# The GM may allow the [transforming construct][1] template to be applied to constructs gained from class features Many templates that *can* be added to constructs—like the [haunted construct][2] template and the [lifespark construct][3] template—are tools *only* for the GM to use to create interesting encounters rather than toys for PCs. That is, unless a template says otherwise, the GM decides if a construct's owner can apply the template and if so then how. It doesn't matter if the construct's gained through a [machinesmith][4]'s [greatwork][5], a [tinker][6]'s [deploy automation][7] or [the alpha][8], or the hard work and pseudoscience of an ambitious yet disgraced eastern European doctor (and his hunchback cohort) using the feat [Craft Construct][14], if a template provides no rules for its application to a construct, the GM has the final say over the template's application. However, while the template [transforming construct][1] is from Green Ronin's [*Advanced Bestiary*][9], the template is applied according to the [Building and Modifying Constructs][10] rules from Paizo's own [*Ultimate Magic*][11], which, if the GM permits using those rules, allow an owner to modify a construct, therefore including adding the template. According to [Building and Modifying Constructs][10], "A modification can only be performed while the construct is inanimate or nonfunctioning," making it easiest to perform the modification *before* the construct is given the semblance of life by its owner casting the necessary spells (the typical means of construct animation). This player is unaware of a method to render a construct *nonfunctional* except by destroying the construct (which, afterward, typically makes modifying the construct pointless). Nonetheless, this GM would allow an owner to command the construct into a nonfunctional state unless the construct were, for example, out of control (such as a berserk [flesh golem][12]). Then, as per the template [transforming construct][1], the owner spends 12,500 gp and [12 days][13] modifying the construct. Further, the template has as prerequisites for its application that the owner possess the feat [Craft Construct][14] and have access to the spell [*polymorph*][15]. (This GM would waive the usual Spellcraft skill check as there appears to be no caster level associated with these constructs that are granted as class features anyway.) Note that a machinesmith doesn't gain the feat Craft Construct until level 15, and, so far as I can tell, a tinker *never* does. Further, neither class seems to have ready access to the *polymorph* spell. But, assuming the owner can overcome all these obstacles—the optional rules, the time, the money, the feat, and the spell—, a machinesmith or a tinker seems to be able to apply the template transforming construct to constructs gained as class features. However, were such a modified construct subsequently destroyed, the modifications would need to be made anew on the next construct for it also to become a transforming construct. [1]: http://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/monster-listings/templates/transforming-construct-cr-1 [2]: http://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/monster-listings/templates/haunted-construct [3]: http://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/monster-listings/templates/lifespark-construct-template [4]: http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/3rd-party-classes/louis-porter-jr-design/machinesmith [5]: http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/3rd-party-classes/louis-porter-jr-design/machinesmith#TOC-Greatworks-Su- [6]: http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/3rd-party-classes/interjection-games/tinker [7]: http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/3rd-party-classes/interjection-games/tinker#TOC-Deploy-Automation-Ex- [8]: http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/3rd-party-classes/interjection-games/tinker#TOC-The-Alpha [9]: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/193454759X [10]: http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/building-and-modifying-constructs [11]: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1601252994/ [12]: http://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/monster-listings/constructs/golem/golem-flesh [13]: http://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/glossary#TOC-Rounding [14]: http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/item-creation-feats/craft-construct-item-creation [15]: http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/p/polymorph