A shield guardian when fashioned is keyed to a particular
amulet. Henceforth, it regards the wearer of that amulet to be
its master, protecting and following that person everywhere
(unless specifically commanded not to do so).
Combat
Spell Storing (Sp): The shield guardian can store one spell of
4th level or lower that is cast into it by another creature. It
"casts" this spell when commanded or when a
predetermined situation arises. Once this is used, it can store
another spell (or the same spell).
Construct: Immune to mind-influencing effects, poison,
disease, and similar effects. Not subject to critical hits,
subdual damage, ability damage, energy drain, or death from
massive damage.
Shield Other (Sp): The wearer of the keyed amulet can activate
this defensive ability if within 100 feet of the shield guardian.
Just as the spell of the same name, this transfers to the
guardian half the damage that would be dealt to the amulet wearer
(this ability does not provide the spell's AC or save
bonuses, but see below).
Guard (Ex): The shield guardian moves swiftly to defend the
amulet wearer by its side, blocking blows and disrupting foes.
All attacks against the amulet wearer suffer a -2 deflection
penalty.
Find Master (Su): No matter the distance, as long as they are
on the same plane, the shield guardian can find the amulet wearer
(or just the amulet, if it is removed after the guardian is
called).
Construction
A shield guardian costs 100,000 gp to create. This cost
includes the construct's physical body, the keyed amulet,
and all the materials and spell components that are consumed or
become a permanent part of them. This cost includes 1,000 gp for
the body and 500 gp for the amulet.
Creating the body requires a successful Profession
(engineering) or Craft (sculpture) check (DC 16).
The second requirement is creating the keyed amulet from
bronze, which requires a successful Craft (metalworking) check
(DC 12).
After the body and amulet are fashioned, the creature must be
animated through an extended magical ritual that requires a week
to complete. Understanding the ritual requires a 12th-level
character with the Craft Wondrous Item feat. The creator must
labor for at least 8 hours each day in a specially prepared
laboratory or workroom. The chamber is similar to both an
alchemist's laboratory and a smithy and costs 1,000 gp to
establish.
When not working on the ritual, the character must rest and
can perform no other activities except eating, sleeping, or
talking. If personally constructing the creature's body, the
creator can perform the building and ritual together. If the
creator misses a day of the ritual, the process fails and must be
started again. Money spent is lost, but XP spent are not. The
shield guardian's body can be reused, as can the chamber.
Completing the ritual drains 2,000 XP from the creator and
requires limited wish, locate object, make whole, shield, and
shield other, which must be cast on the final day of the ritual.
The creator must cast the spells personally, but they can come
from outside sources, such as scrolls.
Amulet
If the keyed amulet is destroyed, the guardian ceases to
function until a new one is created. If the wearer dies but the
amulet is intact, the shield guardian carries out the last
command given.
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