Converting original D&D and Mystara monsters

[Cleon]

Oh, one other thing.

The above stats may only represent a male Yaksha.

The females appear to be a lot less martial, with more powers of illusion and enchantment powers. We may need separate stats for them.

 

[Shade]

Wow! It's as if you were waiting for these to come along.

Oh, one other thing.

The above stats may only represent a male Yaksha.

The females appear to be a lot less martial, with more powers of illusion and enchantment powers. We may need separate stats for them.

Yes. In fact, I'd prefer we make them a separate entry altogether using the name "yaksini" as above.


For the DR, I'd prefer something more interesting than /magic. The rakshasa has "good and piercing". How about lawful, or lawful and some other damage type (slashing bludgeoning)?

SR equal to CR+13 sounds fine.

Why low-light vision? It's not outsider standard, and rakshasas don't have it.

I'm not sure about advancement. Rakshasas advance by character class, so it might be worth doing the same here.

Added to Homebrews.

 

[Cleon]

Wow! It's as if you were waiting for these to come along.

No, I just had too much time on my hands.

Yes. In fact, I'd prefer we make them a separate entry altogether using the name "yaksini" as above.

Agreed.

For the DR, I'd prefer something more interesting than /magic. The rakshasa has "good and piercing". How about lawful, or lawful and some other damage type (slashing bludgeoning)?

Well I'm not sure how much mythological support that would have. I'd be willing to argue they shouldn't have any DR at all.

Still, if given the choice I'd prefer magic and bludgeoning since it means they can beat each other up with their fists or greatclubs (assuming we settle on greatclubs for their weapon).

SR equal to CR+13 sounds fine.

It sounded fine to me too.

Why low-light vision? It's not outsider standard, and rakshasas don't have it.

I just stuck that in because Stone Giants have it, helps make them different from Rakshasas.

I'm not sure about advancement. Rakshasas advance by character class, so it might be worth doing the same here.

Added to Homebrews.

I'd prefer to keep the Advancing to Large, so they can gain the size, strength and fighting ability of a Stone Giant. Besides, it's not uncommon in Indian mythology to have supernatural creatures able to achieve a giant size.

 

[Cleon]

Oh, one other thing. I'm wondering about removing the rock catching and just giving them rock throwing.

 

[Shade]

Well I'm not sure how much mythological support that would have. I'd be willing to argue they shouldn't have any DR at all.

Still, if given the choice I'd prefer magic and bludgeoning since it means they can beat each other up with their fists or greatclubs (assuming we settle on greatclubs for their weapon).

I like that.

I just stuck that in because Stone Giants have it, helps make them different from Rakshasas.

Stone giants only have it as a trait common to all giants. I'm not sure the ties are that strong between yakshas and stone giants to dig that deep. Let's leave it off unless a good flavor reason arises.

I'd prefer to keep the Advancing to Large, so they can gain the size, strength and fighting ability of a Stone Giant. Besides, it's not uncommon in Indian mythology to have supernatural creatures able to achieve a giant size.

I can live with that. Let's just add an "...or by character class" rider.

Oh, one other thing. I'm wondering about removing the rock catching and just giving them rock throwing.

I wouldn't mind that. In fact, I could do without throwing as well.

 

[Cleon]

Stone giants only have it as a trait common to all giants. I'm not sure the ties are that strong between yakshas and stone giants to dig that deep. Let's leave it off unless a good flavor reason arises.

I can live with that. Let's just add an "...or by character class" rider.

I wouldn't mind that. In fact, I could do without throwing as well.

I say keep the throwing, toss the low-light vision.

Adding "by character class" is OK by me.

 

[Shade]

Updated.

I'm thinking we should go with change shape, rather than alternate form, to be consistent with rakshasas.

Change Shape (Su): A rakshasa can assume any humanoid form, or revert to its own form, as a standard action. In humanoid form, a rakshasa loses its claw and bite attacks (although it often equips itself with weapons and armor instead). A rakshasa remains in one form until it chooses to assume a new one. A change in form cannot be dispelled, but the rakshasa reverts to its natural form when killed. A true seeing spell reveals its natural form.

Skills: A rakshasa has a +4 racial bonus on Bluff and Disguise checks.

*When using change shape, a rakshasa gains an additional +10 circumstance bonus on Disguise checks.

 

[Cleon]

Updated.

I'm thinking we should go with change shape, rather than alternate form, to be consistent with rakshasas.

Change Shape (Su): A rakshasa can assume any humanoid form, or revert to its own form, as a standard action. In humanoid form, a rakshasa loses its claw and bite attacks (although it often equips itself with weapons and armor instead). A rakshasa remains in one form until it chooses to assume a new one. A change in form cannot be dispelled, but the rakshasa reverts to its natural form when killed. A true seeing spell reveals its natural form.

Skills: A rakshasa has a +4 racial bonus on Bluff and Disguise checks.

*When using change shape, a rakshasa gains an additional +10 circumstance bonus on Disguise checks.

That's fine by me. Having them be the same as the SRD Rakshasa makes good sense.

Besides, if I was actually running them I'm not sure I could be bothered applying the difference between the two powers.

 

[Shade]

Updated.

Skills: 9 at 9 ranks
Most forms of rakshasa have Bluff, Concentration, Intimidate, Listen, Sense Motive, Spot

Feats: 3
Rakashas feats vary widely from type to type, to better fit their niche
These guys strike me as Power Attackers. Maybe Weapon Focus and Quicken SLA (invisibility) as well?

 

[Cleon]

Updated.

Skills: 9 at 9 ranks
Most forms of rakshasa have Bluff, Concentration, Intimidate, Listen, Sense Motive, Spot

These aren't Rakshasa's you know.

Since they're "secretive nature spirits" (well, in some versions) I think they should have Hide, Knowledge (nature), Listen, Move Silently, Spot and Survival. They don't need much in Hide since they've got invisibility.

Concentration and Intimidate also fit their role as "fearsome magical warriors".

Sense Motive is OK too.

That's 9 skills, but I think we should add another skill or two and transfer some points from Hide (and possibly Survival) for said skill(s).

Feats: 3
Rakashas feats vary widely from type to type, to better fit their niche
These guys strike me as Power Attackers. Maybe Weapon Focus and Quicken SLA (invisibility) as well?

I find those an agreeable selection...

Feats: Power Attack, Quicken Spell-Like Ability (invisibility), Weapon Focus (greatclub)