Golemechanics: A Basic Treatise on Golems, by Amelia Selana (Archmage of Transmutation) Part One: History of the Craft, & Tips for the Aspiring Golemechanist.

Golemechanics is said to have originated in Netherese culture. As far as most researchers can tell, the oldest known Golems we can find records of are in Netherese ruins. Most were highly stylised, and typically made of stone or a metal composite. When crafting Golems, the first thing you need to pay close attention to is the core parts - the "Skeleton" of the Golem.

Basically, these are the parts that will bear the brunt of the Golem's mass. When making Golems, try to avoid highly stylised designs (as with the ancient Golems) - whilst they look nice, they have less structural integrity. Often-times, a detailed crest will weaken the material in the immediate area, or overly-bulky armour hinders movement. If built around a solid core, it's just a matter of making sure the design

doesn't interfere with the necessary functions and movements of the Golem itself. For example, exaggerated shoulder pads would make it hard for the Golem to lift its arms freely. As with most things, the simpler the better. Traditionally, Earth Elemental spirits are used and bound into Golems, though Fire Elementals are also suitable. It's the elemental's consciousness and awareness that animates the Golem

- and this is done with the elemental's consent. If refused, the elemental is sent back to its home plane immediately.

If broken within a certain period of time (usually decades) the elemental is released, and allowed to pass properly back to the appropriate Plane of origin. The most common reason Golems malfunction, purely mechanical reasons aside, are when the enchantment bindings start to become 'loose' and drive the elemental insane. The best course of action here is to destroy the Golem and release the elemental.

Part Two: The Reasons Behind Creation, and the Methods.

-Why Make Golems?-

Tools, weapons - for example, if a mine is filled with poison gas, a Golem can be used over a person. Similar to Undead, Golems won't act unless they've been given specific orders by their owner (bearer of the Control Stone) to do so. This makes them useful as personal bodyguards, and carriers of heavy loads. The various types of Golem that can be found and built on the Arelith Isles are as follows:

~ Bone Golems are fragile, formed of the bones of dead animals (usually Ogres and Giants) and aren't recommended personally by this author - they are very easily destroyed. ~ Iron Golems are sturdy and large, and can carry heavy loads, but can be susceptible to arcane offensive attacks.

~ Stone Golems are magically resilient in addition to the Iron Golem's similarities, however they have an inherent weakness to acid (logically sound, as they are made of rock). These are the ones the author makes the most, and recommends personally.

-How to make Golems!-

~ Make sure all the tools you need are in working order; make sure they're all clean, and the area clear of hazards. ~ From there, assemble the parts and affix the Golem Heart to the Core (A detailed sketch follows this, of a basic heart implantation into the chest cavity of a Stone Golem). ~ Golem Control Stones have some small semblance of awareness within them, and they can be used to bind the Golem and the Elemental to your will. Focussing the awareness within ghe stone, then simultaneously fusing it to the Core AND your own will, eventually concludes in a fully operational Golem under your control. ~ Last thing you must never forget to do - make sure the Golem is properly balanced, and not having difficulties moving. And always consider safety as your top priority!