Converting First Edition Monsters

[Mortis]

Despite the AC, I think we should use Mortis's higher Dex, as our eel seems weaker n' sleeker.

Anyone want to propose a stat line? Did anyone, and I missed it?

Putting my original suggestions on one line we have.

Str 6, Dex 16, Con 10, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 2.

Cleon prefers

Str 8, Dex 12-15, Con 10-11, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 2

The Stormwrack eel gets a +4 racial on Hide checks in coral, reef, rock, or kelp. We can keep those first three, and boost the bonus to +12 for the weed eel in kelp and similar undersea vegetation.

Looks good to me.

Keep attach?

I don't think so, it only attacks to inject the poison rather than feed.

Alertness, as proposed above, or Improved Init

I prefer Alertness, but could be swayed

Regards
Mortis

 

[Cleon]

I'm now favouring Improved Initiative since they "always strike with incredible speed".

Maybe as a bonus feat?

 

[Shade]

I'm not getting any indication that they are any more alert than a standard eel, so let's just make Imp. Init. its standard feat.

Updated.

Suggested amount of Con damage for poison?

Suggested distribution of the 4 skill ranks?

 

[freyar]

1d6/1d6 Con for the poison, I think. Enough to be pretty dangerous for a low-level party, but not terribly deadly. Maybe even 1d4/1d4.

 

[Shade]

1d6/1d6 Con for the poison, I think. Enough to be pretty dangerous for a low-level party, but not terribly deadly. Maybe even 1d4/1d4.

I think I prefer the latter at this power level.

 

[freyar]

On further thought, I think I do, too.

 

[Cleon]

On further thought, I think I do, too.

I prefer 1d6/1d6 or more, since the original fish had deadly venom.

As for the skills, they need Hide with a racial bonus (improved in seaweed), maybe Move Silently, and the usual Listen and Spot.

 

[Shade]

I prefer 1d6/1d6 or more, since the original fish had deadly venom.

Nearly every creature in AD&D had deadly venom, though.

Although since vipers of any size have 1d6/1d6, I suppose it's not any worse here.

As for the skills, they need Hide with a racial bonus (improved in seaweed), maybe Move Silently, and the usual Listen and Spot.

If we follow the base eel, we won't need any ranks in Hide (just the racial and terrain bonuses). The other three skills appeal.

 

[Shade]

Updated.

Challenge Rating: x

Advancement: 2-5 HD (Medium)?

A typical weed eel is 6 feet long and weighs x pounds.

 

[Mortis]

Just noticed that the original MM version was Small whilst the MC version is Medium (although they're both 6 feet long). Don't imagine it matters too much .

I reckon weight wise it'll be about 10-12 lbs.

Advancement looks ok.

I'd give it a CR of 1/2 (Same as a small sized viper)

Regards
Mortis