Converting Al-Qadim and Oriental Adventures creatures

[Shade]

Ditto here with the intricacies. As for speaking in bird form, it isn't specified:

Three times per day, shan sao can polymorph into the shape of a bird. (Note the flying speed above.) They usually assume the forms of crows, ravens, or other common birds native to the immediate area.

Also, I see I need to remove the flight from their speed line.

 

[freyar]

In one of the other threads, I typed out a summary comparison of alternate form & change shape. Anyone remember which that was? I sadly don't think those made it into the general conversions guidelines sticky. In this case, I think the main point to decide is if we want them to take the physical abilities of the bird form (alternate form) or keep their own (change shape). In either case, they can use SLAs, but spellcasting is out with verbal components (unless we give them speech) or somatic (unless we specify that they can use claws for somatic).

 

[demiurge1138]

Well, they have SLAs, so that's fine.

 

[Shade]

In one of the other threads, I typed out a summary comparison of alternate form & change shape. Anyone remember which that was? I sadly don't think those made it into the general conversions guidelines sticky.

Found it!

I've added it to Monster Conversion Notes.

 

[freyar]

That's handy. Let's stick to change shape for these, since the birds probably don't have such great physical ability scores.

 

[Shade]

Sounds good.

Though small, shan sao are accomplished fighters, quick to take offense and equally quick to return it. They are apt to pursue fleeing enemies rather than permit their escape. Shan sao have no tolerance for trespassers or disturbances of any kind; loud noises especially annoy them, particularly the sound of bursting bamboo. All shan sao are immune to all types of fear.

Skills: 10
Based on the above, I'd say Bluff/Intimidate and Sense Motive?

Feats: 1
Weapon Finesse?

Environment: Temperate and warm hills and forests?

Organization: Solitary, pair, or tribe (3-30)?

Treasure: Standard?

Alignment: Usually chaotic neutral?

 

[freyar]

That all sounds good to me.

 

[demiurge1138]

They don't qualify for Weapon Finesse. Persuasive, perhaps. Or Ability Focus (contagion).

 

[Shade]

D'oh! Good point. Although it qualifies for it now, it wouldn't when it "earned" the feat.

Updated.

A settlement comprises 3-30 (3d10) males, and half as many females. The number of children equals 25% of the total number of adults. Some settlements (10%) are guarded by 1-2 tigers, which share the humanoids’ lair. A shan sao force encountered away from its settlement is always male.

Responsibilities of hunting and defense fall mainly on the males, but females will fight to the death to defend their homes. Females have 1 Hit Die, but otherwise their abilities equal those of males.

It sounds like the org line needs expansion. How does this look?

Organization: Solitary, pair, or tribe (3-30 males plus 1-15 females plus 25% noncombatants and 1-2 tigers)

I see no need to note different stats for the females. Perhaps mention in the flavor text that the females are less likely to pursue PC class levels?

 

[freyar]

Agreed to all that.

I think they should speak Gnome. Weigh about 10-13 lb? CL 1 on speak with animals, like a regular gnome. I'm going to say that the summon tiger is equivalent to a 2nd or 3rd level spell. Thoughts?