Ok, so in the advice thread I learned that for my purposes, the create construct feat is what I need to do what I'd like.
Now, I've read over most of the rules under building a construct but I am still a tad fuzzy on some things and would like to see if I could possibly get some info to clear it up.
#1 - As the title implies, is it possible to create a construct that replicates another creature in pathfinder? If so, how would I go about creating it correctly?
If I wanted to create a construct horse that I could ride, that would never get tired, need to eat or sleep, how would I go about it? Or if I wanted to make a construct spider or snake meant to spy for me, allowing me to see from their point of view, could I? If so, how?
#2 - I'm assuming no, but I wanted to make certain. Do constructs feel fear? Where a normal horse would get spooked by a monster jumping out, would a construct horse do so?
#3 - For the golems, scarecrows and homunculus it shows spells alongside a CL and a price. I assume I need to know these spells correct? If so, as a wizard, do I need to have them prepared for the day when building a construct?
#4 - For the construct created permanent animated object, could I make a flying sword that attacks who I point it towards or a shield that actively tries to guard me?
#5 - If I can do what #4 says, could I enchant these weapons using Create Magical Arms & Armor to make them more powerful?
#6 - I'm sure it's in there, but if at all possible, could I get a simplified and explained version of determining the overall DC for making a construct in general?
#7 - For making a scarecrow or any other construct that has a special ability, is it possible to increase that special abilities DC somehow? Like with the scarecrow's fear.
I know these are a lot of questions, but if any of these are possible, it may help and alter my character in a big way, even though they'd cost some serious money I'm sure. Many thanks in advance.
#1. Maybe. Check with your GM. There are no rules for this.
Use the rules for creating a permanent Animated Object, size large. Give it the form of a horse. Now you have your horse.
Spider/snake: Yes, see Ultimate Magic p.115 "Crafter's Eyes". Cost: 8,000gp.
#2. No, they are immune to all mind affects. See Bestiary p.307
#3. You do not need to know them. If you do not know them you may provide them via a scroll or another person may cast them for you. They must cast them each day you work on crafting the construct.
Alternately, if you do not want to supply the spell at all can increase the DC to craft the construct by +5 for each spell you are missing.
If you are going to supply the spell you (or someone else) need to cast it each day you work on the construct.
#4. Yes, you may make a flying sword as an Animated Object. The size would be either Tiny or Small (check with your GM). You would need to spend 1 CP on the flying ability. I would check with your GM on adding Fly or Levitate to the animated object since fly (clumsy) will pretty much prevent the sword from hovering.
Note: It could be programmed to aid another constantly. That is about the only form of direct guarding an Animated Object will be able to do. These things are primarily designed to attack, not defend.
If you really want a construct to protect you you should consider a Shield Guardian. See Bestiary p158. Only true Golems can be made into a Shield Guardian.
#5. See Ultimate Magic p113 for upgrading Constructs with magic. Short answer: Yes.
#6. The creation DC is set by the CL just like all other magic item creation. CL+5 is the base DC. This is then modified by +5 for each prerequisite (such as spells) you are missing. You can also modify the DC by +5 if you want to accelerate the construction.
#7. Hit Dice modification (Ultimate Magic p113) and Ability Score Modification (Ultimate Magic p114) should help here. Most special ability DCs are based off of HD and ability scores.
------
One peice of advice: A useful and low level Construct to get into is the Graven Guardian (Bestiary 3 p.140). You can make it at level 7 and will last around 4-5 levels until it needs retiring (with upgrades). You will need a religion to really make use of one of these. The baseline Graven Guardian is a Death-Repose guardian.
- Gauss
Gauss you are awesome. Thank you for all of the answers, a great help indeed. I now know what I will work towards in our game.
As for the Graven Guardian, my character doesn't really have a religion he follows, so I'm not sure if it'd work flavor wise, but reading it, it does sound amazing.
Thanks again.
I do have one more question, now that I think about it. I've seen some mention making a construct dragon that has a lot of it's abilities.
How would one go about emulating a dragon or other non-construct creature in construct form with it's abilities?
I do not know of a Paizo Dragon Construct but there may be one in 3rd party materials. Anyhow, any construct not listed would need to be a custom creation which means you will have to work it out with your GM. Magic item pricing is pretty subjective, making a custom construct will be even more subjective.
- Gauss
Alright, good to know. Thanks again.
One other thing I realized I should add. I misspoke when I said you 'cast' the spells used in the construction of magic items (including constructs). You do not cast them but they are still expended each day.
It is an important difference because spells used for the creation of magic items (or constructs) do not require material components. Exception: spell trigger, spell completion, and magic items with charges require material components and foci as normal.
- Gauss