Mechanus Core (3.5e Equipment)

This device looks like it is grafted from carefully wrought adamantine components, that fit together almost seamlessly. Underneath the shell lies an obsidian core, on which a myriad of bluish lights seem to constantly shift and curdle, as if simulating consciousness.

A mechanus core is inert when it is not in use, but when it is inserted into a working construct or animated object as a full-round action, it suddenly connects and bestows upon the construct a semblance of sentience. Mechanus cores set all of the construct's or animated object's mental ability scores to the following (rolled each time it is implanted, but no more than once per construct or animated object):

Mechanus Core, Lesser: 2d6+2.

Mechanus Core, Normal: 3d6+1.

Mechanus Core, Greater: 4d6.

A mechanus core can even be inserted within an inanimate object, animating the object as if a permanent animate objects spell has been cast on it. Despite this, the limits of the spell still apply; a mechanus core cannot animate an object for which its effective caster level is insufficient (a normal mechanus core with effective CL 12 cannot animate a Gargantuan object, because that requires CL 16). This will not improve its mental ability scores however - they will be as the norm for the animate objects spell. When a mechanus core is removed from such an object, it once again becomes inanimate.


 * Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous Item, animate objects, awaken construct
 * Cost to Create: 13,500gp, 1080 XP, 27 days; or 27,500gp, 2,200 XP, 55 days; or 55,000gp, 4,400 XP, 110 days