The standard shape for an iron golem is a large humanoid figure, but why should that be the only form? Wizards are known to experiment, so here are ten different shapes for iron golems. As form can define function, these alterations to the shapes can also alter what the golem can do.

1. Dragon: The iron golem is complete with wings, but it won’t fly unless additional magic is used to grant it that ability; the wings are non-functional. The golem may be painted, often green to match its breath weapon.
2. Fort: An immobile form that takes the shape of a small iron tower with walls that are about an inch thick in most places. The door and any windows to the tower are also iron, and the golem will open them on command.
3. Horse: The primary difference this has is that it’s possible for an authorised user to ride it. A saddle has been sculpted into the horse’s back, but it is steered by spoken commands. Despite the shape, the horse-shaped golem isn’t any faster, but it is tireless.
4. Mobile Armour: Inside the chest of the golem is a space that will take a small humanoid, such as a dwarf, halfling or gnome. The space is not quite airtight, otherwise the occupant would suffocate, and there are various gems that allow said occupant to control the golem.
5. Shield Bearer: An iron golem that seems thinner than most, as much of its substance is taken up by the huge metal shields it bears in each hand. The shield bearer can attack, bashing with the shields, but its main use is to provide shelter for others behind them.
6. Siege Turtle: A slanted iron roof and iron walls create a mobile siege turtle with many small legs at the bottom of the walls. The turtle isn’t very fast, but it obeys orders and can see where it’s going and where attacks may come from, which makes it harder to attack.
7. Snake: A gigantic legless metal snake, similar to such as an iron cobra, but on a much larger scale. The snake has the ability to crush creatures in its coils, and the fangs may have poison reservoirs added to them.
8. Spider: A huge metal spider, the only physical attack this iron golem has is with its fangs. In some cases, special reservoirs may be built into the fangs to deliver a dose of poison. Despite the golem’s shape, it can neither climb surfaces nor spin webs.
9. Wheel: The golem takes the shape of a single large, wide, spoked wheel. The hub doesn’t turn and located on each is one of the golem’s eyes and an arm, though the arms are comparatively spindly, to allow them to reach the ground.
10. Wheeled Juggernaut: The iron golem is what appears to be a wheeled statue, with only the top of the torso and head, which may take a non-human form, protruding from a thick slab of iron with wheels mounted on it. The golem can roll around, crushing the unwary beneath its wheels.