Castles & Crusades: Monsters

[Andrew D. Gable]

I know the monster book is due out next month (or maybe even this month still?), but I was wondering if someone with the box set had any input as to how the monsters are converted. Based on the PDF on Troll Lords' page, the Hit Dice type used for various creatures are all over the map, and different from what I'm used to. How are they determined? I'd like to convert some monsters that I'm sure won't be covered in the upcoming book. I'm particularly confused by how two undead, a skeleton and a zombie, have d8 and d12 Hit Dice respectively...

 

[Wasgo]

I don't have the boxset, but I'm pretty sure a lot of the monsters were in fact converted from their 1st edition counterparts, which would probably explain the discrepancies. Why don't you post a monster and maybe some of the vetrans of the system will help break down the conversion step-by-step?

 

[VorpalBunny]

I know the monster book is due out next month (or maybe even this month still?), but I was wondering if someone with the box set had any input as to how the monsters are converted. Based on the PDF on Troll Lords' page, the Hit Dice type used for various creatures are all over the map, and different from what I'm used to. How are they determined? I'd like to convert some monsters that I'm sure won't be covered in the upcoming book. I'm particularly confused by how two undead, a skeleton and a zombie, have d8 and d12 Hit Dice respectively...

d12 HD? They must have changed them, 'cause the zombies in the Lion in the Ropes adventure (and subsequently the version I use) has d8 HD:

Zombie: AC 12; MV 30 ft; HD 2d8; hp 9; #AT 1; DAM 1d8; SA –; SQ -5 to initiative, edged weapons do ½ damage, darkvision; Primes none; AL CE

 

[Mythmere1]

From the fact that "Beasts" is a category, I think 3E, as opposed to 3.5, is the source of the conversions. I'm waiting to see the Monsters book (and then I'll probably go on a conversion binge...)

 

[Mythmere1]

Monsters & Treasure should be out soon...
Can't wait - all such questions will be answered!

 

[gevrin]

As I understand it, the whole d8/d12 stuff is an attempt to allow variance between monsters in the same general range.

Hence skellies and zombies as 1HD monsters will both have the same range of saves and bonuses, but zombies with 1d12 HP will be tougher to take down than 1d8 skellies.

And thus with other monsters all the way up the HD range, some will get better offensive powers, some will be dumb but tough.

Great idea (without a lot of complexity). Still waiting for "Monsters and Treasures" though.

Dave