Category:Dread Constructcrafter

The dread constructcrafter is the dread crafter of either a golem that receives the dread golem template or a less elaborate dread construct such as the carrionette, the figurine, the living wall, or the wishing imp. The dread constructcrafter is engaged in, whether he realises it or not, dread constructcrafting, dread crafting, and dread creation. The competences of the constructcrafter are not necessarily presupposed. What is achieved is achieved with at least a dash of dark desire and at least a smidgeon of assistance from Dark Powers. One need not be even so much as a novice at magic to create a dread construct. Equally, one can be the most gifted scientific mind in the Land of Mists but the construct will not animate save by the fiat of the Dark Powers. Making a dread construct is usually will to the creation of life and as such is hubris and transgression. A dread golemcrafter is a candidate for a Powers Check, but such a check may be unnecessary as the dread construct itself may be "reward" enough.

The dread golemcrafter is a bit like a cyclist. The cyclist knows how to ride his or her bicycle. But he or she cannot explain the physics involved. Dread golemcrafters do not truly know the "how" of "what" they are doing. They do not understand the role of dark desire in their creation and they do not recognise the hand of the Dark Powers in its animation. Nor do they appreciate the consequences . . . . Neither Emil Bollenbach nor Dr. Victor Mordenheim constitute exceptions. Both believe that their wonders are works of biological and medical science. Mordenheim, at the very least, does not even realise that Adam is not a member of the living, but is rather one of the created. Adam is, for him, a living thing whose definition is strictly a matter of biology. Other makers are, in their own ways, no less deluded. Their creations are, for example, works of "advanced alchemy" or "advanced chemistry", or "gifted metallurgy" or "gifted woodworking", or a "parent's love" or an enemy's "hatred", or even "divine favour". Individuals such as Azalin Rex or members of the Fraternity of Shadows, who have a firm understanding of the process of creating a dread construct, choose wisely not to do so.

Knowledge of the particulars of the dread constructrafter's work is Ravenloft Lore and Knowledge (Ravenloft). Arcane Lore and Knowledge (arcana) are useful, but afford no information about the ways in which the dread constructcrafter differs from the constructcrafter, and so may even offer information that is, in certain points, dangerously inaccurate. For example that the maker of a dread construct is the maker of a mindless creature firmly under his or her control.