Converting Planescape monsters

[Shade]

Interesting...while the original did limit it to exclude bludgeoning weapons, the mechanics and flavor behind it don't really provide a good reason to support the concept.

I'm fine either way on bludgeoning weapons, but if we do exclude 'em, I'd like us to come up with some explanation why that particular energy won't affect them. Is it a "blunting" field, perhaps?

 

[freyar]

How about this?

Blade-Sundering Scales (Su): A serpent griffon golem's scales create a shimmering field of blunting energy that damages any slashing or piercing weapon that strike it. Any opponent that strikes the golem with a manufactured non-bludgeoning weapon must make a DC 25 Reflex save or the weapon takes 3d8+13 points of damage. The save DC is Constitution-based.

 

[Shade]

I like it!

 

[Cleon]

Interesting...while the original did limit it to exclude bludgeoning weapons, the mechanics and flavor behind it don't really provide a good reason to support the concept.

I'm fine either way on bludgeoning weapons, but if we do exclude 'em, I'd like us to come up with some explanation why that particular energy won't affect them. Is it a "blunting" field, perhaps?

Ugh, "blunting field" doesn't strike me as a very elegant phrase.

How about the "Blade-Sundering Field" discharges into any sharp point or edge it makes contact with, so it doesn't harm dull weapons?

Should we give this power a damage type? I fancy force.

Blade-Sundering Scales (Su): A serpent griffon golem's scales create a shimmering field of energy that discharge into any sharp point or edge that strike it. Any opponent that strikes the golem with a manufactured piercing or slashing weapon must make a DC 25 Reflex save or the weapon takes 3d8+13 points of force damage. The save DC is Constitution-based.

 

[Shade]

I'll see your "Ugh" and raise you one.

I much prefer "blunting field" to "blade-sundering" field.

Force makes good sense.

 

[freyar]

I also like force; I was thinking that way before but couldn't quite figure out how to work it in. I think I still prefer the item saves, but the Ref save works if that's what you guys prefer.

 

[Shade]

Probably the wielder makes the save, since the item is attended.

Updated.

Organization: Solitary or pride (2-12)?

Challenge Rating: x

Advancement: 31-x HD (Huge), x-x HD (Gargantuan)

A serpent griffon golem is 19 feet long and weighs x pounds.

 

[freyar]

I guess my point is that it should be a Fort save, since it's a magic field (as opposed to some jamming mechanism or scales).

Org looks good.

CR: maybe 15? It's almost but not quite as good as the greater stone golem (especially in the hp department).

Following usual golems, it would be
31-45 HD (Huge), 46-90 HD (Gargantuan)

Based on the greater stone golem's 18 ft height, I'm going to go with about 37000 lb, or 18-19 tons.

 

[Cleon]

I guess my point is that it should be a Fort save, since it's a magic field (as opposed to some jamming mechanism or scales).

Org looks good.

CR: maybe 15? It's almost but not quite as good as the greater stone golem (especially in the hp department).

Well it does about the same damage and has more useful SAs (paralysis instead of slow, pounce) and defenses (blade-shattering field!), a better AC but significantly worse attack bonuses. As far as damage output goes they're about the same if it gets to use its rake, and it can do additional damage with its Swallow Whole.

I'd vote for Challenge Rating 16.

Speaking of Swallow Whole, removing the usual acid damage means it's significantly less effective. Perhaps we should add some force damage (2d8?) to the swallow whole damage, on the grounds that its "energy field" damages foreign objects on the inside as well.

Following usual golems, it would be
31-45 HD (Huge), 46-90 HD (Gargantuan)

That's OK by me.

Based on the greater stone golem's 18 ft height, I'm going to go with about 37000 lb, or 18-19 tons.

Seems a bit high. Scaling a regular 9-foot 2000 pound stone golem up to 19 feet comes out to 18,800 pounds. Furthermore the Serpent Griffon has to be hollow, since it can swallow its foes.

20,000 pounds would suit me better.

 

[freyar]

I don't really need to add any extra damage to swallow whole, but it's no big deal. 20000 lb is fine, too.