Converting monsters from Second Edition Monstrous Compendiums

[Cleon]

A bit more standard to leave it as an SLA, but then we need to pilfer some ranks for Concentration.

We don't have to give it ranks in Concentration, you know. There are SRD creatures with spell-like abilities that don't have Concentration, some (i.e. Babau Demon, Dretch, Quasit, Barghest, Kolyarut, Zelekhut) would certainly have a use for that skill. That's probably just careless design, of course.

 

[freyar]

True, I'm just inclined to make it slightly more effective.

 

[Shade]

If we make it SLA, we probably should have a few ranks in Concentration (since it's presumably used in battle).

So freyar, it looks like the decision once more falls to you: SLA or Su?

 

[freyar]

Let's just leave it as an SLA and pilfer some ranks for Concentration. I like Cleon's option #2 in post 1223 for the skill ranks. If we really want more Knowledge skills, shift a couple from Search.

 

[Shade]

So be it. Updated.

 

[Cleon]

So be it. Updated.

That's fine by me.

 

[Shade]

That brings us to...

Challenge Rating: 3? (That's an awful lot of attacks, and shout is rather potent at low levels)

Treasure: Standard? (They're usually guarding something)

Alignment: Usually neutral?

Advancement: x

 

[Cleon]

That brings us to...

Challenge Rating: 3? (That's an awful lot of attacks, and shout is rather potent at low levels)

I wouldn't be adverse to CR 4. They have Reach, lots of attacks, quite combat potent SLAs (shout and invisibility) and are very hard to surprise.

Treasure: Standard? (They're usually guarding something)

Treasure Type I is pretty rich in valuables:

Type I:
3-18 100s of platinum pieces: 30%
2-20 gems: 55%
1-12 jewelry: 50%
Maps or Magic Items: Any 1: 15%

I'd go for Double coins and goods, plus standard items.

Alignment: Usually neutral?

Usually neutral seems a good fit. They are more interested in philosophizing on perception than morality, although their interest in philosophy could lead them towards following a belief system.

Advancement: x

I was thinking 5-8 HD (Small); 9-12 HD (Medium) but would accept 5-6 HD (Small); 7-12 HD (Medium).

What Reach would a Medium-sized Suwyze have, 15 feet or 20 feet?

 

[freyar]

I'll agree with Cleon, including his first advancement option. I also wouldn't mind just going to flat double standard treasure. Or else just "standard" for what they have and note that they often guard the treasure of a higher CR boss. As for CR, I think the extra abilities do suggest CR 4, even if they are a bit squishy.

 

[Shade]

Looks good. Updated.

I even threw in some flavor text without endangering myself to falling hints.