The arbalester is a type of homunculus in the form of a crossbow that is designed to aid and make ranged attacks.[2][1][note 1]
Description[]
At first glance, it appears to be a light crossbow that has arms and a face carved into it. In fact, this homunculus is designed and built around the stock of a light crossbow, with the arms being capable of loading itself and the face of looking for targets. Arbalesters are traditionally built with green wood and silver and gold threads, and are designed with a built-in quiver that can stock 20 bolts.[2]
Creation[]
In addition to a master-crafted light crossbow, the arbalester is carved from a piece of green wood, together with silver and gold threads. The creator must also give 1 pint (473 mL) of their own blood and have sufficient skill in carpentry or sculpting. Spells required are mending and arcane eye. The total cost of creation is 1,250 gp.[2]
After construction, it is impossible to detach the arbalester from the crossbow without destroying it.[2]
Abilities[]
An arbalester and a stonefirst defender.
Functioning like a regular crossbow, an arbalester can load and fire its crossbow component with ease and it is proficient in the weapon. It is a reasonably adept crossbowman-construct and will shoot at whatever its owner commands.[2][1] They can also bite[2] or hit with their arms.[1] They may also carry things other than the quarrels in its quiver.[2]
Like other homunculi, it is sentient.[2] However, it does not speak.[1]
They can also be enchanted, much like a masterwork crossbow can.[2]
Usage[]
They are usually set to guard an area against trespassers.[1]
An artificer or wizard with the Mark of Making may use the summon marked homunculus spell to summon an arbalester or another homunculi for some hours.[3] Similarly, an artificer may use animate arbalester to temporarily animate their own crossbow as an arbalester.[4]
Appendix[]
Notes[]
- ↑ Although described as a crossbow in Magic of Eberron, the accompanying art depicts it as a regular bow.
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Rob Heinsoo, Stephen Schubert (May 19, 2009). Monster Manual 2. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 143. ISBN 0786995101.
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 Bruce R. Cordell, Stephen Schubert, and Chris Thomasson (2005). Magic of Eberron. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 152. ISBN 0-7869-3696-7.
- ↑ Keith Baker, Ari Marmell, Michelle Lyons and C.A. Suleiman (2006). Dragonmarked. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 154. ISBN 0-7869-3933-8.
- ↑ David Noonan, Ari Marmell, and Robert J. Schwalb (2009). Eberron Player's Guide. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 53. ISBN 0-7869-5100-1.