Clay Golem
Large Construct · · CR 9
- Construct
- Large
- Tier 2
As a large construct (unaligned), Clay Golem carries CR 9. Sourced from Monster Manual (5e 2014) and Monster Manual (5.5e 2024).
Stat Block
- Challenge Rating
- 9
- Type
- Construct
- Size
- Large
- Alignment
- —
- Speed
- —
- Habitats
- —
- Sources
- Monster Manual (5e 2014), Monster Manual (5.5e 2024)
Ecology
Clay golems are crafted, not born, and exist only where a high-level cleric has shaped a humanoid figure from sacred earth and bound a forced elemental spirit within. They serve as temple guardians, last-line defenders of holy sites, and instruments of divine wrath. The clay used is typically taken from a sanctified riverbed or the floor of a deity's sanctum, and the binding ritual requires a week of unbroken prayer.
Behaviour
A clay golem follows simple commands literally and tirelessly, with no concept of nuance, mercy, or self-preservation. When damaged enough, the bound spirit's resentment surfaces and the golem enters a berserk state, attacking anything within reach including its creator. This berserk tendency is why clay golems are rare; few clerics trust their own work after seeing one turn. The wound that prevents healing is the spirit's revenge upon flesh.
Origin
The first clay golems were made in imitation of older mythic figures, mortals shaped from earth by gods. Theological consensus holds that creating clay golems is a form of blasphemy, mocking divine creation, and yet some orders justify it as devotion. Each clay golem carries a holy word inscribed in its forehead, and the spell that animates it is also the spell that, properly inverted, can free the spirit and crumble the form.
Related Monsters
Frequently Asked Questions about Clay Golem
- What is the challenge rating of Clay Golem?
- On the bestiary CR scale, Clay Golem sits at 9. It fits well-established adventuring parties.
- What type of creature is Clay Golem?
- The bestiary type for Clay Golem is construct, large size.