Construct Saboteur (Rogue Archetype)
One last time (for now) we take a look at an archetype from Construct Handbook, and yes, it is one of the ones specifically designed to kill constructs… But at least for this one it makes sense and isn’t just “a scholar of constructs and their lore, but all their abilities are geared towards killing them”.
Anyway, the construct saboteur is exactly what you expect it is, a rogue specializing in the destruction of constructs, but there are a few things to note that make it interesting.
You see, back in 3.5, the edition of D&D that Pathfinder 1e was based on, constructs were one of several creature types that were completely immune to precision and critical hit damage, a category that included the likes of elementals, oozes, and undead as well, the reason being that such creatures lacked an internal anatomy (or at least a functional one), to target.
While some creatures retain that trait, such as elementals and oozes purely because there are no organs or discernable anatomy to target, Pathfinder removed that from most constructs and undead on the reasoning that while they have no organs, such creatures do have areas where one can maximize damage, such joints or locuses of mystical/unholy power, which can be damaged to inhibit function. For constructs, these could be anything from vulnerable joints to runes that can be ruined, or gearboxes that can be jammed.
And that is where the gimmick of today’s subject really comes into play, for these rogues can not only deal extra damage with their sneak attack, but also take advantage of the unique vulnerabilities of constructs to debilitate them further, similar to the rogue talents that add extra effects to sneak attack with other creatures that a construct would be immune to, such as bleed or nausea and whatnot.
As one might imagine, these saboteurs might arise as tomb-breakers specializing in ancient ruins with construct guardians, or they might be rebels in a land where machines are tools of oppression, or survivors in wastelands plagued by alien machines.
Befitting their occupation, these sneaks are quite knowledgeable about the inner workings of constructs and other similar mechanisms and architecture. Additionally, they learn how to channel minor magical power into their weaponry to enhance their attacks, which in turn serves as the focus for their later abilities.
Indeed, by using the arcane to empower their weapon while also targeting the weak points of a construct, they can target parts of their construction or animating forces to debilitate them. For example, they might blind them, or temporarily weaken the magic immunity of some constructs, overwhelm their bodies to reduce their activity, or dramatically slow their speed.
They also study the materials from which constructs are made, learning the best ways to bypass the inherent durability therein.
A simple archetype, but one that gives the rogue an edge against construct foes. If your campaign has a lot of dungeons with construct guardians, or takes place in a setting where constructs are common like Golarion’s Numeria, this archetype might be quite useful, but in places where it is not, it is luckily so intrusive as to make them unviable for other scenarios. That being said, don’t ask them to disable magical traps or be the first line of defense in discovering traps in the first place.
While these figures are not necessarily defined by their relationship with constructs, it likely does have a heavy influence. They might hate them, or they might view them as a valuable resource, or as simply something to be good at destroying for the profits.
One would assume that most constructs would be at a disadvantage underwater, but the advanced magical weaponry of the stone men of sunken Anoga make them quite formidable in protecting the ruins abandoned to the waves. However, some locathah tribes have studied the constructs to find their weaknesses, opening up ruins for salvage and exploration.
Angry and depanding recompense, an azruverda, normally peaceful beetle-like beings, has begun accosting travellers looking for a specific band of adventurers. Apparently, this band came and destroyed all of the constructs the lonely creature had come to regard as her friends in her abandoned temple home, and now she seeks to avenge them.
The mighty golem called Vigilance has been lauded by the people as the perfect defender, ever watchful against danger to the city. When the city guard find the statue inert, destroyed with a few well-placed strikes, their gemstone eyes plucked out, the people that had come to love the artificial being are left angry and distraught.
