Conversion of the X4-X5 modules

[johnsemlak]

OK, My X1 conversion has been sidelined a bit, but I am currently running X4-X5 in 3.5e and am converting along the way, so I thought I'd start a thread. I've already created several threads to discuss specific monsters or encounters so I'll link them all here:

Malakaz Encounter

Napga

 

[Sixten]

X4/5 creatures

I was working on a conversion of X4 as well, a while back. This is a list of all of the creatures that appear in the two modules that aren't in the MM. As I update my old conversions to 3.5 and post in the homebrew forum (or other people post theirs), I'll link them in. If I find a source for a good published conversion, I'll note it here as well.

A lot of the 3E versions of these monsters, as published in the core rules, are much tougher than the OD&D versions. Anyone running a stock conversion should probably watch CR/EL carefully.

new creatures in X4/5:
bhut (appears in Fiend Folio, but different?)
juggernaut (appears in Monster Manual 2, but different)
nagpa
soul eater (appears in Tome of Horrors)
tabi
dusanu
geonid
malfera
mujina
spectral hound (appears in Dungeon #100?)

placed encounters:
amber golem
desert hydra
frost salamander
giant piranha
giant crab (use monstrous crab from Tome of Horrors)
giant leech (there's a version in the Tome of Horrors)
giant rat (use dire rat)
pit viper (use snake, medium viper)
giant rattlesnake (use snake, large viper)
rock python (use snake, giant constrictor)
panther (use leopard)

random encounters:
robber fly
tarantella
swamp termite
giant bat
flame salamander
caecilia
devil swine
cyclops (there's a version in the Creature Catalogue)
giant weasel (use dire weasel)

 

[johnsemlak]

The Giant Crab can be represented with the Monstrous Crab in Tome of Horrors, I believe. Anyway, that's what I'm planning to use.

 

[Sixten]

I've posted conversions of some of the other vermin from the list in the Homebrew Monsters forum. Specifically, the monstrous tarantella, robber fly, and swamp termite.

Homebrew thread

 

[Sixten]

I've posted a conversion of the amber golem in Homebrews, but I could use some help with it, especially with the construction requirements.

 

[johnsemlak]

I just ran the encounter "The Evil Patrol" on page 6.

The trolls and the wyvern are easy to convert. One thing, I thing, I think three trolls plus the wyvern and the wizard may be a bit much for a level 7 party (the original module is for levels 6-9 but with a party of 6-8 characters), so I only had two trolls. If the party is a level or so highter, it might be OK.


For flavor I used the Zhentarum (sp?) skymage prestige class from Lords of Darkness with the wizard. I made it a level one Skymage/Level 5 Wizard. I'll post my version of his his stats later. I'm planning to have more skymages in the campaing later, and make them an elite part of the master's army.

In 3e a ring of spell storing contains either 5 or 10 spell levels, so I gave the wizard a 6-level ring.

The module says the characters have a chance equal to finding a secret door to spot the wyvern in the distance--I made it a DC 18 spot check.

 

[johnsemlak]

Just had a very good session and here's some notes from my latest conversion bit:

p. 8 Asanda River

From the Random Encounters there are two monsters not in official materil. I used Tome of Horror's Giant leech[/i]. The swamp termites need conversion. Anyone converted those?

I had a very rough set of notes I used for the session. I made them a diminuative vermin, HD 1+1, AC 17, Melee +0 Bite, Dmg 1-2 or 1-3 hull damage, plus poison (DC 12, nauseates for 1-2 rounds).
I ruled that the Termites bite on a wooden hull bypasses the hardness rating and automatically does damage the ship.

In encounter 1, Monsters from below, I used a Giant Crocodile from MMI and a Monstrous Crab from Tome of Horrors.

In encounter 2, I had to change the numbers in the encounter significantly. I had 12 Orcs and 12 Bowman on each side and a lesser amount of bugbears.

On page 9, encounter 3, Malakaz, I followed the notes in the thread linked above.

 

[johnsemlak]

My characters are carrying one of the Amulets of Finding and I still haven't fully written it up yet. Any pointers on doing that? Luckily, they don't have a mage with the identify spell.

 

[Sixten]

The swamp termites need conversion. Anyone converted those?

See my big list of monsters, above, for the post in Homebrews with my conversion.

 

[johnsemlak]

See my big list of monsters, above, for the post in Homebrews with my conversion.

Doh, sorry, missed that. I'll definitely use that.

How do you recken a termite's attack versus a ship should work? As I said, I figure a termites bite should bypass the hardness factor (for wooden ships of course).