Dread Golem (5e Template)
From D&D Wiki
Dread Golem[edit]
Any golem that has been created with the living brain or spirit of an intelligent humanoid, with the influence of the dark desires and obsession of its creator and/or dark forces and entities can become a dread golem. Dread golems, unlike regular golems, are self-aware and independent, and can have an high Intelligence score. Whatever the sentience of the golem was made knowingly by the creator or a side effect, or the influence of some dark entity is up for the DM to decide. Most dread golems have a chaotic alignment, being driven by the rage and frustration caused by their unnatural condition and the rejection and/or persecution suffered from humanoids and only a few dread golems can become good. Because of this, dread golems have the tendency to revolt against their creator. An evil dread golem will probably try to kill its creator or turn their life into a living hell, but it might also cause destruction and suffering for other civilized humanoids. A neutral dread golem would probably still want to get revenge on its creator, but it would rather be left alone than cause wanton destruction.
This template can be applied to any type of golem monster in order to give players tragic villains or unusual allies in their campaign.
- Prerequisite
Any golem.
Statistics[edit]
Abilities. The dread golem's Strength score is increased by 1, its Dexterity score is increased to 10 (+0), and its Intelligence and Charisma scores are both increased to 9 (-1).
Languages. The languages of its creator and can learn more languages according to its Intelligence score.
Alignment. Any chaotic alignment.
Attacks. Increase DCs and attack bonus by 1.
Traits[edit]
Brute. A melee weapon deals one extra die of its damage when the golem hits with it.
False Appearance. While the golem remains motionless, it is indistinguishable from an inanimate statue.
Magic Resistance. The golem has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
Actions[edit]
Strangulation. If a dread golem hits with two unarmed or slam attacks, it can grapple its target (escape DC equal to 11 + the golem's Strength modifier). A target grappled in this way cannot breathe.
CR Calculation[edit]
Recalculate the creature's CR with the following considerations:
- Increased attack modifier.
- Increase damage per-round by the amount listed in the trait (from Brute and Multiattack).
- Increase effective AC by 2 (from Magic Resistance).
Examples[edit]
Dread Flesh Golem (5e Creature)
Back to Main Page → 5e Homebrew → Creatures → Templates
