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Converting Oriental Adventures creatures
- Thread starter Shade
- Start date
Cleon
Legend
Erm, "Skills: Heal +2, Listen +4, Spot +4, Survival +7, 2 more ranks".
Divide the two ranks between Listen & Spot?:
Skills: Heal +2, Listen +5, Spot +5, Survival +7
Shade
Monster Junkie
Sounds good. Updated.
Hsing-Sing
FREQUENCY: Rare
NO. APPEARING: 2-20
ARMOR CLASS: 6
MOVE: 6"//9"
HIT DICE: 2+ 1
% IN LAIR: 25%
TREASURE TYPE: B
NO. OF ATTACKS: 1
DAMAGE/ATTACK: 1-6 or by weapon type
SPECIAL ATTACKS: Nil
SPECIAL DEFENSES: Nil
MAGIC RESISTANCE: Standard
INTELLIGENCE: Average
ALIGNMENT Neutral
SIZE: M
PSIONIC ABILITY: Nil
LEVEL/XP VALUE: II/35 + 3/hp
The hsing-sing are a race of ape-like humanoids, white-furred and with the faces of men. They live in
the mountainous sub-tropical forests. They speak the language of their own race and the trade language.
Normally they prefer to be left alone, but because of a weakness for strong drink, occasionally come to human
villages to trade. On these trips they bring rare treasures from the hidden enclaves of the forest-parrots, feathers
of rare birds, scented woods, and exotic fruits. In exchange they take forged metal, pottery, wine, and rice. They
practice no crafts themselves, preferring a simple existence. Some scholars hold them as perfect examples of the
principles of harmony with nature and non-action.
However, the hsing-sing are not entirely peaceful. Once per year they go on a "war-season:" During this
time they become extremely savage and aggressive. They organize themselves into raiding bands, attacking
settlements on the edges of their territory. Their attacks are impartial, pillaging good and evil creatures alike.
They are clever enough not to strike the same settlement two years in a row, always raiding different places. On
these raids they carry spears, parangs, blowguns, and wicker shields. They are quite adept at using poisons and
their blowgun darts are always dipped in noxious concoctions. They have two principal poisons. The first
causes death if the saving throw vs. poison is failed and 1d8 points of damage if the save is successful. The
second is a strong muscle relaxant, paralyzing the victim for 2d6 turns if the saving throw is failed and slowing
him for 1d6 turns if the save is successful.
The lair of the hsing-sing is a large tree in the forest. In its branches are simple sleeping platforms with
thatched roofs. In the lair are females and children, equal to 50% of the number encountered. The females have
1 ht die and fight from the branches, hurling clubs and stones at attackers. The hsing-sing despise the tasloi,
which sometimes wander up from their tropical homes on raids.
Originally appeared in Oriental Adventures (1985).
MC Kara-Tur Appendix version...
Hsing-sing
Climate/Terrain: Subtropical mountains and forests
Frequency: Rare
Organization: Tribe
Activity Cycle: Any
Diet: Omnivore
Intelligence: Average (8-10)
Treasure: B
Alignment: Neutral
No. Appearing: 2-20
Armor Class: 6
Movement: 6, Sw 9
Hit Dice: 2+1
THAC0: 19
No. of Attacks: 1
Damage/Attack: 1-6 or by weapon type
Special Attacks: Nil
Special Defenses: Nil
Magic Resistance: Nil
Size: M (5’ tall)
Morale: Average (10)
XP Value: 65
The hsing-sing are a race of reclusive ape-like humanoids. Many scholars consider the hsing-sing to personify the principles of pacifism and harmony with nature.
Hsing-sing have bulky bodies covered with thick white fur. As they age, their fur darkens to rich, golden tones. Their long arms extend nearly to the ground. When swimming, their large, flat feet propel them through the water with ease. Their hairless faces look almost human, with bright blue or brown eyes, small noses, and smooth skin. However, their teeth are much longer and sharper than human teeth, resembling the fangs of carnivorous apes.
Their long fur offers natural protection against the elements, and hsing-sing do not wear clothing. However, tribal leaders sometimes wear armbands made of intricately woven vines as a symbol of authority. Females sometimes weave wild flowers into the fur of their arms and legs.
Hsing-sing speak the trade language and the language of their own race.
Combat: Hsing-sing are normally passive, friendly creatures, preferring flight to confrontation. But once a year, usually at the onset of spring, adult males instinctively complete a “war season”. This season lasts for 6-16 (2d6 + 4) days. During that time, male hsing-sing become extremely savage and aggressive. They organize raiding bands of 4-20 (5d4) members, and attack human and humanoid settlements on the edge of their territories. Such attacks are impartial; the hsing-sing pillage good and evil creatures alike. To maximize the advantage of surprise, the hsing-sing seldom attack the same settlements two years in a row.
A raiding band of hsing-sing are armed with blowguns (50%), spears (30%), and parangs (20%). Additionally, 50% of the band carries specially constructed wicker shields. (Like any shield, it raises their Armor Class to 5.) Hsing-sing are quite adept at using poison, and their blowgun darts are always dipped in noxious concoctions. They have two principal poisons. The first type of poison causes death in 2-5 rounds if the victim fails his saving throw vs. poison. If the save is successful, the poison still causes 1-8 hit points of damage. The second type of poison is a strong muscle relaxant. If the victim fails his save, the poison paralyzes him for 2-12 (2d6) turns. If the saving throw is successful, the poison slows him (as per the spell) for 1-6 turns.
Habitat/Society: A hsing-sing tribe consists of 2-20 (2d10) males, an equal number of females, and a number of children equal to 50% of the total number of adults. Females have 1 hit die and fight from the branches, hurling clubs and stones at attackers. Children have 1-2 hit points and cannot make attacks. The oldest male member of the tribe serves as its leader.
A hsing-sing lair is a simple sleeping platform perched in the highest branches of a tall tree. A thatched roof offers some protection from the elements. Each family shares a single platform. Because of their love of nature, hsing-sing often keep rabbits, parrots, and other small creatures as pets.
Hsing-sing lead a simple existence. They spend most waking hours hunting for food, frolicking in the trees, and telling stories. Aside from making wicker shields, weapons, and simple tools, they practice no crafts. Though hsing-sing have no desire for material wealth, they collect small amounts of treasure, which they use for trade with humans. They usually stash their treasure in a hollowed-out branch near their sleeping platforms.
Ecology: Hsing-sing eat fruits and grains indigenous to the areas they inhabit, supplemented with small amounts of fish, deer, and other wild game. Because of their weakness for strong drink, they occasionally come to human villages to trade. On these trips, they bring rare treasure from the hidden enclaves of the forest, such as parrots, rare bird feathers, scented roots, and exotic fruits. In exchange, they take forged metal, pottery, rice, and wine.
Human hunters sometimes track down and kill hsing-sing for their fur. The golden fur of an elder hsing-sing is especially prized.
Hsing-Sing
FREQUENCY: Rare
NO. APPEARING: 2-20
ARMOR CLASS: 6
MOVE: 6"//9"
HIT DICE: 2+ 1
% IN LAIR: 25%
TREASURE TYPE: B
NO. OF ATTACKS: 1
DAMAGE/ATTACK: 1-6 or by weapon type
SPECIAL ATTACKS: Nil
SPECIAL DEFENSES: Nil
MAGIC RESISTANCE: Standard
INTELLIGENCE: Average
ALIGNMENT Neutral
SIZE: M
PSIONIC ABILITY: Nil
LEVEL/XP VALUE: II/35 + 3/hp
The hsing-sing are a race of ape-like humanoids, white-furred and with the faces of men. They live in
the mountainous sub-tropical forests. They speak the language of their own race and the trade language.
Normally they prefer to be left alone, but because of a weakness for strong drink, occasionally come to human
villages to trade. On these trips they bring rare treasures from the hidden enclaves of the forest-parrots, feathers
of rare birds, scented woods, and exotic fruits. In exchange they take forged metal, pottery, wine, and rice. They
practice no crafts themselves, preferring a simple existence. Some scholars hold them as perfect examples of the
principles of harmony with nature and non-action.
However, the hsing-sing are not entirely peaceful. Once per year they go on a "war-season:" During this
time they become extremely savage and aggressive. They organize themselves into raiding bands, attacking
settlements on the edges of their territory. Their attacks are impartial, pillaging good and evil creatures alike.
They are clever enough not to strike the same settlement two years in a row, always raiding different places. On
these raids they carry spears, parangs, blowguns, and wicker shields. They are quite adept at using poisons and
their blowgun darts are always dipped in noxious concoctions. They have two principal poisons. The first
causes death if the saving throw vs. poison is failed and 1d8 points of damage if the save is successful. The
second is a strong muscle relaxant, paralyzing the victim for 2d6 turns if the saving throw is failed and slowing
him for 1d6 turns if the save is successful.
The lair of the hsing-sing is a large tree in the forest. In its branches are simple sleeping platforms with
thatched roofs. In the lair are females and children, equal to 50% of the number encountered. The females have
1 ht die and fight from the branches, hurling clubs and stones at attackers. The hsing-sing despise the tasloi,
which sometimes wander up from their tropical homes on raids.
Originally appeared in Oriental Adventures (1985).
MC Kara-Tur Appendix version...
Hsing-sing
Climate/Terrain: Subtropical mountains and forests
Frequency: Rare
Organization: Tribe
Activity Cycle: Any
Diet: Omnivore
Intelligence: Average (8-10)
Treasure: B
Alignment: Neutral
No. Appearing: 2-20
Armor Class: 6
Movement: 6, Sw 9
Hit Dice: 2+1
THAC0: 19
No. of Attacks: 1
Damage/Attack: 1-6 or by weapon type
Special Attacks: Nil
Special Defenses: Nil
Magic Resistance: Nil
Size: M (5’ tall)
Morale: Average (10)
XP Value: 65
The hsing-sing are a race of reclusive ape-like humanoids. Many scholars consider the hsing-sing to personify the principles of pacifism and harmony with nature.
Hsing-sing have bulky bodies covered with thick white fur. As they age, their fur darkens to rich, golden tones. Their long arms extend nearly to the ground. When swimming, their large, flat feet propel them through the water with ease. Their hairless faces look almost human, with bright blue or brown eyes, small noses, and smooth skin. However, their teeth are much longer and sharper than human teeth, resembling the fangs of carnivorous apes.
Their long fur offers natural protection against the elements, and hsing-sing do not wear clothing. However, tribal leaders sometimes wear armbands made of intricately woven vines as a symbol of authority. Females sometimes weave wild flowers into the fur of their arms and legs.
Hsing-sing speak the trade language and the language of their own race.
Combat: Hsing-sing are normally passive, friendly creatures, preferring flight to confrontation. But once a year, usually at the onset of spring, adult males instinctively complete a “war season”. This season lasts for 6-16 (2d6 + 4) days. During that time, male hsing-sing become extremely savage and aggressive. They organize raiding bands of 4-20 (5d4) members, and attack human and humanoid settlements on the edge of their territories. Such attacks are impartial; the hsing-sing pillage good and evil creatures alike. To maximize the advantage of surprise, the hsing-sing seldom attack the same settlements two years in a row.
A raiding band of hsing-sing are armed with blowguns (50%), spears (30%), and parangs (20%). Additionally, 50% of the band carries specially constructed wicker shields. (Like any shield, it raises their Armor Class to 5.) Hsing-sing are quite adept at using poison, and their blowgun darts are always dipped in noxious concoctions. They have two principal poisons. The first type of poison causes death in 2-5 rounds if the victim fails his saving throw vs. poison. If the save is successful, the poison still causes 1-8 hit points of damage. The second type of poison is a strong muscle relaxant. If the victim fails his save, the poison paralyzes him for 2-12 (2d6) turns. If the saving throw is successful, the poison slows him (as per the spell) for 1-6 turns.
Habitat/Society: A hsing-sing tribe consists of 2-20 (2d10) males, an equal number of females, and a number of children equal to 50% of the total number of adults. Females have 1 hit die and fight from the branches, hurling clubs and stones at attackers. Children have 1-2 hit points and cannot make attacks. The oldest male member of the tribe serves as its leader.
A hsing-sing lair is a simple sleeping platform perched in the highest branches of a tall tree. A thatched roof offers some protection from the elements. Each family shares a single platform. Because of their love of nature, hsing-sing often keep rabbits, parrots, and other small creatures as pets.
Hsing-sing lead a simple existence. They spend most waking hours hunting for food, frolicking in the trees, and telling stories. Aside from making wicker shields, weapons, and simple tools, they practice no crafts. Though hsing-sing have no desire for material wealth, they collect small amounts of treasure, which they use for trade with humans. They usually stash their treasure in a hollowed-out branch near their sleeping platforms.
Ecology: Hsing-sing eat fruits and grains indigenous to the areas they inhabit, supplemented with small amounts of fish, deer, and other wild game. Because of their weakness for strong drink, they occasionally come to human villages to trade. On these trips, they bring rare treasure from the hidden enclaves of the forest, such as parrots, rare bird feathers, scented roots, and exotic fruits. In exchange, they take forged metal, pottery, rice, and wine.
Human hunters sometimes track down and kill hsing-sing for their fur. The golden fur of an elder hsing-sing is especially prized.
GrayLinnorm
Explorer
Humanoid or monstrous humanoid?
Cleon
Legend
Oh good!
These pacifist apemen that go psycho for a few days in their "war season" have appealed to me since I first got Oriental Adventures. There's something Edgar Rice Burroughs like about them.
I'd forgotten they had a Swim speed, that's an interesting twist. I thought they had a Climb speed, since they're apes who lair in the highest branches of trees. Indeed, we'd better add one.
Here's my first thought:
I'd base their physical stats on a Baboon and average humanoid mental stats, with +2 natural armour for their thick skin. Since it says they have fangs like a Carnivorous Ape I think the original's 1-6 natural attack is most likely a bite.
They don't have any unusual powers, so I guess Humanoid.
For weapons, I fancy falchions, spears, blowguns and small wooden (or rather wicker) shields.
Hmm, that's enough to make a Working Draft...
EDIT: Upon reflection, shortswords, longswords or scimitars is a better match to a parang than a falchion, since it's a 1-handed slashing blade. Have to think about it.
EDITED EDIT: I checked my Oriental Adventures and parangs do 1-8/1-8, cost 15 yuan (=15 gp) and weight 50 cn, so either a scimitar or longsword is closer. I went for longsword in the end.
EDITED EDITED EDIT: I decided to give them Wisdom 12 like a Baboon. I dithered about giving them scent as well, but cut it out.
Last edited:
Cleon
Legend
Hsing-Sing Working Draft
Hsing-Sing
Medium Humanoid (Hsing-Sing)
Hit Dice: 2d8+2 (11 hp)
Initiative: +2
Speed: 20 ft. (6 squares), climb 20 ft., swim 20 ft.
Armor Class: 15 (+1 Dex, +2 natural, +1 light wooden shield), touch 11, flat-footed 13
Base Attack/Grapple: +1/+3
Attack: Bite +3 melee (1d6+2), or longsword +3 melee (1d8+3/19-20), or spear +3 melee (1d8+3/×3) or spear +3 ranged (1d8+2/×3)
Full Attack: Bite +3 melee (1d6+2), or longsword +3 melee (1d8+3/19-20), or spear +3 melee (1d8+3/×3) or spear +3 ranged (1d8+2/×3)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: —
Special Qualities: Low-light vision 60 ft.
Saves: Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +1
Abilities: Str 15, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 11
Skills: Climb +10, Swim +10 plus 5
Feats: 1
Environment: Warm forests and mountains
Organization: Solitary, pair, hunting party (2-5), raiding band (5-20) or tribe (5-20 plus 50% noncombatants)
Challenge Rating: 1?
Treasure: Standard
Alignment: Usually neutral
Advancement: By character class
Level Adjustment: +1
Description
Flavor
Combat
Tactics
Skills: (Standard Climb and Swim text.)
Hsing-Sing
Medium Humanoid (Hsing-Sing)
Hit Dice: 2d8+2 (11 hp)
Initiative: +2
Speed: 20 ft. (6 squares), climb 20 ft., swim 20 ft.
Armor Class: 15 (+1 Dex, +2 natural, +1 light wooden shield), touch 11, flat-footed 13
Base Attack/Grapple: +1/+3
Attack: Bite +3 melee (1d6+2), or longsword +3 melee (1d8+3/19-20), or spear +3 melee (1d8+3/×3) or spear +3 ranged (1d8+2/×3)
Full Attack: Bite +3 melee (1d6+2), or longsword +3 melee (1d8+3/19-20), or spear +3 melee (1d8+3/×3) or spear +3 ranged (1d8+2/×3)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: —
Special Qualities: Low-light vision 60 ft.
Saves: Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +1
Abilities: Str 15, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 11
Skills: Climb +10, Swim +10 plus 5
Feats: 1
Environment: Warm forests and mountains
Organization: Solitary, pair, hunting party (2-5), raiding band (5-20) or tribe (5-20 plus 50% noncombatants)
Challenge Rating: 1?
Treasure: Standard
Alignment: Usually neutral
Advancement: By character class
Level Adjustment: +1
Description
Flavor
Combat
Tactics
Skills: (Standard Climb and Swim text.)
Cleon
Legend
"Low-light vision 60 ft." Really?
Dang it, I was using the SRD Gnoll as a template and retyped the front of the Gnoll's "Darkvision 60 ft." but forgot to do the end.
I've been thinking maybe we should give them an Intelligence penalty and make the mental stats Int 9, Wis 12, Cha 10.
They have "bulky bodies", so 200 pounds?
Females only had 1 HD in OA and MC6, so should we make any reference to that? The SRD Ape and Baboon use males for the height and weight ("An adult male ape is 5½ to 6 feet tall and weighs 300 to 400 pounds." and ""A typical baboon is the size of a big dog. Males can be 2 to 4 feet long and weigh as much as 90 pounds.")
Something like:
Hsing-sing have thick white fur, which darkens to rich, golden tones when they grow old. Eye coloration is bright blue or brown. An adult male hsing-sing is about 5 feet tall and 200 pounds in weight. Females are considerably smaller, typically 4 to 4½ feet tall and 120 pounds.
Cleon
Legend
Before I forget, the Monstrous Manual has Hsing-sing stats, but they're in the Mammal entry.
It makes no mention of them being intelligent, although the "(or weapon)" in their Dmg/Att line might give it away.
Still, it makes me wonder whether spells that only affect mammals or animals will affect a Hsing-sing?
It makes no mention of them being intelligent, although the "(or weapon)" in their Dmg/Att line might give it away.
Still, it makes me wonder whether spells that only affect mammals or animals will affect a Hsing-sing?
Cleon
Legend
Oops! Forgot the language.
For some reason I fancy "Hsing-sings speak Common and their own dialect of Sylvan." If scholars consider them personifications of harmony with nature they could have a Fey connection.
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