Converting Forgotten Realms monsters

[Shade]

Should the "vampire spawn" equivalent monster version even be able to create the greater Neth zombies?

 

[demiurge1138]

Good point. Like the vampires, the Neth zombie monster should only be able to make monsters, whereas the templated version can make either, depending on the HD of the victim (?)

 

[Cleon]

Should the "vampire spawn" equivalent monster version even be able to create the greater Neth zombies?

I'd thought of that, and felt that they should do both, partly for simplicity (1 power instead of 2) and partly to differentiate them from the usual spawn/master type undead. Since Netherese Zombies cant control Netherese Zombies they create but only mindless undead, we don't have to worry about a "spawn" being master of an "elite".

Besides, I suspect the source of the undead-creation power is the Lich Lord, not the Netherese Zombie itself, who is just acting as a proxy. The original description implies they create undead through a spell-like ability (it make an analogy to 'raise dead'), so if it does take an elite to create another elite maybe after they slaughter a village the elites sort out the dead and raise the higher-level ones, leaving the rest for the spawn to raise as regular zombies?

 

[freyar]

hmmm.

The Neth zombie that defeats an opponent can then choose to raise dead on that creature, transforming him into a Netherese zombie in 1d4 turns. As the transformation comes to fruition, the skin slowly turns a pale white, fingernails become sharp, and the eyes sink in a bit.
...
Zombies of Netherese variety can also control nonthinking undead (skeletons, normal zombies, and others) within 30 feet. Such control is equivalent to that of an evil priest who successfully controls undead.

While I see Cleon's desire to make the spawning more of a choice, I think the usual Create Spawn works better. Standardization is good.

I do like the idea that both the monster and template version have essentially the same ability. Perhaps, though, only the claw attacks trigger Create Spawn, so a Neth zombie with a weapon can choose not to create another.

I'm not sure about the Lich Lord being the source of the animation, since some have "gone wild."

 

[Cleon]

While I see Cleon's desire to make the spawning more of a choice, I think the usual Create Spawn works better. Standardization is good.

Variety is the spice of life!

Different strokes for different folks, "standardisation is good" is more or less the reverse of my philosophy on monster design. Plus, as I suspect you've noticed, I like to keep as close to the details of the original version as possible, hence my preferring it as a spell-like ability due to the description comparing it to raise dead.

 

[Shade]

I fall somewhere in the middle on the design philosopy these days.

I do think create spawn works best in this case, and allow the greater, "templated" version to create the more powerful spawn.

I do like the idea that both the monster and template version have essentially the same ability. Perhaps, though, only the claw attacks trigger Create Spawn, so a Neth zombie with a weapon can choose not to create another.

That's an interesting point. It does seem odd that creatures slain with a plain ol' weapon arise as undead (even though it's often the case in 3.5).

 

[freyar]

Well, I like to follow he original text mostly, but I think it helps the DM (and world consistency sort of) to follow precedent. But that's not really here or there.

As far as weapon use, we can go either way with create spawn. Note that some undead only trigger create spawn with some attacks (or it works differently with different attacks), often energy drain for example.

 

[Shade]

Updated.

Skills: 27

Feats: Toughness (B), 3 more

Organization: Solitary or x (2–16)

Advancement: x

 

[demiurge1138]

Improved Initiative, Lightning Reflexes, Weapon Focus (claw)

 

[Shade]

Sounds good.

Listen, Search, Spot for the skills?