What are the stats for intelligent items?

[Ravingdork]

I've heard it said that intelligent items are essentially construct creatures.

I was hoping someone could elaborate.

• At which point (if any) is an intelligent magic item considered a construct creature, from the moment of its creation, or when it gains some form of mobility?
  
• How many hit dice is it considered to have? Does this change the item's normal hit points?
  
• If it gains the ability to move under its own power, does it gain a Strength and Dexterity score, if so, what?
  
• Being a construct creature, it gains construct traits (such as immunity to mind-affecting effects, et al), no?
  

If anything else can be clarified or elaborated upon, please do.

[VRMH]

There are no rules to cover this, that I'm aware of.

Ravingdork wrote:

the moment of its creation, or when it gains some form of mobility?

Aren't these one and the same?

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How many hit dice is it considered to have?

According to the write-up for Animated Objects, hit dice are size based. But I can see no justification for applying their hitpoints to an intelligent item.

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If it gains the ability to move under its own power, does it gain a Strength and Dexterity score, if so, what?

It would have to, yes. And so it should get those of an animated object.

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Being a construct creature, it gains construct traits (such as immunity to mind-affecting effects, et al), no?

I don't think so. Intelligent items shouldn't get Darkvision for free; it's a "paid upgrade". Most of the construct traits they already get due to their nature anyway.

Basically my advice is: use the "Animate Object" spell description only to fill in the blanks that need filling in.

[eldergod0515]

I think the phrase “Treat them as constructs” should actually read “Treat them as having construct traits”. Construct Traits makes a lot more sense than the Construct Creature Type. The other missing blanks (HP, hardness, saves) are in the “Breaking and Entering” section of the Core Rulebook.

Construct Traits (Ex)
Constructs are immune to death effects, disease, mind-affecting effects (charms, compulsions, phantasms, patterns, and morale effects), necromancy effects, paralysis, poison, sleep, stun, and any effect that requires a Fortitude save (unless the effect also works on objects, or is harmless). Constructs are not subject to nonlethal damage, ability damage, ability drain, fatigue, exhaustion, or energy drain. Constructs are not at risk of death from massive damage.