Stone Golem

A stone golem is an artificial guardian whose body is held together by magic and a runic core. It may come from a mage's workshop, a temple, or an ancient culture that needed protection lasting beyond a human lifetime. In Elaria, it guards gates, vaults, corridors, and forgotten halls. Its material, inscriptions, and workmanship may reveal its creator and original purpose, even when the surrounding building has changed beyond recognition.

It usually follows defined instructions. It needs no food, reward, or ordinary rest, and may not understand changes outside the scope of its orders. It can remain motionless until someone meets an activation condition. One golem protects a particular entrance; several may form an entire defensive system. Depending on its creation, it is directed by a present master, its original command, or a means of control.

Stone Body reduces each instance of physical damage by two. If a single magical attack deals at least four damage, this reduction does not apply until the start of the golem's next round; this is the precise combat vulnerability of its Runic Core. The party can investigate the conditions for passage, seek a mark of authorization, or discover a flaw in an old order. A control stone or password may exist, but the story determines its form. A golem need not be evil: it may faithfully protect something whose true significance the living have forgotten.