Animated Object, Tiny (4e Monster)

Author: Dracomortis (talk) Date Created: February 3, 2010 Status: Flavor pending Editing: Clarity edits only please

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A candelabra brought to life as an animated object. Image by Scott Fischer

An animated object is a type of construct given a semblance of life using relatively simple arcane rituals. The appearance and function of an animated object can vary greatly, because they can be made from nearly any otherwise mundane object. Unlike many constructs that are designed to serve as guardians and companions, animated objects are created simply for the convenience of their creator — a commonly-used object that can follow an individual around, perform tasks on its own, or double as an impromptu combatant are in high demand among the magically-inclined.

The animated objects described here are those of Tiny size — objects small enough that a human could easily carry them in their hands. These animated objects are extremely fragile but also easy to create, so they are by far the most common.

Animated Candelabra

Animated Candelabra Level 1 Minion Brute
Tiny natural animate (construct) XP 25
Initiative +1	Senses Perception -3; darkvision
HP 1; a missed attack never damages a minion.
AC 13; Fortitude 13, Reflex 13, Will 9
Immune disease, poison
Speed 6
Standard Actions
Burn (at-will) ♦ Fire
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +6 vs. AC Hit: 3 fire damage, and ongoing 2 fire damage (save ends).
Triggered Actions
Dying Ember (encounter) ♦ Fire
Trigger (Immediate Reaction): The animated candelabra is reduced to 0 hit points. Effect: The animated candelabra's space is filled with burning wax that persists until the end of its next turn. Any creature that enters the square takes 1 fire damage.
Alignment Unaligned	Languages —
Str 14 (+2)	Dex 12 (+1)	Wis 4 (–3)
Con 10 (+0)	Int 1 (–5)	Cha 1 (–5)

Animated Candelabra Tactics

An animated candelabra makes attacks against as many foes as possible before it is destroyed, attempting to set them all on fire. Even after it is destroyed, dying ember gives it a chance to deal some damage to foes who aren't careful.

Animated Dagger

Animated Dagger Level 1 Minion Skirmisher
Tiny natural animate (construct) XP 25
Initiative +4	Senses Perception -3; darkvision
HP 1; a missed attack never damages a minion.
AC 15; Fortitude 13, Reflex 13, Will 9
Immune disease, poison
Speed fly 6 (hover; maximum altitude 1)
Triggered Actions
Jab (at-will) ♦ Weapon
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +6 vs. AC Hit: 4 damage, and the animated dagger shifts 2 squares.
Triggered Actions
Final Parry (at-will) ♦ Weapon
Trigger (Immediate Interrupt): An adjacent ally is targeted by an attack Effect: The attack misses the target, and the animated dagger is destroyed.
Alignment Unaligned	Languages —
Str 12 (+1)	Dex 14 (+2)	Wis 4 (–3)
Con 10 (+0)	Int 1 (–5)	Cha 1 (–5)

Animated Dagger Tactics

Animated daggers prefer to harry their opponents by shifting around the battlefield, never remaining in one place for very long but always attempting to remain adjacent to more durable allies.

Animated Pot

Animated Pot Level 1 Minion Soldier
Tiny natural animate (construct) XP 25
Initiative +2	Senses Perception -3; darkvision
HP 1; a missed attack never damages a minion.
AC 17; Fortitude 14, Reflex 12, Will 9
Immune disease, poison
Speed 6
Standard Actions
Slam (at-will)
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +6 vs. AC Hit: 4 damage.
Triggered Actions
Iron Resilience (daily)
Trigger (Immediate Interrupt): An attack hits the animated pot. Effect: The attack misses the animated pot, and the animated pot makes a slam attack against an adjacent target.
Alignment Unaligned	Languages —
Str 13 (+1)	Dex 11 (+0)	Wis 4 (–3)
Con 16 (+3)	Int 1 (–5)	Cha 1 (–5)

Animated Pot Tactics

Animated pots are often commanded to swarm around more fragile animated objects, seeking to shield them from harm. They rely on iron resilience to protect them from the first attack that manages to hit, but they don't alter their tactics after it has been used.

Animated Rope

Animated Rope Level 1 Minion Controller
Tiny natural animate (construct) XP 25
Initiative +2	Senses Perception -3; darkvision
HP 1; a missed attack never damages a minion.
AC 15; Fortitude 13, Reflex 13, Will 9
Immune disease, poison
Speed 6, climb 2
Standard Actions
Coil (standard; at-will)
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +6 vs. AC Hit: 4 damage, and the target is grabbed (until escape).
Constrict (at-will)
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature grabbed by the animated rope); +4 vs. Fortitude Hit: 5 damage.
Alignment Unaligned	Languages —
Str 12 (+1)	Dex 14 (+2)	Wis 4 (–3)
Con 10 (+0)	Int 1 (–5)	Cha 1 (–5)

Animated Rope Tactics

An animated rope attempts to wrap itself around the most obviously threatening foe and then strangle that target to death using constrict.

Animated Object Lore

A character knows the following information with a successful Arcana check.

DC 15: Animated objects are minor constructs created by wizards and other spellcasters from mundane items. They serve as guardians, servants, and sometimes pets.

DC 20: The type of item an animated object is created from greatly affects its specific abilities. For example, an animated candelabra can set enemies on fire, while an animated rope can strangle them. Some types of animated objects have an innate ability to hover above the ground.

Encounter Groups

Tiny animated objects are almost always found in small groups and/or alongside their owners; when they aren't, they're typically encountered in the home or workplace of a spellcasting individual.

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