Good construct minion(s) for a level 9 crafter

[Coidzor]

So I've got about 60 days of downtime during a timeskip and about 55K that can be invested into the process.

So far I'm aware of Animated Objects, Soulbound Mannequins, Waxwork Creatures, and Trompe L'oeil as potential options, and I'm sure that there's some form of golem that I've got a high enough level/CL to make.

Not really sure what to go with specifically, though, as even when it comes to Waxwork Creatures, I'm not sure what to use as the base creature.

I think I mostly want something that can act as a bodyguard and still hit often enough and hard enough to be relevant. So definitely no larger than Large size, probably actually showing preference towards Medium-sized options.

Table issues from having too many minions on the field at once have already been addressed, so nothing to worry about there.

[avr]

A cutlass spider can fight reasonably well. A tattoo guardian can't fight effectively but does give shield other to its wearer. An angelic guardian splits the difference between the two - so-so at fighting & has a limited ability to directly protect someone.

For better or for worse those are all mindless. They won't betray you but you need to be very specific with your commands.

[Gray Warden]

The annoying thing about constructs is repairing them...unless they can heal themselves. I strongly suggest constructs with fast healing, such as the Graven Guardian.

[Philo Pharynx]

I want to second the graven guardian. I've been using one for the last several levels and it's been very effective. It's not going to lead the party in damage dealing, but it will be a good blocker.

Of course eventually you'll hit the wall and need to go to a large construct. A Corset of the Vishkanya will let it squeeze for 10 rounds a day and a Belt of the Weasel will let it act as a medium character at will.

[RoseCrown]

I'd like to second the Cutlass Spider - especially if you know what you'll be facing, since you can give them a single Bane weapons and that will affect all of their attacks.

[Gray Warden]

RoseCrown wrote:

I'd like to second the Cutlass Spider - especially if you know what you'll be facing, since you can give them a single Bane weapons and that will affect all of their attacks.

...in which case you can just use an Amulet of Mighty Fists [Bane], which costs half as much as a normal weapon, on any construct with more natural attacks.

[RoseCrown]

Gray Warden wrote:

RoseCrown wrote:

I'd like to second the Cutlass Spider - especially if you know what you'll be facing, since you can give them a single Bane weapons and that will affect all of their attacks.

...in which case you can just use an Amulet of Mighty Fists [Bane], which costs half as much as a normal weapon, on any construct with more natural attacks.

Is there an errata? Because when I compare prices for melee weapons with the price for the Amulet of Mighty Fists on the SRD site, it looks like the Amulet is twice as expensive as the equivalent weapon?

[Gray Warden]

RoseCrown wrote:

Gray Warden wrote:

RoseCrown wrote:

I'd like to second the Cutlass Spider - especially if you know what you'll be facing, since you can give them a single Bane weapons and that will affect all of their attacks.

...in which case you can just use an Amulet of Mighty Fists [Bane], which costs half as much as a normal weapon, on any construct with more natural attacks.

Is there an errata? Because when I compare prices for melee weapons with the price for the Amulet of Mighty Fists on the SRD site, it looks like the Amulet is twice as expensive as the equivalent weapon?

To apply the Bane property to a weapon it must already be +1, so a +1 Bane weapon would actually cost as +2, which is 8000gp. On the other hand, the Amulet of Mighty Fists does not need the initial +1, so you can buy an AoMF Bane for 4000gp.

[Reduxist]

This one is large sized and you need a CL of 10, but Glass Golems make excellent defenders thanks to their Reflect Spells ability.

[Coidzor]

Gray Warden wrote:

RoseCrown wrote:

I'd like to second the Cutlass Spider - especially if you know what you'll be facing, since you can give them a single Bane weapons and that will affect all of their attacks.

...in which case you can just use an Amulet of Mighty Fists [Bane], which costs half as much as a normal weapon, on any construct with more natural attacks.

Any that come to mind? I've not been able to delve into a dedicated session of reading through statblocks yet due to some personal events.

Reduxist wrote:

This one is large sized and you need a CL of 10, but Glass Golems make excellent defenders thanks to their Reflect Spells ability.

Any recommended ways of increasing my CL by 1, other than the ioun stone?

[Tacticslion]

You don't actually need the CL.

If you don't have it, though, you increase the Spellcraft DC to make the thing by +5, and even then it's only if you can't cast the required spells (see the FAQ in this link for details).

[Coidzor]

I seem to recall some annoying rules text somewhere which states that CL and/or character level requirements for making constructs are the exception to that rule.

If I'm misremembering, then great!

[RoseCrown]

Gray Warden wrote:

RoseCrown wrote:

Gray Warden wrote:

RoseCrown wrote:

I'd like to second the Cutlass Spider - especially if you know what you'll be facing, since you can give them a single Bane weapons and that will affect all of their attacks.

...in which case you can just use an Amulet of Mighty Fists [Bane], which costs half as much as a normal weapon, on any construct with more natural attacks.

Is there an errata? Because when I compare prices for melee weapons with the price for the Amulet of Mighty Fists on the SRD site, it looks like the Amulet is twice as expensive as the equivalent weapon?

To apply the Bane property to a weapon it must already be +1, so a +1 Bane weapon would actually cost as +2, which is 8000gp. On the other hand, the Amulet of Mighty Fists does not need the initial +1, so you can buy an AoMF Bane for 4000gp.

ah yes. That's the thing I always forget about those Amulets. Ah well, point taken.

[Tacticslion]

Coidzor wrote:

I seem to recall some annoying rules text somewhere which states that CL and/or character level requirements for making constructs are the exception to that rule.

If I'm misremembering, then great!

Hmmm... I seems to recall hearing this once in a conversation before, though I've no idea if it was ever confirmed or even a conversation that I participated in. If there is a quote about that, it'd be pretty important to find...