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Message: <blockquote data-quote="BOZ" data-source="post: 34987" data-attributes="member: 1241">MINIMALSMinimal (template) Minimals are half-sized breeds of otherwise normal animals.  The have the same physical and behavioral traits as their full-sized relatives, although most are not as dangerous.  Minimals are as aggressive as their larger counterparts, and carnivores are even moreso.   All minimals (a contraction of "miniature animals") are small mammals.  They are the result of deliberate tampering with nature by magical means, in much the same way that giant-sized versions of animals were created.  Aside from their smaller size, they have the same characteristics and needs as their normal-sized kin.  Unlike most enlarged monsters, the diminutive minimals have increased usefulness and survivability since they require less food and territory.  Minimal skins and hides are worth 2/3 that of the normal-sized species.   Minimals tend to be found only in isolated regions, where they are likely to be the only types of mammals around.  They seldom exist in areas with large carnivores, since they would be quickly wiped out.   Minimals are sometimes found with smaller humanoids or fey, especially if the locale is isolated.  Minimals that can be domesticated are valued by short humanoids, such as halflings, as pets of this size are easier for them to control.  Minimals cannot and will not be familiars under any circumstances.CREATING A MINIMAL"Minimal" is a template that can be added to any normal animal which is medium-sized or larger (referred to hereafter as the "base creature").  The creature type remains unchanged.  The creature's size decreases by two size categories, and the animal's dimensions are decreased by 3/4 the size.  Minimals are usually only created from land animals.  A minimal uses all the base creature's statistics and special abilities except as noted here.  All listed changes that require consulting the Monster Manual should be performed in *reverse* (for example, a creature going from Huge to Large loses 8 Str and 4 Con, gains +2 Dex, loses -3 from natural armor, and gains +1 to it's AC and attack bonus).Hit Dice:  The number of hit dice is halved from the base creature.Initiative:  Same as the base creatureSpeed:  The speed is halved from the base creature, rounded to the nearest increment of 10.AC:  The creature's armor class increases according to the chart on page 12 of the Monster Manual, although its natural armor may decrease.Attacks:  The creature's number of attacks and type of attacks remain unchanged, but its attack modifier decreases according to the chart on page 12 of the Monster Manual, and its bonus to hit may also decrease according to its new Hit Dice and Str.Damage:  The damage that the creature's natural attacks cause changes according to the chart on page 14 of the Monster Manual.Face/Reach:  The creature's face and reach may decrease, depending on how small its dimensions become.Special Attacks:  Same as the base creature; damage from special attacks may be decreased.Special Qualities:  Same as the base creature; also Save bonusesSaves:  The creature's saving throws decrease as its ability scores change.  (see below)Abilities:  The creature's Str, Dex, and Con decrease according to the chart on page 12 of the Monster Manual.Skills:  Same as the base creatureFeats:  Same as the base creatureClimate/Terrain:  Same as the base creatureOrganization:  Same as the base creatureChallenge Rating:  1/2 of base creatureTreasure:  NoneAlignment:  Same as the base creatureAdvancement:  --- COMBATMinimals fight in the same manner as the normal breeds.  They respect larger opponents and will usually attack only small prey or when they have superior numbers.  Naturally, they will fight if cornered.   Save Bonuses (Ex):  Minimals are not magical beasts, but the magical process that created them from normal animals has made them hardier than normal.  They receive a +2 bonus to all saving throws.  Additionally, they receive a +2 to save against poison to help them against poisonous predators, and they receive a +4 to saves against any sort of enchantment spell, including those spells meant to charm animals.Minimals first appeared in the Monster Manual II (Gary Gygax, 1983).</blockquote>

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