[Creature] One More Robot Learns to Feel

[The Demented One]

Cupilex
Size/Type: Medium Construct (Extraplanar, Law)
Hit Dice: 9d10+20 (70 hp)
Initiative: +5
Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares)
Armor Class: 23 (+5 Dex, +8 natural), touch 15, flatfooted 18
Base Attack/Grapple: +6/+8
Attack: Slam +11 melee (1d6+2)
Full Attack: 2 Slams +11 melee (1d6+2)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Laws of desire
Special Qualities: Construct traits, darkvision 60 ft., resistance to acid 10, cold 10, and fire 10, DR 5/chaos
Saves: Fort +2, Ref +7, Will +4
Abilities: Str 14, Dex 20, Con –, Int 20, Wis 14, Cha 20
Skills: Bluff +17, Diplomacy +17, Hide +17, Knowledge (The Planes) +17, Move Silently +17, Sense Motive +14, Tumble +17,
Feats: Ability Focus (Laws of Desire), Weapon Finesse, Dodge, Mobility
Environment: Clockwork Nirvana of Mechanus
Organization: Solitary
Challenge Rating: 6
Treasure: None
Alignment: Lawful Neutral
Advancement: 10-16 HD (Medium)
Level Adjustment: –

The Modrons have become rarely seen players in the multiverse as of late, secluding themselves within Regulus. And yet, they have not ceased their work. Lately, specialized constructs with all the hallmarks of Modron design have been seen roaming the universe, analyzing its laws. The Cupilexi are one such kind of construct. They were designed to examine and analyze the laws that govern the desires and wants of mortal beings. They insinuate themselves within society to learn the motive behind everything: why the paladin wants to help the poor, why the succubus wants to seduce the innocent, and why the tarrasque wants to eat are all equally valid questions to a Cupilex. Mortal spellcasters have taken to copying the Cupilexi for their own purposes, using them as spies or seductresses. Cupilexi resemble stylized, construct versions of elves, and often have a curving, slightly feminine chassis.

Laws of Desire (Su)
A Cupilex can manipulate the laws governing mortal wants and desires to toy with the emotions of a creature. It may make a suggestion, as the spell (caster level 9th), to a creature by interacting with it for a minute and making a successful DC 25 Knowledge (The Planes) check. It may attempt to dominate a creature, as dominate person, except that any creature type may be dominated, by interacting with a creature for a minute and making a successful DC 30 Knowledge (The Planes) check. Both save DC’s are 21. The saves are Charisma based.

Construction
The body of a Cupilex is made from one ton of metal mined from Mechanus, worth 5,000 gp. Assembling the body requires a DC 15 Craft (Armorsmithing or Weaponsmithing) check and a DC 15 Knowledge (The Planes) check.

CL 9th. Craft Construct, dominate person, magic circle against chaos, suggestion. Cost 6,750 gp + 540 xp. Price 13,500 gp.

[Winged One]

Regarding the spells: 1. Just make it Dominate Monster. 2. Magic Circle Against Law is the exact opposite spell that you seem to be thinking of. Magic Circle Against Chaos has the [law] descriptor, while Magic Circle against Law has the [chaos] descriptor.

[The Demented One]

Regarding the spells: 1. Just make it Dominate Monster.

That puts it out of the reach of most casters, doesn't it? Any reason why a 9th level spell should be a prerequisite for a low-powered construct.

2. Magic Circle Against Law is the exact opposite spell that you seem to be thinking of. Magic Circle Against Chaos has the [law] descriptor, while Magic Circle against Law has the [chaos] descriptor.

Durr...Thank you for pointing this out.

[bibliophile]

This is very interesting, but perhaps it could use some expansion. Do they participate in human actions to better understand them, or do they only observe and question? If they learn about humans from humans who have broadly similiar
alignments, does this affect their alignment?



On an unrelated note, the thread necromancy/not thread necromancy limit here is one and a half months, which I (very narrowly) avoid.

[The Demented One]

On an unrelated note, the thread necromancy/not thread necromancy limit here is one and a half months, which I (very narrowly) avoid.

Err...it's actually been about one and a half years. Bit off. The mods do tend to be a bit more forgiving in homebrew, though. A bit.

Do they participate in human actions to better understand them, or do they only observe and question?

I'd say more the former. They're more the type to assimilate into a society, probably using some sort of disguise, and learn by actively participating in it. A Cupilex being a passive observer and questioner is possible, but I suspect the former'd be more interesting.

If they learn about humans from humans who have broadly similiar
alignments, does this affect their alignment?

Nope. The Cupilexi observe society from a detached, objective viewpoint, like that of a scientist. What they observe they analyze rationally and logically. However, a Cupilex being influenced by the people around it does have some interesting potential, so a DM should feel free to run with that idea.

[sigurd]

This creature isn't even listed on your homebrew index. I think you deserve extra brownie points for being around to respond to this.


Sigurd

[Scaboroth]

Dude, this monster is so old-school Star Trek.
I can totally see Captain Kirk seducing/being seduced by the Cupilex.

[Karaswanton]

Nitpick: Succubi and the Tarrasque are not mortal beings.