Guardian golem

Obsolete: This article refers to an aspect of the game which has been removed. It is retained for historical reference only.

guardian golem 9
HP	26-54
HD	5
XP	0
Speed	10
AC	10
EV	2
Will	∞
Resistances	rF+ rC+ rElec rPois+++ rDrown rMiasma rN+++ rTorm
Vulnerabilities	None
Habitat	Land
Intelligence	Brainless
Uses	Open doors
Holiness	Non-living
Size	Large
Type	golem, guardian golem
Flags	No experience gain

A large construct, designed to protect. It can take the blows dealt to others upon itself, though it is prone to becoming unstable and overheating after heavy punishment.

“‘Listen Reb _Golem_,’ the old man said, wagging his finger. ‘Pay attention to
what I say—you understand?’
‘Understand...’
‘If you want to stay here, you got to do like Willpower. Gumbeiner says.’
‘Do-like-Willpower.-Gumbeiner-says...’
‘_That's_ the way I like to hear a golem talk. Malka, give here the mirror
from the pocketbook. Look, you see your face? You see on the forehead, what's
written? If you don't do like Willpower. Gumbeiner says, he'll wipe out what's
written and you'll be no more alive.’
‘No-more-alive...’
‘_That's_ right. Now, listen. Under the porch you'll find a lawnmower. Take
it. And cut the lawn. Then come back. Go.’”
-Avram Davidson, “The Golem”, 1955.

Useful Info

Guardian golems are constructs created by the spell Summon Guardian Golem. They are unable to attack, but they can shelter your summons from injuries, and it gains the Inner Flame status effect when severely damaged.

Tips & Tricks

Guardian golems can improve the durability of your other summons in extended combat, saving you from having to re-summon as often. Just watch out for the explosion.
Even if you don't have any other summons, a guardian golem can still serve to block oncoming monsters so you have a chance to get away.
You can weaponize guardian golems -- let enemies attack it until it explodes, then fight anything that survived in the ensuing flames.

History

In 0.31, guardian golems were removed, as Summon Guardian Golem was replaced by two spells, Martyr's Knell and Summon Blazeheart Golem.
Prior to 0.27, guardian golems only had a 1/4 chance to get Inner Flame.
Guardian golems were added with the Summon Guardian Golem spell in 0.14.