bonus to resist magical and alchemical attacks.
    • Unyielding Presence: Enemies must make a POW roll (vs. the construct’s POW) or suffer a penalty die on their next action.
    • Elemental Empowerment: Once per encounter, the construct can unleash an elemental attack, affecting all within a 10-foot radius (2D6 damage, appropriate resistance roll to halve damage).

Blades in the Dark

Animated Alchemical Construct

  • Tier: IV
  • Quality: 3
  • Scale: 1
  • Edges:
    • Durable: Gains an additional level of armor.
    • Elemental Adaptation: Can switch between fire, cold, and lightning attacks, gaining +1 effect on the chosen element’s attack.
  • Harm:
    • Alchemical Slam: 4-harm (crushing)
    • Elemental Strike: 3-harm (fire, cold, lightning)
  • Armor: 3
  • Special Abilities:
    • Alchemical Resilience: +1D to resistance rolls against magical and alchemical effects.
    • Unyielding Presence: Enemies must make a Resolve roll or suffer reduced effect on their next action.
    • Elemental Empowerment: Once per score, can release an elemental burst (4-harm area, chosen element).
  • Stress: 5
  • Resistance: 4

Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)

Animated Alchemical Construct

  • Medium construct, unaligned
  • Armor Class: 16 (natural armor)
  • Hit Points: 75 (10d8 + 30)
  • Speed: 20 ft.
  • STR: 18 (+4)
  • DEX: 8 (-1)
  • CON: 16 (+3)
  • INT: 10 (+0)
  • WIS: 12 (+1)
  • CHA: 6 (-2)
  • Skills: Perception +3, Arcana +2
  • Damage Resistances: Fire, Lightning, Cold
  • Damage Vulnerabilities: Acid
  • Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 13
  • Languages: Understands the commands of its creator but cannot speak
  • Challenge: 5 (1,800 XP)
  • Actions:
    • Multiattack: The construct makes two attacks: one with its alchemical slam and one with its elemental strike.
    • Alchemical Slam: Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) bludgeoning damage.
    • Elemental Strike: Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d6 + 5) elemental damage (fire, lightning, or cold).
  • Reactions:
    • Unstable Alchemy: When the construct takes damage, roll a d6. On a 1-2, it releases a burst of elemental energy, dealing 5 (1d10) damage to all within 5 feet (Dexterity saving throw DC 13 for half damage).
    • Special Abilities:
    • Alchemical Resilience: The construct has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
    • Elemental Empowerment: Once per day, the construct can release an elemental burst in a 10-foot radius, dealing 21 (6d6) damage (Dexterity saving throw DC 15 for half damage).

Knave

Animated Alchemical Construct

  • HD: 5
  • Armor: 3
  • Move: 6
  • Attributes:
    • STR: +4
    • DEX: -1
    • CON: +3
    • INT: +0
    • WIS: +1
    • CHA: -2
  • HP: 20
  • Attacks:
    • Alchemical Slam: +7 to hit, 2d8+4 damage (crushing)
    • Elemental Strike: +7 to hit, 1d10+4 damage (fire, cold, or lightning)
  • Special Abilities:
    • Alchemical Resilience: Advantage on saving throws against magical and alchemical effects.
    • Unyielding Presence: Enemies must make a WIS save or suffer -1 to their next attack roll.
    • Elemental Empowerment: Once per encounter, can release an elemental burst, dealing 4d6 damage in a 10-foot radius (DEX save for half damage).
  • Positives:
    • Highly durable and resistant to magical attacks.
    • Elemental abilities provide versatile offensive options.
  • Negatives:
    • Vulnerable to certain elemental attacks (e.g., acid).
    • Slow movement and low initiative make it susceptible to being outmaneuvered.

Fate Core

Animated Alchemical Construct

  • Aspects:
    • High Concept: Formidable Guardian Infused with Elemental Power
    • Trouble: Vulnerable to Alchemical Disruption
    • Aspect: Unyielding Presence
    • Aspect: Elemental Adaptation
  • Skills:
    • Superb (+5): Physique
    • Great (+4): Fight
    • Good (+3): Will
    • Fair (+2): Notice
  • Stunts:
    • Alchemical Resilience: +2 to Will when resisting magical or alchemical effects.
    • Elemental Strike: Once per scene, use Fight to make an elemental attack, adding +2 to the roll and dealing an additional 2 shifts of elemental damage.
    • Unyielding Presence: Enemies must overcome a Fair (+2) Will roll to attack without hesitation.
  • Stress:
    • Physical Stress: [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
    • Mental Stress: [ ] [ ]
  • Consequences:
    • Mild (2):
    • Moderate (4):
    • Severe (6):

Numenera & Cypher System

Animated Alchemical Construct

  • Level: 5
  • Health: 30
  • Damage: 7 (Alchemical Slam), 12 (Elemental Strike)
  • Armor: 3
  • Motive: Guard the Alchemist’s Domain
  • Combat:
    • Alchemical Slam: Inflicts 7 damage.
    • Elemental Strike: Inflicts 12 damage (choose fire, cold, or lightning). Once per encounter, can unleash an elemental burst affecting all within immediate range (10 damage).
  • Special Abilities:
    • Alchemical Resilience: +3 Armor against magical and alchemical effects.
    • Unyielding Presence: Enemies within short range must succeed on a difficulty 3 Intellect task or suffer a hindrance to their next action.
    • Elemental Empowerment: Once per day, can release an elemental burst affecting all within immediate range (10 damage).

Pathfinder (2nd Edition)

Animated Alchemical Construct

  • Creature 5
  • Perception: +12; darkvision
  • Languages: Understands creator’s commands but cannot speak
  • Skills: Athletics +12, Intimidation +10
  • STR: +5, DEX: -1, CON: +4, INT: -1, WIS: +1, CHA: -2
  • AC: 18
  • HP: 80
  • Fort: +10, Ref: +7, Will: +9
  • Speed: 20 feet
  • Melee:
    • Alchemical Slam: +14, 2d8+5 bludgeoning
    • Elemental Strike: +12, 2d6+5 elemental (fire, cold, or lightning)
  • Special Abilities:
    • Alchemical Resilience: +2 status bonus to all saving throws against spells and alchemical effects.
    • Unyielding Presence: Enemies within 10 feet must make a DC 19 Will save or be frightened 1.
    • Elemental Burst (Recharge 5-6): The construct can release an elemental burst in a 10-foot radius, dealing 6d6 damage (DC 19 Reflex save for half damage).

Savage Worlds

Animated Alchemical Construct

  • Attributes:
    • Agility: d6
    • Smarts: d4 (A)
    • Spirit: d8
    • Strength: d12
    • Vigor: d10
  • Skills:
    • Fighting: d10
    • Notice: d6
    • Intimidation: d8
    • Pace: 4
    • Parry: 7
    • Toughness: 12 (3)
  • Edges:
    • Resilient: +1 Toughness
  • Special Abilities:
    • Alchemical Resilience: +2 to resist magic and alchemical effects.
    • Alchemical Slam: Str+d8 damage.
    • Elemental Strike: Str+d6 damage plus 1d6 elemental damage (fire, cold, or lightning).
    • Elemental Burst: Once per encounter, can release an elemental burst in a Large Burst Template, dealing 3d6 damage (Agility roll to avoid, -2 to resist).
    • Unyielding Presence: Enemies must make a Spirit roll or suffer -2 to their next action.

Shadowrun (6th Edition)

Animated Alchemical Construct

  • Attributes:
    • Body: 8
    • Agility: 3
    • Reaction: 3
    • Strength: 10
    • Willpower: 4
    • Logic: 2
    • Intuition: 3
    • Charisma: 1
    • Edge: 2
  • Condition Monitor: 12 (Physical), 10 (Stun)
  • Initiative: 6 + 1D6
  • Movement: 8 meters per turn
  • Skills:
    • Unarmed Combat: 8
    • Perception: 6
    • Intimidation: 6
  • Attacks:
    • Alchemical Slam: (Unarmed + 1, DV 10P, AP –3)
    • Elemental Strike: (Unarmed + 2, DV 12P, AP –4, Elemental Effect)
  • Armor: 10
  • Special Abilities:
    • Alchemical Resilience: +2 to resist magical and alchemical effects.
    • Unyielding Presence: Enemies must succeed on a Willpower + Logic (3) Test to act normally in its presence.
    • Elemental Empowerment: Once per combat, can unleash an elemental burst (10P damage, AP –4, elemental effect).

Starfinder

Animated Alchemical Construct

  • CR: 5
  • XP: 1,600
  • Type: Construct
  • Init: +4
  • Senses: Darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +12
  • Defense:
    • EAC: 18
    • KAC: 20
    • HP: 70
    • Fort: +6, Ref: +4, Will: +7
  • Offense:
    • Speed: 20 ft.
    • Melee: Alchemical Slam +14 (2d8+8 B)
    • Ranged: Elemental Strike +12 (2d6+8 E, fire/cold/electricity, 30 ft.)
    • Space: 10 ft.; Reach: 10 ft.
  • Special Abilities:
    • Alchemical Resilience: +2 to saving throws against magic and alchemical effects.
    • Unyielding Presence: Enemies within 10 feet must succeed on a DC 15 Will save or be shaken for 1d4 rounds.
    • Elemental Burst: Once per encounter, release an elemental burst in a 20-ft. radius, dealing 6d6 damage (DC 17 Reflex save for half damage, fire/cold/electricity).

Traveller (Mongoose, 2nd Edition)

Animated Alchemical Construct

  • Traits:
    • Strength: 14
    • Dexterity: 7
    • Endurance: 12
    • Intelligence: 4
    • Education: 2
    • Social: 0
  • Skills:
    • Melee (Unarmed): 3
    • Athletics: 2
    • Intimidation: 1
  • Armor: 10 (Natural)
  • Attacks:
    • Alchemical Slam: 3D damage, AP –3
    • Elemental Strike: 4D damage (fire/cold/electricity, AP –4, range 30 ft.)
  • Special Abilities:
    • Alchemical Resilience: +3 DM to resist magic and alchemical effects.
    • Unyielding Presence: Enemies must make an Endurance check (8+) or suffer -2 DM to their next action.
    • Elemental Burst: Once per encounter, can release an elemental burst affecting all within 10 meters (6D damage, AP –4, fire/cold/electricity).

Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (4th Edition)

Animated Alchemical Construct

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  • Wounds: 20
  • Traits:
    • Armor: 4 (Natural Armor)
    • Alchemical Slam: (WS) +10; 1D10+6 damage, +3 AP
    • Elemental Strike: (WS) +10; 1D10+6 damage, +4 AP, elemental effect (fire/cold/electricity, 30 ft.)
  • Skills:
    • Melee (Brawling): +10
    • Perception: +10
    • Intimidation: +10
  • Talents:
    • Alchemical Resilience: +2 to all tests to resist magic and alchemical effects.
    • Unyielding Presence: Enemies within 10 yards must succeed on a Cool Test or gain 1 Stunned Condition.
    • Elemental Burst: Once per encounter, can release an elemental burst in a 10-yard radius, dealing 4D10 damage (Cool Test to halve damage).