Golem

When used generally, the class name for a specific type of wizardly construct. Also used specifically to denote the original type of construct which gave the class its name.

A golem is a collection of matter -- structured or unstructured -- which acts as "inanimate" matter normally does until it is animated by a specific word in the Speech. The word (or group of concept syllables) in question is normally kept physically in contact with the golem, and therefore continually acts to recharge the base wizardry used to animate the golem. The word can be written on the golem itself, or attached to / inserted into it in any written form. (Pieces of paper have been used, as have -- in the earliest versions -- small tablets of clay.)

Golems are not intelligent, though (for courtesy's sake) they should be considered to be sentient due to the incorporation of the Speech into their structure, no matter for how short a time this condition may obtain. Ordinarily a golem acts like a machine, the base wizardry and activating word working together to determine how it behaves. However, a golem's shape may also have some effect on its functioning, in the same way that a statue animated using the Mason's Word may attempt to act the same way as a real creature of the same shape would do.

When the activating word or concept phrase in the Speech is removed or effaced, the golem theoretically ceases to operate. However, depending on the intrinsic power of the Speech / wizardry used to animate them, and how long it was in effect, golems may unexpectedly reanimate under certain circumstances -- so great care should be taken in their design and management.

(See also: Great Golem of Prague.)