Converting Al-Qadim and Oriental Adventures creatures

[demiurge1138]

Ooh. That does look like a good model.

 

[Shade]

So maybe all we need is alternate form (for animal), and base the rest on a tree shape-like Su ability and something like boulder defense?

 

[freyar]

Yeah, sounds good. We can probably just change the numbers on boulder defense as necessary. Otherwise it looks pretty much perfect.

 

[demiurge1138]

Yeah. That sounds reasonable.

 

[Shade]

Something like...

Alternate Form (Su): A maskhi can assume an animal form at will. Each maskhi can assume only a single animal form of Diminutive to Small size; once chosen, it always assumes this same form. Assuming this form takes a standard action, while returning to its monstrous humanoid form is a free action.

Arboreal Defense (Ex): A maskhi can change its shape to that of a single small tropical tree common to the region in which its tribe dwells. In this form, it gains damage reduction 10/slashing and spell resistance x, but it cannot move or make attacks. Assuming this form takes a standard action, while returning to its monstrous humanoid form is a free action.

Boulder Defense (Ex): A maskhi can change its shape to a rocklike form of a single type (such as basalt, obsidian, quartz, or marble). In this form, it gains damage reduction 5/- and spell resistance x, but it cannot move or make attacks. Assuming this form takes a standard action, while returning to its monstrous humanoid form is a free action.

 

[demiurge1138]

Looks pretty good. I assume that stone form grants better SR than tree form?

 

[Shade]

I think so. Maybe HD+5 for arboreal form, and HD+10 for stone form?

 

[demiurge1138]

That's exactly what I was thinking!

 

[Shade]

Then so it shall be.

Maskhi use their shapeshifting abilities to aid them in ambushing, hiding, and fleeing. A common tactic is to wait at an oasis in their tree or stone forms and ambush those who arrive for a drink. They can change shape quickly, so that their opponents have a penalty of +4 on surprise.

In their tree and stone forms, they are indistinguishable in smell and texture from real trees and stones. They can fool even highly intelligent adversaries, provided the maskhi were not seen while shapeshifting into their new form.

Should we grant camouflage, like the assassin vine, while in other forms? Or maybe a big bonus on Disguise checks?

 

[demiurge1138]

Big bonus to Disguise checks. I'm not the world's biggest fan of camouflage.