Create Machine (Cooperative)

This spell is used to finish the process of fabricating magical machines and constructs, such as magical automatons. With this spell, dwarven priests can create a variety of useful devices, such as mining machines, pumps, elevators, water wheels, load-carrying carts, and similar machines.

The machine must be made from the finest materials. Then, a circle of dwarven priests linked by combine spells must cast commune, prayer, animate object, and finally, create machine, upon the device. A period of prayer, fasting, and meditation must be observed until the machine is enchanted, just as with any other magical items fabricated by priests (see the DMG).

The machine is nonintelligent and, when created, can be programmed to follow up to 10 simple orders (such machines are typically controlled by manual controls rather than by verbal commands).

A device created by this spell functions without fail or error for centuries, never requiring major repair other than common-sense maintenance unless it has been severely damaged. Armor Class and hit point values for the machine are assigned by the DM. These vary with function and the materials used to construct the device: Armor Class 4 to Armor Class 1 and 30-50 hit points are typical. The cost of a machine is usually between 1,000 and 4,000 gp per hit point.

The power and range of abilities of any machine must be strictly regulated by the DM, just as with any other magical item created for the campaign. A machine comparable in power to an artifact can be created only by NPCs of legendary status. No machine with obvious military function can be made with this spell. An enchanted waterwheel that runs forever or an underground mining machine can be created, but not a magical siege machine or armored attack vehicle. Such powerful military machines come under the heading of artifacts, and so are usually beyond this spell's power and effects.