Iron Golem
Large Construct · · CR 16
- Construct
- Large
- Tier 3
CR 16 large construct, unaligned — that's Iron Golem. Sourced from Monster Manual (5e 2014) and Monster Manual (5.5e 2024).
Stat Block
- Challenge Rating
- 16
- Type
- Construct
- Size
- Large
- Alignment
- —
- Speed
- —
- Habitats
- —
- Sources
- Monster Manual (5e 2014), Monster Manual (5.5e 2024)
Ecology
Iron golems are not living creatures in any biological sense; they are bound elemental spirits inhabiting bodies of refined and rune-engraved iron. They are crafted by archmages over years of work requiring rare materials, including basalt molds, planar essences, and the still-beating heart of a fire elemental. They are typically built as guardians for tombs, vaults, or arcane libraries, and operate without rest, food, or environmental concern. They do not reproduce, age, or evolve.
Behaviour
An iron golem follows its last commands with absolute literalness and infinite patience. A golem ordered to kill all intruders will attack creatures the wizard would never have considered intruders, including fellow apprentices, gods, or the wizard's own ghost. Golems have no internal monologue, no preferences, and no morality. Damaged golems do not feel pain but continue functioning until physically destroyed. A golem ordered to wait will wait forever; many active golems are products of dead masters' final commands.
Origin
An iron golem's creation requires casting wish, binding an earth elemental, and ritual sacrifice of fire elementals to imbue the heat-absorption property. The crafter inscribes runes of binding across the entire body, and a single error in the ritual can bind an evil planar spirit instead, creating a rogue golem that murders its creator. Most iron golems serve a single master for centuries, then become unbound when the master dies, depending on the wording of their command structure.
Related Monsters
Frequently Asked Questions about Iron Golem
- What is the challenge rating of Iron Golem?
- Iron Golem's challenge rating is 16. A party in this band suits high-tier groups.
- What type of creature is Iron Golem?
- Iron Golem is classified as a construct in D&D 5e, large size.