Clockwork Template / Creatures Design Decision / Balance Question

[Adamas Fulmen]

This is a slightly fringe question so I apologize.

In Bestiary III and the Inner Sea World Guide there are several clockwork creatures and an associated template. They gain several advantages and disadvantages, including a limited operation time without being wound. The final cost and time to create them is increased.

I would like to know the rational behind the increase in cost. It could well be that the advantage they gain, even compensated by the drawbacks, warrants the price increase for balance reasons. Or, it could be a statement about the nature of clockwork technology as compared to normal construct construction. Perhaps it is both or neither.

I would appreciate anyone with more system mastery or Pathfinder design experience offering their opinions on the matter.

[ShadowcatX]

Most likely it is a balance issue.

[Blindmage]

From an thematic more in world perspective it makes sense that it would cost more and need more physical materials than a golem or magical construct since Clockwork critters are much more reliant of their components and the balance of their mechanisms. This increased precision and reliance on mundane construction over magical force is what would make them cost more. Think about the precision needed for the gears/springs, etc compared to the standard level of crafting the the world. It's a very high end skill.

At least, that's my take on it :)

[Valdast]

As well thematically, clockwork constructs are the only type of construct that doesn't require capturing some sort of energy source to power them. Albeit you have to still construct them, but it is also representative of both the difficulty and to make the capturing route easier.