I was just curious if there were any guides/advice that helped with constructing golems. I've been looking around so far, and the only thing I've been able to find is this...
What I am hoping to find is a more in-depth analysis that explains which golem is the most efficient to build, along with the best sort of upgrades a caster can give them. For example...
Is giving a golem the Shield Guardian Template really worth the cost?
(From what I can tell, it basically adds 25 days to the construction and 45,000 gp to the cost, and increases the craft check to construct the golem by 4 and the caster level needed to make it by 2...along with needing the 'discern location' spell and either 'shield' or 'shield other' spells as well)
In addition, the processes of adding hit die, increasing the golem's size, or giving it the 'advanced template' also raises questions on efficiency as well...
1) Adding additional hit die = costs an extra 5,000 gp per hit die (which also adds 5 extra days to the construction time)
2) Increasing golem size = costs an extra 50,000 gp (which also adds 50 extra days to the construction time)
3) Adding the advanced template = costs an extra 15,000 gp (which adds 15 days to the construction time)
From what I can tell, the advanced template probably isn't worth the cost since golems are typicall not intelligent and gain no benefit from an increased CON score either. However, the additional hit die and increased size CAN be worth since golems don't exactly get a lot of hp, and the increase in size can dramatically increase their strength and damage output.
In addition, the shield guardian template also seems worth it considering how it gives a golem fast healing 5, and also makes the golem easier to control (and more versatile with things like 'shield other' and 'spell storing')
As for deciding which type of golem to construct though...I honestly can't say which is the best (at least in terms of cost efficiency). I will admit that the Stone Golem does seem like a pretty solid choice (pun intended), but as I said before, I'm curious if anyone else has any thoughts on the matter.
I've been keeping an eye on that guide myself and I'm actually running a construct crafter right now. It's certainly an entertaining way to play the game. I'm not sure what level your guy is, but have you already made yourself a Boss Homunculus yet? I know that seems really lame compared to something as powerful as a Stone Golem, but they can make really fine support. They also give you something to do with all those random potions your group finds in the course of adventuring.
For the cost, I think the Junk Golem is really handy and plan on making one in the immediate future. Having your own Swarm seems pretty cool to me, plus you can Haste it with Grease which is hysterical.
I'm tempted to create my own C3PO with an Intelligent Clockwork Servant and give him some sort of helpful feat. Instant Alchemy would be hysterical or maybe make a pair of them and give them a teamwork feat just for the LOLs.
How about a Clockwork Familiar for yet another Scout and as an Emergency Pro Evil source to help out your party's martials when (not if) they get dominated.
I think my point is that you can get some quality assistants without ponying up for Megatron. Maybe you already have those though.
Dot! My evil overlord construct/undead crafter thanks you!
That said, I'm unaware of this 'Boss Homonculus" idea. Think you can explain Scradgrad?
I was referring to him as a BOSS as a jest referencing the Tiny God thread HERE. But really, what I think you want is to have an "extra familiar" in your Homunculus. He won't have all the abilities of a familiar, but he'll be damned handy as a scout and occasional SLA caster.
Thing 1
Standard Homunculus
SLA: Stabilize, Enlarge Person, Vanish, Grease all 1X day
His caster level won't be all that high, so you like him to have utility slots or spells that don't depend so much on that. If you've got someone in your party who can craft potions, it would be even cheaper, but you can simply collect a few potions from loot drops along the way, then top them out at 10. At that point, make your Homunculus and have fun with him. I'm collecting some more potions even now to "upgrade him" the next time we get to a city.
Anyway, it's sketchy about whether or not he can use those SLAs on anything other than himself. Since you're creating him, it certainly makes sense that you could do so. Since his caster level will be based on his Hit Dice , you might even ramp up his HD to make him eligible for some helpful feats like Instant Alchemy, Brew Potion, Cooperative Crafting, or the like. The extra hit dice at 2,000 apiece are a bit high (considering that price buys you nearly 3 more 1st level SLAs), but he could use a bit of help in Perception. I think I might save up and make a Thing 2 who is a "spitter".
You linked williamoak's guide to construct crafting but not its discussion.
I've been thinking about this as well, and have waited for Williamoak to complete his guide.
/cevah