Ok this is my very first adventure review. To be totally honest I am a bit unsure how to review a adventure with out spoiling to much, while still giving you enough information to purchase it if you... [Read More]
The fantasy role-playing game Dragon Warriors has a healthy following and the Lands of Legend have been around for many years; as such there are a lot of stories to tell from around this vast... [Read More]
This is the seocnd issue of Ordo Draconis, a fan-made ezine (fanzine) for the recently re-released Dragon Warriors RPG. Spanning over twice the pagecount of Issue 1 (released in September 2009), it... [Read More]
The subject of the "Tuna-of-the-Eternal-Waters" came up in another thread, so I thought it may be interesting to convert this creature to 3.5e stats and possibly send it into Paizo (I was thinking of their "Wandering Monsters" section in Dungeon); in any case, I think it will be a fun excercise. Thanks to Echohawk, we have the original stats:
From "The Mythos of Polynesia in Dungeons & Dragons" by Jerome Arkenberg in Dragon #20:
Quote:
TUNA-OF-THE-ETERNAL-WATERS
Armor Class: -1
Magic Ability: See Below
Move: 22”
Fighter Ability: Lord, 17th Level
Hit Points: 220
Psionic Ability: Nil
Tuna, a great monster, can control the waves of the Ocean. His mouth is huge enough to swallow a man whole. But if stranded on dry land, he loses all his powers and cannot move.
Not a whole lot to go off of, but I did some research online regarding the actual Polynesian myths and came across the myth of Te Tuna. Also, luckily, "tuna" in various Polynesian languages does not mean "tunafish" but "eel," so my first suggestion would be to rename the beast "Eel-of-the-Eternal-Waters." In any case, it sounds like a formidable foe, with a possible CR in the low 20s.
So far, I thought of the following. "Eel-of-the-Eternal-Waters" would be a NE or CE (based on his description in the various myths) Colossal Magical Beast with the Aquatic sub-type. I wasn't sure what die OD&D HD were based off, so I made the assumption it used the 1d8hp/HD formula from later editions; if each d8 HD provided an average of 4.5hp/HD, then the 220hp of the EotEW would translate to 48HD, which sounds about right. BAB would be +48, the Base Fort and Reflex Save would be +26, and the Base Will Save would be +20.
The central ability of the EotEW would be to generate a tsunami (probably would be a good idea to use the tsunami spell in the Spell Compendium as a basis). Of course, something of this size would also have the Improved Grab and Swallow Whole ability. Other than that, I haven't really thought of any other special abilities that it should definitely have, though it should probably be fairly potent since the EotEW is based on a divine being.
i suggest you call it something else and state in the text that it is an eel-like being, and island peoples call it "Te Tuna, or Tuna-of-the-Eternal-Waters"
TUNA-OF-THE-ETERNAL-WATERS
Armor Class: -1
Magic Ability: See Below
Move: 22”
Fighter Ability: Lord, 17th Level
Hit Points: 220
Psionic Ability: Nil
Tuna, a great monster, can control the waves of the Ocean. His mouth is huge enough to swallow a man whole. But if stranded on dry land, he loses all his powers and cannot move.
Hmmm, he is listed as having the abilities of a 17th-level fighter (Lord was a title for fighters of 9th+ level in AD&D). But at 48 HD, that would cover all the feats it would need.
As an eel-like being of immense size, I would think possibly a Constrict attack may be appropriate. Possibly some sort of eel-like defense.
Also, Armor class needs to be adressed. A 21 AC is too low for our EotEW.
Additionally, in order for it to be a CR 20+ monster we will need more than what we have now. After all, Big T has 48 HD and he's certainly tougher than our Tunafish right now
__________________ Heck, I'm here, I'm alive, I've got a PHB.
I've used Te Tuna as
1. a colossal Fiendish Dire Eel (Snake) with Constrict abilities
2. a 'modified' Triton Barbarian/Scorcerer replacing his fish legs with a eels tail (I'll see if I can scan and post the pic I drew if I can find it)
Armour Class
I'd suggest giving him a big deflection bonus due to his slippery skin.
Abilities
Swallow Whole
Constrict
Tsunami
Summon Dire Eel Swarm
Shape Change (to a more humanoid form)
Te Tuna was imho CE.
He was responsible for seducing and/or raping the wife of Maui. Maui defeated Te Tuna in battle and cut him to bits. The bits of his body became the various species of eel whereas his head was buried and became the first coconut (which is why cocnuts have three holes on top - Te Tuna's eyes and mouth)
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by IcyCool
Man, given the average Int of an Otyugh, I can just see the boss monologue now...
PCs: "Before we fight, why don't you tell us your master plan?"
Otyugh: "I like poop."
PCs: "Umm, what?"
Otyugh: "Do you have poop?"
Te Tuna was imho CE.
He was responsible for seducing and/or raping the wife of Maui. Maui defeated Te Tuna in battle and cut him to bits. The bits of his body became the various species of eel whereas his head was buried and became the first coconut (which is why coconuts have three holes on top - Te Tuna's eyes and mouth)
Hmmm, evil after that description, yes. But not necessarily Chaotic. I am not adverse to said tuna being Chaotic, I just want to make sure we know why we are making him such.
__________________ Heck, I'm here, I'm alive, I've got a PHB.
"I won't kill you, but I don't have to save you." - Batman, Batman Begins "You either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain." - Harvey Dent, The Dark Knight "Yeah, I can fly." - Tony Stark, Iron Man
Inside my hands these petals browned;
dried up falling to the ground,
but it was already too late now.
I pushed my fingers through the earth,
returned this flower to the dirt;
so it could live, I walked away now."
Rise Against - "The Good Left Undone"
Hmmm, evil after that description, yes. But not necessarily Chaotic. I am not adverse to said tuna being Chaotic, I just want to make sure we know why we are making him such.
Yes Chaotic isn't really implied and of course Polynesians morality was somewhat different from western morality and totally alien to DnDs alignment system so who knows.
Te Tuna was the son of Tangaroa (Sea god) and was wont to mistreat and boss the 'sea people/creatures' around. When he was hungry he would rise up and attack fishing canoes knocking them over and devouring the crews
As another interesting fact the term 'Ika puremu' (swept by the fish) refers to Te Tuna's seduction of Hina and is used an allusion to adultery. Also when Te Tuna used his tail to pull Hina into the water it is said she was covered in slime which means we can give our Te Tuna version some kind of Slime attack (perhaps paralytic slime?)
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by IcyCool
Man, given the average Int of an Otyugh, I can just see the boss monologue now...
PCs: "Before we fight, why don't you tell us your master plan?"
Otyugh: "I like poop."
PCs: "Umm, what?"
Otyugh: "Do you have poop?"
Yes Chaotic isn't really implied and of course Polynesians morality was somewhat different from western morality and totally alien to DnDs alignment system so who knows.
Te Tuna was the son of Tangaroa (Sea god) and was wont to mistreat and boss the 'sea people/creatures' around. When he was hungry he would rise up and attack fishing canoes knocking them over and devouring the crews
As another interesting fact the term 'Ika puremu' (swept by the fish) refers to Te Tuna's seduction of Hina and is used an allusion to adultery. Also when Te Tuna used his tail to pull Hina into the water it is said she was covered in slime which means we can give our Te Tuna version some kind of Slime attack (perhaps paralytic slime?)
Or perhaps something Abolethy... Like a progenitor to the Aboleth or perhaps a castoff mutant alien Aboleth.... (Just tossing ideas out)...
Yeah, a slime attack would be cool...
__________________ Heck, I'm here, I'm alive, I've got a PHB.
Dominate would definitely work, though I liked the flavor of Suggestion (or even a Charm Person) better in terms of a seduction. Something like that, though.
As far as a shape change, it probably should be something aquatic. Merfolk, maybe, if we're going for something attractive?
And what kind of vulnerability will replace the "stranded on land" issues this thing has? Not being able to move or use any powers seems a bit extreme for something epic.
And what kind of vulnerability will replace the "stranded on land" issues this thing has? Not being able to move or use any powers seems a bit extreme for something epic.
Agreed. Possibly the loss of its Tsunami power, Slime Power, and Movement is severely cut.
Also, Te Tuna was able to move on land as a person, so I recommend the typical nerfed 3.5 Change Shape (into a small or medium humanoid) further limited to merfolk and human.
__________________ Heck, I'm here, I'm alive, I've got a PHB.
Ok, I assume that we don't really mean to have a literal templated swarm of dire eels when summoned, since that would require very small eels to start with. So I suggest that each time Te-Tuna (or EOEW?) summons some number of dire giant moray eels. From the CC, the 3.0E giant moray eel is
Quote:
EEL, Moray (Giant)
Large Beast
Hit Dice: 5d10 (27 hp)
Initiative: +3 (Dex)
Speed: Swim 20 ft
AC: 16 (-1 size, +3 Dex, +4 natural)
Attacks: Bite +5 melee, tail lash +0 melee
Damage: Bite 1d8 and disease, tail lash 1d4
Face/Reach: 5 ft by 10 ft/5 ft
Special Attacks: Improved grab, tear, disease
Special Qualities: Immunities, amphibious, darkvision 60 ft, low-light vision
Saves: Fort +4, Ref +7, Will +2
Abilities: Str 10, Dex 17, Con 11, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 2
Skills: Hide +0,Listen +7, Spot +7
Feats: Weapon Finesse (bite)
Climate/Terrain: Warm aquatic
Organization: Solitary or school (4-8)
Challenge Rating: 4
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 6-8 HD (Large); 9-15 HD (Huge)
A giant moray eel is a feared predator, known for its fearsome diseased bite.
It appears as an 8-foot long eel with mottled brown leathery skin, with lighter brown or yellow spots on its dorsal area. It has pronounced incisor teeth.
COMBAT
A giant moray eel will conceal itself in a reef, seaweed, or underneath stones. When its prey passes by, it lunges out, biting its prey and striking with blinding speed. It will attack almost anything that passes near it, regardless of the size of the prey.
The eel will only use its tail lash on a foe trapped in its jaws or on a foe attempting to flank it. Improved Grab (Ex): To use this ability, a giant moray eel must hit a foe with its bite attack. If it gets a hold, it tears the flesh. Tear (Ex): A giant moray eel automatically hits a held opponent with all its melee attacks each round it maintains the hold. Disease (Ex): The bite inflicts its foe with a disease akin to mummy rot. Immunities (Ex): Giant moray eels are immune to all forms of fear and disease, magical or otherwise. Amphibious (Ex): Giant moray eels can survive out of the water for 1 minute per point of Constitution (after that, refer to the Suffocation rules on page 88 of the DMG). Skills: Giant Moray eels gain a +4 racial bonus to Hide, Listen and Spot checks. Feats: The Giant Moray Eel gains Weapon Finesse (bite) as a bonus feat.
To fit in with the paralytic slime ability of Te-Tuna and what Wikipedia says about moray eels, I propose replacing Disease with
Paralytic Slime (Ex): A giant moray eel exudes a toxic slime that can paralyze any creature that touches it. Any creature that touches a giant moray eel or makes a successful melee attack with a natural weapon againts a giant moray eel must make a DC ?? Fortitude save or be paralyzed for ?? rounds.
I wouldn't mind some suggestions for appropriate DCs and length of paralysis. I'll try to work on the conversion to 3.5 and dire-izing as I get time...
Ok, here is my attempt at converting the giant moray eel to 3.5:
Quote:
EEL, Moray (Giant)
Large Animal (Aquatic)
Hit Dice: 6d8 (27 hp)
Initiative: +3 (Dex)
Speed: Swim 20 ft
AC: 16 (-1 size, +3 Dex, +4 natural)
Attacks: Bite +6 melee, tail lash +1 melee
Damage: Bite 1d8 and disease, tail lash 1d4
Face/Reach: 10 ft/5 ft
Special Attacks: Improved grab, tear, disease
Special Qualities: Immunities, amphibious, darkvision 60 ft, low-light vision
Saves: Fort +5, Ref +8, Will +3
Abilities: Str 10, Dex 17, Con 11, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 2
Skills: Hide +10,Listen +10, Spot +10
Feats: Multiattack, Weapon Finesse (bite), Alertness, Combat Reflexes
Climate/Terrain: Warm aquatic
Organization: Solitary or school (4-8)
Challenge Rating: 4
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 7-12 HD (Large); 13-18 HD (Huge)
A giant moray eel is a feared predator, known for its fearsome diseased bite.
It appears as an 8-foot long eel with mottled brown leathery skin, with lighter brown or yellow spots on its dorsal area. It has pronounced incisor teeth.
COMBAT
A giant moray eel will conceal itself in a reef, seaweed, or underneath stones. When its prey passes by, it lunges out, biting its prey and striking with blinding speed. It will attack almost anything that passes near it, regardless of the size of the prey.
The eel will only use its tail lash on a foe trapped in its jaws or on a foe attempting to flank it. Improved Grab (Ex): To use this ability, a giant moray eel must hit a foe with its bite attack. If it gets a hold, it tears the flesh. Tear (Ex): A giant moray eel automatically hits a held opponent with all its melee attacks each round it maintains the hold. Disease (Ex): The bite inflicts its foe with a disease akin to mummy rot. Immunities (Ex): Giant moray eels are immune to all forms of fear and disease, magical or otherwise. Amphibious (Ex): Giant moray eels can survive out of the water for 1 minute per point of Constitution (after that, refer to the Drowning rules). Skills: Giant Moray eels gain a +4 racial bonus to Hide, Listen and Spot checks. Feats: The Giant Moray Eel gains Multiattack as a bonus feat.
For faithfulness to the original, I've just left Disease in as the special attack, rather than Paralytic Slime (for now, at least). I wouldn't mind if someone would check my work, as this is the first time I've done a conversion.
Some points:
Type changes to animal, so the hit dice change, which I also had affect advancement.
Attack bonuses have a higher BAB due to higher HD. I've factored in Weapon Finesse (bite) and Multiattack.
The saves are also higher due to higher HD.
Since the eel gets 3 feats for its HD, I gave it Multiattack as a bonus because (1) the attack modifier would have been negative otherwise for the tail and (2) it can't qualify for Multiattack otherwise.
The strength score and tail lash damage are both low for a large creature, but that's probably correlated and intentional.
This eel has 9 skill ranks to spend, and I've put 3 each in Hide, Spot, & Listen. Then I included the ability modifiers, racial bonuses, and alertness.
Gamers Online Now: 865
Linear Mode
