I'm trying to figure out how to work my clockwork/steampunk themed wizard (wizard side of alchemist/wizard gestalt) and am having trouble coming up with some mechanics to fit the flavor.
So, I was thinking I could go Conjuration School, but none of the summoned creatures fit the theme. None of the other schools fit the character I'm thinking.
Opposing schools, I'm thinking necro and either divination or abjuration as the opposing schools.
So, if I go conjuration, I was thinking of asking for the clockwork template to be applied to the creatures I summon instead of celestial/fiendish.
So, I guess the question is as a conjurer wizard:
"Can I replace the celestial template that is added to summons for the clockwork template?"
If a player asked you this and you are the DM (one who embraces the rule of cool) would you allow it? Would you make caveats?
I know it has been 5 hours so idk if you are still going to check this thread, but I think the short answer would be no. I would not allow the clockwork template (either of the 2) because it is too specialized compared to the normal celestial/fiendish template. Clockwork (from advanced bestiary rather than tome of horror's clockwork) gives double the DR of celestial, front loaded resistances, gives a huge boost to AC (in the form of NA bonuses, +4 dex, and the dodge feat) and does more damage early on thanks to the +4 strength. It gives up a weak spell resistance and smite damage (which is actually pretty strong at later levels). This means that at low levels clockwork creatures will absolutely destroy comparative celestial creature. Even at high levels the clockworks will be stronger in defense and accuracy (though weaker in damage vs creatures the celestial can smite).
That being said, link him to the resolute template from bestiary 2. It states that a caster using summon monster can summon a lawful version instead of a good version of the creature. It is more easy to fluff a lawful creature as a construct than a good creature (inevitables anyone?). On that note, here is a ring that lets you summon inevitables with summon monster spells:Link. With the resolute template in mind (after all there is already a histroy of substituting templates for summon monster) make a template that does fit along the same lines. DR/adamantine that scales the way celestial does (0/5/10 instead of clockwork's 5/10/15/20). Resist acid, cold, fire, and sonic that scales in exchange for vulnerability to electricity instead of clockwork's straight resist 10 (resistance to 1 extra energy type in exchange for vulnerability is pretty fair). Those 2 are easy swaps, the real question is how to trade out spell resist and smite in a flavorful way. And that is a conversation you can only have with your DM. talk to him and get a dialog going about what HE thinks is a fair exchange for those abilities. If he wants your input perhaps suggest that the construct creature type makes it immune to mind effecting spells thus you are getting immunity to a small set of spells in exchange for spell resistance to all spells. Leave smite as smite chaotic or perhaps add electric damage equal to 1/2 the smite damage it would have gotten?
On a completely unrelated note: if you are going alchemist with a construct flavor perhaps you would be interested in the construct rider alchemist archetype?
Thanks for the reply Use Headbut!!
The problem with the "ask the DM" is that I'm typically the DM. This is for a player character when someone else DM's a session. Thus I'm the guy that ok's stuff like this and the rest of the group would go along with it. I don't want to abuse this, but the current templates don't work for the character.
Seem like reworking the template is a good option.
What do you think of summoning weaker creatures with the summon spell instead? So a summon 2 would summon a creature off the summon 1 list with the template as is.
The archetype looks pretty fun, was looking for something like that for another character.
I would highly suggest just convert the Celestial/Fiendish templates to accommodate a more clockwork like creature.
Something like:
Creature changes type to construct subtype clockwork (but doesn't gain things like Swift Reaction from Clockwork subtype)
Grants darkvision
Gains no DR at 1-4 HD, DR 5 adamantine at 5-10, DR 10 adamantine at 11+
Gains no energy resistance, but does gain electricity vulnerability (50% more damage)
Gains spell resistance equal to CR +5
Does gain Swift Reactions; Improved Initiative, Lightning Reflexes, and +2 dodge bonus to AC
Construct Traits
Don't recalculate HD size, BAB, saving throws, or skill points except as noted above.
I would say that is roughly on the same power level as Fiendish or Celestial. Not as much offensive power, but the construct traits as a defensive power are incredibly strong. Basically immune to fort saves and will saves, and ends up with a bonus to reflex saves.
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If you're open to dream scarred press psionics, could you use psychic to replace wizard, so you summon astral construct instead of summon monster?
Immunity to mind affecting is very powerful. Immunity to most things requiring fort save is as well. Even if the creature lost smite and DR, and energy resistances, those above would more then make up for it.