CON-based abilities when undead

[DwarvenDog]

If a monstrous humanoid with a CON-based special ability (say, poison) becomes a vampire, does that ability remain CON-based (no modifier) or does it become CHA-based?

I am spinning my wheels at finding a specific rule for this, and would appreciate any help in tracking one down.

thanks in advance!

 

[Hypersmurf]

If a monstrous humanoid with a CON-based special ability (say, poison) becomes a vampire, does that ability remain CON-based (no modifier) or does it become CHA-based?

It has a modifier, but it's +0.

Undead only use Cha when it specifically says so.

-Hyp.

 

[Sound of Azure]

On Page 300 of the Monster manual, under Calculating Saving Throw DCs, you'll find the information you are looking for.

Also use Charisma for any DC that normally would be based on an ability score the creature does not have. For example, undead creatures have no Constitution score, so any poison attacks they have would use Charisma to determine the save DC.

Edit: The same would go for Breath Weapons, too (also a Con-based DC). Really great for undead dragons!

 

[Hypersmurf]

Oops! And this, evidently, is one of those situations where it specifically says so!

-Hyp.

 

[Sound of Azure]

Oversights happen to the best us, I guess.

It would be a lot easier if it was spelled out in the Undead description, though. Or the non-abilities section. Ah, well.

 

[DwarvenDog]

Excellent! That's exactly what I was looking for.


thanks!