View source for Animated Weapon (3.5e Template)

{{author
|author_name=Sulacu
|date_created=January 23, 2012
|status=Relatively complete
}}

{{Tocright}}

== Animated Weapon ==

[[Summary::This template turns an ordinary weapon into a menacing foe.]]

Animated weapons are mundane or magical weapons that have been animated through [[SRD:Spell|spells]].

=== Creating an Animated Weapon ===

Animated Weapon is unique in that it is a template that must be applied to a [[SRD:Melee Weapon|melee weapon]] instead of a creature. The template is acquired through any of various magical effects.

==== Size and Type ====

Base weapon becomes a creature of the <span style="display:none">[[Type::Construct]]</span>[[SRD:Construct Type|Construct]] type.

An animated weapon gains base attack and base save bonuses as a [[SRD:Construct Type|construct]], and has a racial bonus to [[SRD:Saving Throw|saving throws]] equal to its magical [[SRD:Enhancement Bonus|enhancement bonus]].

Animated weapons have no skill points, unless they are [[SRD:Intelligent Items|intelligent]].

A [[SRD:One-Handed Weapon|one-handed]] weapon is two size categories smaller than any creature it is intended for. For a particular size creature, a [[SRD:Light Weapon|light]] weapon is one size category smaller than a one-handed weapon, and a [[SRD:Two-Handed Weapon|two-handed]] weapon is one size category larger than a one-handed weapon. For example, for a [[SRD:Medium Size|Medium]] creature, a light weapon is [[SRD:Diminutive Size|Diminutive]], a one-handed weapon is [[SRD:Tiny Size|Tiny]], and a two-handed weapon is [[SRD:Small Size|Small]].

==== Hit Dice ====

An animated weapon has a number of [[SRD:Hit Dice|Hit Dice]] depending on its quality and the magical [[SRD:Enhancement Bonus|enhancement bonus]] it has (if any), as per [[#Table: Animated Weapon Statistics|Table: Animated Weapon Statistics]].

==== Speed ====

An animated weapon has a [[SRD:Fly|fly]] speed (in feet) of 40 + ten times its magical [[SRD:Enhancement Bonus|enhancement bonus]], with perfect maneuverability.

==== Armor Class ====

An animated weapon has a [[SRD:Natural Armor|natural armor]] bonus to [[SRD:Armor Class|AC]] equal to the [[SRD:Hardness|hardness]] of its base material - 5 (minimum +0), as well as a shield bonus and a [[SRD:Deflection Bonus|deflection]] bonus, both equal to its magical [[SRD:Enhancement Bonus|enhancement bonus]] (if any). It also gains a size bonus or penalty to AC (if any), depending on its effective size.

==== Attack ====

An animated weapon performs attacks like a weapon of its type does in the hands of a creature proficient in its use. The base damage of an attack by an animated weapon is equal to the base damage of the base weapon.

The attacks of an animated weapon are treated as attacks made with a manufactured weapon. Attacks by an animated weapon are considered magical (if the base weapon has an [[SRD:Enhancement Bonus|enhancement bonus]] of at least +1) or [[SRD:Epic Magic Weapons|epic]] (if the base weapon has an [[SRD:Enhancement Bonus|enhancement bonus]] of +6). If the base weapon is made out of a material with special properties that bypass specific forms of [[SRD:Damage Reduction|damage reduction]], such as [[SRD:Adamantine|adamantine]], [[SRD:Alchemical Silver|alchemical silver]] or [[SRD:Cold Iron|cold iron]], the animated weapon is also considered to have that quality.

If the base weapon has any sort of special enhancement that changes the effect of its attacks, the animated weapon has this quality as well. Examples are special enhancements that increase its damage (such as [[SRD:Flaming|flaming]], [[SRD:Shock|shock]], collision, etc.) and effects that bypass certain types of defenses (such as [[SRD:Holy|holy]] or [[SRD:Brilliant Energy|brilliant energy]]).

An animated weapon has the same [[SRD:Space/Reach (Creature Statistic)|space and reach]] that an appropriately sized creature would have when wielding the weapon. For example, an animated [[SRD:Longsword|longsword]] occupies a 5-foot square, and has a 5-foot reach, even though it is effectively [[SRD:Tiny|Tiny]].

==== Full Attack ====

An animated weapon may make iterative attacks on a full attack action, provided it has a high enough [[SRD:Base Attack Bonus|base attack bonus]]. If the base weapon has a special enhancement that influences its behaviour on a full attack, such as [[SRD:Speed|speed]], the animated weapon has this quality on a full action as well.

==== Special Attacks ====

An animated weapon has no [[SRD:Special Abilities Overview#Extraordinary|extraordinary]] or [[SRD:Special Abilities Overview#Extraordinary|supernatural]] abilities, except for those the base weapon has gained from special weapon enhancements or weapon crystals<sup>[[Publication:Magic Item Compendium|MIC]]</sup>.

==== Special Qualities ====

An animated weapon has the usual [[SRD:Construct Type|construct]] traits, and furthermore gains the following:

*[[SRD:Blindsight|Blindsight]] out to 30 feet, plus an additional 30 feet for every 2 points of magical [[SRD:Enhancement Bonus|enhancement bonus]] the base weapon has.
*[[SRD:Damage Reduction|Damage reduction]]/- equal to half the [[SRD:Hardness|hardness]] of the weapon.
*[[SRD:Freedom of Movement|Freedom of Movement]]: As the [[SRD:Spell|spell]].
*[[SRD:Resistance to Energy|Resistance]] to all energy types equal to 5 plus 5 times its magical [[SRD:Enhancement Bonus|enhancement bonus]] (5 if mundane or [[SRD:Masterwork Weapons|masterwork]], 10 at +1, 15 at +2, etc.). Animated weapons with an enhancement bonus of +6 or higher instead have complete immunity to all energy types.

==== Abilities ====

[[SRD:Strength|Strength]] and [[SRD:Dexterity|Dexterity]] equal to the value in [[#Table: Animated Weapon Statistics|Table: Animated Weapon Statistics]], modified by the weapon's effective size. A [[SRD:Mithral|mithral]] weapon has an additional +4 [[SRD:Dexterity|Dexterity]], and an [[SRD:Adamantine|adamantine]] weapon has an additional +6 [[SRD:Strength|Strength]].

Being a [[SRD:Construct Type|construct]], an animated weapon has no [[SRD:Constitution|Constitution]] or [[SRD:Intelligence|Intelligence]] score.

An animated weapon has a [[SRD:Wisdom|Wisdom]] score equal to 10 + twice its magical [[SRD:Enhancement Bonus|enhancement bonus]], and a [[SRD:Charisma|Charisma]] of 1.

Animated weapons that are [[SRD:Intelligent Items|intelligent items]] retain the mental ability scores of the base weapon.

==== Skills ====

An animated weapon has a +8 racial bonus to [[SRD:Tumble Skill|Tumble]] checks.

==== Feats ====

An animated weapon gains [[Weapon Focus Eiji Variant (3.5e Feat)|Eiji Weapon Focus]] in the appropriate weapon type as a bonus feat. Furthermore, it also gains [[SRD:Weapon Finesse|Weapon Finesse]] as a bonus feat if [[SRD:Light Weapon|light]].

An animated weapon does not gain any racial feats unless it is an [[SRD:Intelligent Items|intelligent item]].

==== Environment ====

Any.

==== Organization ====

Any.

==== Challenge Rating ====

1 (mundane), 2 ([[SRD:Masterwork Weapons|masterwork]]), [[SRD:Enhancement Bonus|enhancement bonus]]&times;3 ([[SRD:Magic Weapons|magical]]). 

''Mithral:'' &times;2 or +2, whichever is lower.

''Adamantine:'' &times;3 or +3, whichever is lower. 

''Special Weapon Quality:'' + half the cumulative [[SRD:Enhancement Bonus|enhancement bonus]] of all special weapon qualities, rounded up.

==== Treasure ====

The base weapon.

==== Alignment ====

Always [[SRD:Neutral|neutral]].

=== Animated Weapon Table ===

{|class="zebra d20" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1"
|+ style="text-align: right;" |<div style="float: left;">{{Anchor|Table: Animated Weapon Statistics}}</div>
|-
! class="left" |Quality
! class="left" |[[SRD:Hit Dice|Hit Dice]]<sup>1</sup> ([[SRD:Hit Points|hit points]]<sup>2</sup>)
! class="left" |Base [[SRD:Strength|Str]]/[[SRD:Dexterity|Dex]]<sup>3</sup>
|- {{#vardefine:odd|0}}
|- 
|class="left" |Mundane, normal ||class="left" |1d10 (5 hp) ||class="left" | 10
|- 
|class="left" |Mundane, [[SRD:Masterwork Weapons|mwk]] ||class="left" |3d10 (16 hp) ||class="left" | 12
|- 
|class="left" |[[SRD:Magic Weapon|Magical]], +1 ||class="left" |5d10+5 (32 hp) ||class="left" | 14
|- 
|class="left" |[[SRD:Magic Weapon|Magical]], +2 ||class="left" |8d10+16 (60 hp) ||class="left" | 16
|-
|class="left" |[[SRD:Magic Weapon|Magical]], +3 ||class="left" |11d10+33 (93 hp) ||class="left" | 18
|- 
|class="left" |[[SRD:Magic Weapon|Magical]], +4 ||class="left" |14d10+56 (133 hp) ||class="left" | 20
|-
|class="left" |[[SRD:Magic Weapon|Magical]], +5 ||class="left" |17d10+85 (178 hp) ||class="left" | 22
|- 
|class="left" |[[SRD:Magic Weapon|Magical]], +6 ||class="left" |20d10+120 (230 hp) ||class="left" | 24
|-
|class="foot" colspan="3" | 
# Does not include bonus [[SRD:Hit Points|hit points]] due to size, if any.
# A [[SRD:Magic Weapon|magic weapon]] gains additional [[SRD:Hit Points|hit points]] per [[SRD:Hit Dice|HD]] equal to its<br>[[SRD:Enhancement Bonus|enhancement bonus]].
# Add a +4 size bonus to [[SRD:Strength|Strength]] and a -2 size penalty to [[SRD:Dexterity|Dexterity]]<br>for every size category the animated weapon has above [[SRD:Tiny Size|Tiny]], or a<br>-2 size penalty to [[SRD:Strength|Strength]] and a +2 size bonus to [[SRD:Dexterity|Dexterity]] for<br>every size category below [[SRD:Tiny Size|Tiny]]. 
|}

== Example Monster: Animated Longsword ==

{{3.5e Monster Classic
|#ofEntries=2

|monster=Animated [[SRD:Longsword|Longsword]]
|size=Tiny |type=Construct |subtypes=
|hd=1d10 |hp=5
|init=+0
|speed=[[SRD:Fly|Fly]] 40 ft. (perfect)
|ac=17 (+2 size, +5 [[SRD:Natural Armor|natural]]) |touch=12 |flat=15
|bab=+0 |grapple=-8 ([[SRD:Freedom of Movement|freedom]])
|at=[[SRD:Longsword|Longsword]] +2 melee (1d8/19-20)
|full_at=[[SRD:Longsword|Longsword]] +2 melee (1d8/19-20)
|space=5 ft. |reach=5 ft.
|sa=&mdash;
|sq=[[SRD:Construct Type|Construct traits]], [[SRD:Blindsight|blindsight]] 30 ft., [[SRD:Damage Reduction|damage reduction]] 5/-, [[SRD:Freedom of Movement|freedom of movement]], [[SRD:Resistance to Energy|resistance to energy]] 5
|fort=+0 |ref=+0 |will=+0
|str=10 |dex=10 |con=&mdash; |int=&mdash; |wis=10 |cha=1
|skills=[[SRD:Tumble Skill|Tumble]] +8
|feats=[[Weapon Focus Eiji Variant (3.5e Feat)|Eiji Weapon Focus]]
|env=Any
|org=Solitary
|cr=1
|treas=One [[SRD:Longsword|longsword]]
|align=Always [[SRD:Neutral|neutral]]
|adv=&mdash;
|la=&mdash;

|monster2=[[SRD:Masterwork Weapons|Masterwork]] Animated [[SRD:Longsword|Longsword]]
|size2=Tiny |type2=Construct |subtypes2=
|hd2=3d10 |hp2=16
|init2=+1
|speed2=[[SRD:Fly|Fly]] 40 ft. (perfect)
|ac2=18 (+2 size, +1 [[SRD:Dexterity|Dex]], +5 [[SRD:Natural Armor|natural]]) |touch2=13 |flat2=15
|bab2=+2 |grapple2=-5 ([[SRD:Freedom of Movement|freedom]])
|at2=[[SRD:Longsword|Longsword]] +7 melee (1d8+1/19-20)
|full_at2=[[SRD:Longsword|Longsword]] +7 melee (1d8+1/19-20)
|space2=5 ft. |reach2=5 ft.
|sa2=&mdash;
|sq2=[[SRD:Construct Type|Construct traits]], [[SRD:Blindsight|blindsight]] 30 ft., [[SRD:Damage Reduction|damage reduction]] 5/-, [[SRD:Freedom of Movement|freedom of movement]], [[SRD:Resistance to Energy|resistance to energy]] 5
|fort2=+1 |ref2=+2 |will2=+1
|str2=12 |dex2=12 |con2=&mdash; |int2=&mdash; |wis2=10 |cha2=1
|skills2=[[SRD:Tumble Skill|Tumble]] +9
|feats2=[[Weapon Focus Eiji Variant (3.5e Feat)|Eiji Weapon Focus]]
|env2=Any
|org2=Solitary
|cr2=2
|treas2=One [[SRD:Masterwork Weapons|masterwork]] [[SRD:Longsword|longsword]]
|align2=Always [[SRD:Neutral|neutral]]
|adv2=&mdash;
|la2=&mdash;
}}

{{3.5e Monster Classic
|#ofEntries=3

|monster=''+1 Animated [[SRD:Longsword|Longsword]]''
|size=Tiny |type=Construct |subtypes=
|hd=5d10+5 |hp=32
|init=+2
|speed=[[SRD:Fly|Fly]] 50 ft. (perfect)
|ac=21 (+2 size, +2 [[SRD:Dexterity|Dex]], +5 [[SRD:Natural Armor|natural]], +1 [[SRD:Shield|shield]], +1 [[SRD:Deflection Bonus|deflection]]) |touch=15 |flat=19
|bab=+3 |grapple=-3 ([[SRD:Freedom of Movement|freedom]])
|at=[[SRD:Longsword|Longsword]] +9 melee (1d8+3/19-20)
|full_at=[[SRD:Longsword|Longsword]] +9 melee (1d8+3/19-20)
|space=5 ft. |reach=5 ft.
|sa=&mdash;
|sq=[[SRD:Construct Type|Construct traits]], [[SRD:Blindsight|blindsight]] 30 ft., [[SRD:Damage Reduction|damage reduction]] 6/-, [[SRD:Freedom of Movement|freedom of movement]], [[SRD:Resistance to Energy|resistance to energy]] 10
|fort=+2 |ref=+4 |will=+3
|str=14 |dex=14 |con=&mdash; |int=&mdash; |wis=12 |cha=1
|skills=[[SRD:Tumble Skill|Tumble]] +10
|feats=[[Weapon Focus Eiji Variant (3.5e Feat)|Eiji Weapon Focus]]
|env=Any
|org=Solitary
|cr=3
|treas=One ''+1 [[SRD:Longsword|longsword]]''
|align=Always [[SRD:Neutral|neutral]]
|adv=&mdash;
|la=&mdash;

|monster2=''+2 Animated [[SRD:Longsword|Longsword]]''
|size2=Tiny |type2=Construct |subtypes2=
|hd2=8d10+16 |hp2=60
|init2=+3
|speed2=[[SRD:Fly|Fly]] 60 ft. (perfect)
|ac2=24 (+2 size, +3 [[SRD:Dexterity|Dex]], +5 [[SRD:Natural Armor|natural]], +2 [[SRD:Shield|shield]], +2 [[SRD:Deflection Bonus|deflection]]) |touch2=17 |flat2=21
|bab2=+6 |grapple2=+1 ([[SRD:Freedom of Movement|freedom]])
|at2=[[SRD:Longsword|Longsword]] +14 melee (1d8+7/19-20)
|full_at2=[[SRD:Longsword|Longsword]] +14/+9 melee (1d8+7/19-20)
|space2=5 ft. |reach2=5 ft.
|sa2=&mdash;
|sq2=[[SRD:Construct Type|Construct traits]], [[SRD:Blindsight|blindsight]] 60 ft., [[SRD:Damage Reduction|damage reduction]] 7/-, [[SRD:Freedom of Movement|freedom of movement]], [[SRD:Resistance to Energy|resistance to energy]] 15
|fort2=+4 |ref2=+7 |will2=+6
|str2=16 |dex2=16 |con2=&mdash; |int2=&mdash; |wis2=14 |cha2=1
|skills2=[[SRD:Tumble Skill|Tumble]] +11
|feats2=[[Weapon Focus Eiji Variant (3.5e Feat)|Eiji Weapon Focus]]
|env2=Any
|org2=Solitary
|cr2=6
|treas2=One ''+2 [[SRD:Longsword|longsword]]''
|align2=Always [[SRD:Neutral|neutral]]
|adv2=&mdash;
|la2=&mdash;

|monster3=''+3 Animated [[SRD:Longsword|Longsword]]''
|size3=Tiny |type3=Construct |subtypes3=
|hd3=11d10+33 |hp3=93
|init3=+4
|speed3=[[SRD:Fly|Fly]] 70 ft. (perfect)
|ac3=27 (+2 size, +4 [[SRD:Dexterity|Dex]], +5 [[SRD:Natural Armor|natural]], +3 [[SRD:Shield|shield]], +3 [[SRD:Deflection Bonus|deflection]]) |touch3=19 |flat3=23
|bab3=+8 |grapple3=+4 ([[SRD:Freedom of Movement|freedom]])
|at3=[[SRD:Longsword|Longsword]] +19 melee (1d8+9/19-20)
|full_at3=[[SRD:Longsword|Longsword]] +19/+14 melee (1d8+9/19-20)
|space3=5 ft. |reach3=5 ft.
|sa3=&mdash;
|sq3=[[SRD:Construct Type|Construct traits]], [[SRD:Blindsight|blindsight]] 60 ft., [[SRD:Damage Reduction|damage reduction]] 8/-, [[SRD:Freedom of Movement|freedom of movement]], [[SRD:Resistance to Energy|resistance to energy]] 20
|fort3=+6 |ref3=+10 |will3=+9
|str3=18 |dex3=18 |con3=&mdash; |int3=&mdash; |wis3=16 |cha3=1
|skills3=[[SRD:Tumble Skill|Tumble]] +12
|feats3=[[Weapon Focus Eiji Variant (3.5e Feat)|Eiji Weapon Focus]]
|env3=Any
|org3=Solitary
|cr3=9
|treas3=One ''+3 [[SRD:Longsword|longsword]]''
|align3=Always [[SRD:Neutral|neutral]]
|adv3=&mdash;
|la3=&mdash;
}}

{{3.5e Monster Classic
|#ofEntries=3

|monster=''+4 Animated [[SRD:Longsword|Longsword]]''
|size=Tiny |type=Construct |subtypes=
|hd=14d10+56 |hp=133
|init=+5
|speed=[[SRD:Fly|Fly]] 80 ft. (perfect)
|ac=30 (+2 size, +5 [[SRD:Dexterity|Dex]], +5 [[SRD:Natural Armor|natural]], +4 [[SRD:Shield|shield]], +4 [[SRD:Deflection Bonus|deflection]]) |touch=21 |flat=25
|bab=+10 |grapple=+7 ([[SRD:Freedom of Movement|freedom]])
|at=[[SRD:Longsword|Longsword]] +23 melee (1d8+11/19-20)
|full_at=[[SRD:Longsword|Longsword]] +23/+18 melee (1d8+11/19-20)
|space=5 ft. |reach=5 ft.
|sa=&mdash;
|sq=[[SRD:Construct Type|Construct traits]], [[SRD:Blindsight|blindsight]] 90 ft., [[SRD:Damage Reduction|damage reduction]] 9/-, [[SRD:Freedom of Movement|freedom of movement]], [[SRD:Resistance to Energy|resistance to energy]] 25
|fort=+8 |ref=+13 |will=+12
|str=20 |dex=20 |con=&mdash; |int=&mdash; |wis=18 |cha=1
|skills=[[SRD:Tumble Skill|Tumble]] +13
|feats=[[Weapon Focus Eiji Variant (3.5e Feat)|Eiji Weapon Focus]]
|env=Any
|org=Solitary
|cr=12
|treas=One ''+4 [[SRD:Longsword|longsword]]''
|align=Always [[SRD:Neutral|neutral]]
|adv=&mdash;
|la=&mdash;

|monster2=''+5 Animated [[SRD:Longsword|Longsword]]''
|size2=Tiny |type2=Construct |subtypes2=
|hd2=17d10+85 |hp2=178
|init2=+6
|speed2=[[SRD:Fly|Fly]] 90 ft. (perfect)
|ac2=33 (+2 size, +6 [[SRD:Dexterity|Dex]], +5 [[SRD:Natural Armor|natural]], +5 [[SRD:Shield|shield]], +5 [[SRD:Deflection Bonus|deflection]]) |touch2=23 |flat2=27
|bab2=+12 |grapple2=+10 ([[SRD:Freedom of Movement|freedom]])
|at2=[[SRD:Longsword|Longsword]] +27 melee (1d8+15/19-20)
|full_at2=[[SRD:Longsword|Longsword]] +27/+22/+17 melee (1d8+15/19-20)
|space2=5 ft. |reach2=5 ft.
|sa2=&mdash;
|sq2=[[SRD:Construct Type|Construct traits]], [[SRD:Blindsight|blindsight]] 90 ft., [[SRD:Damage Reduction|damage reduction]] 10/-, [[SRD:Freedom of Movement|freedom of movement]], [[SRD:Resistance to Energy|resistance to energy]] 30
|fort2=+10 |ref2=+16 |will2=+15
|str2=22 |dex2=22 |con2=&mdash; |int2=&mdash; |wis2=20 |cha2=1
|skills2=[[SRD:Tumble Skill|Tumble]] +14
|feats2=[[Weapon Focus Eiji Variant (3.5e Feat)|Eiji Weapon Focus]]
|env2=Any
|org2=Solitary
|cr2=15
|treas2=One ''+5 [[SRD:Longsword|longsword]]''
|align2=Always [[SRD:Neutral|neutral]]
|adv2=&mdash;
|la2=&mdash;

|monster3=''+6 Animated [[SRD:Longsword|Longsword]]''
|size3=Tiny |type3=Construct |subtypes3=
|hd3=20d10+120 |hp3=230
|init3=+7
|speed3=[[SRD:Fly|Fly]] 100 ft. (perfect)
|ac3=36 (+2 size, +7 [[SRD:Dexterity|Dex]], +5 [[SRD:Natural Armor|natural]], +6 [[SRD:Shield|shield]], +6 [[SRD:Deflection Bonus|deflection]]) |touch3=25 |flat3=29
|bab3=+15 |grapple3=+14 ([[SRD:Freedom of Movement|freedom]])
|at3=[[SRD:Longsword|Longsword]] +32 melee (1d8+17/19-20)
|full_at3=[[SRD:Longsword|Longsword]] +32/+27/+22 melee (1d8+17/19-20)
|space3=5 ft. |reach3=5 ft.
|sa3=&mdash;
|sq3=[[SRD:Construct Type|Construct traits]], [[SRD:Blindsight|blindsight]] 120 ft., [[SRD:Damage Reduction|damage reduction]] 11/-, energy immunity, [[SRD:Freedom of Movement|freedom of movement]]
|fort3=+12 |ref3=+19 |will3=+18
|str3=24 |dex3=24 |con3=&mdash; |int3=&mdash; |wis3=22 |cha3=1
|skills3=[[SRD:Tumble Skill|Tumble]] +15
|feats3=[[Weapon Focus Eiji Variant (3.5e Feat)|Eiji Weapon Focus]]
|env3=Any
|org3=Solitary
|cr3=18
|treas3=One ''+6 [[SRD:Longsword|longsword]]''
|align3=Always [[SRD:Neutral|neutral]]
|adv3=&mdash;
|la3=&mdash;
}}


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{{3.5e Templates Breadcrumb}}
[[Category:User]]
[[Category:3.5e]]
[[Category:Template]]

{{Navboxes}}
Alignment	Always neutral +
Author	Sulacu +
Challenge Rating	1 +, 2 +, 3 +, 6 +, 9 +, 12 +, 15 + and 18 +
Environment	Any +
Identifier	3.5e Template +
Level Adjustment	— +
Rating	Unrated +
Size	Tiny +
Summary	This template turns an ordinary weapon into a menacing foe. +
Title	Animated Weapon +
Type	Construct +