D&D 3E/3.5 3.5 Polymorph gives Rust Monster's "Rust (Ex)" special attack

[Piratecat]

Hmm. I'd probably use damage equal to a disintegration spell; huge amounts of pain and probable death, but not an intrinsic save or die.

Thanks for the advice!

 

[Kalanyr]

Hehe, to be honest regarding the druid the spell that Rusting Grasp was based of was an Arcane Spell in 2e (its in Player's Option: Spells and Magic (wish I could remember its name now)), so I always wondered why it was a druid spell.

 

[Diirk]

That clause about magic items always getting a save was in regards to spells... a rust monsters (Ex) ability isn't a spell.

(Just playing devils advocate)

 

[shilsen]

Hmm. I'd probably use damage equal to a disintegration spell; huge amounts of pain and probable death, but not an intrinsic save or die.

Thanks for the advice!

No problem. Actually I prefer your ruling. Getting someone able to cast 8th lvl spells killed by a rust monster is a bit much. Tempting, but a bit much

 

[Bauglir]

That clause about magic items always getting a save was in regards to spells... a rust monsters (Ex) ability isn't a spell.

(Just playing devils advocate)

I agree. Choosing to hit a rust monster with a magic weapon is akin to voluntarily dipping your hand in green slime. (Only in this case the consequences are worse - instant death for the weapon, but the consequences should have no bearing on the mechanic) - No save in either case.

That said, I don't personally include Rust monsters in my game because I think it's a poor mechanic. (imo their attack should deal damage to the weapon (bypassing hardness) rather than instantly destroying it)

At least in 3.5 they rewrote it a little better:

Rust (Ex): A rust monster that makes a successful touch attack with its antennae causes the target metal to corrode, falling to pieces and becoming useless immediately. The size of the object is immaterial-a full suit of armor rusts away as quickly as a sword. Magic armor and weapons, and other enchanted items made of metal, must succeed at a Reflex save (DC 20) or be dissolved. A metal weapon that deals damage to a rust monster also corrodes immediately. Wooden, stone, and other nonmetallic weapons are unaffected.

(highlight mine)

Bringing a rust monster to Acheron and watching it instantly annihilate the iron cubes there is fun

 

[Eye Tyrant]

thank god my players don't read these boards (which I can't understand)... I'd have to go with the saving throw for magic weapons, because it seems pretty clear to me that magic items always get a save... I also (agree with and) need to change the rust attack to (Su) and not (Ex), or my spellcasters will be constantly turning into Rust Monsters...