Converting Forgotten Realms monsters

[Cleon]

Improved Initiative, Lightning Reflexes, Weapon Focus (claw)

Don't like Improved Initiative for them. While they're not slow like regular zombies, I don't think standard Netherese Zombies should be any faster off the mark than a typical human.

My first pick was Great Fortitude, but there's lots of other options - Blind-Fight like a Wight? Alertness like a Wight or Vampire?

I think I'd go for Great Fortitude, it's a good match with their Toughness bonus feat.

So, Great Fortitude, Lightning Reflexes, Weapon Focus (claw)?

 

[Shade]

Sounds good.

Thoughts on the skills?

 

[demiurge1138]

I don't know why they would want to take Great Fortitude. Name a single Fort effect that affects the undead, besides disintegrate.

 

[freyar]

Listen, Search, Spot work for the skills.

demiurge makes a good point about Great Fort. If not Imp Init, Blind-Fight works.

 

[Shade]

Yeah, good point. Dropping Great Fortitude. I have no problem with Improved Initiative, even if the original didn't say they were any swifter to react than an average human. If it's a sticking point, though, Blind-Fight works for me.

Organization: Solitary or x (2–16)

Advancement: x

CR 3? Despite the higher HD/hp, the lack of dangerous SAs (and less attacks) makes me thing they are no better than a ghast.

 

[demiurge1138]

I don't think it's a sticking point for anyone but Cleon. And CR 3 seems pretty reasonable to me.

 

[freyar]

CR 3 is ok. I don't mind either feat. Cleon, does Imp Init feel better if we remember that it's not a bonus feat but a "standard customization" feat for these monsters?

On to the templated version!

 

[Shade]

Advancement: 7-12 HD (Medium)?

 

[Cleon]

CR 3 is ok. I don't mind either feat. Cleon, does Imp Init feel better if we remember that it's not a bonus feat but a "standard customization" feat for these monsters?

On to the templated version!

Not really, no. I feel that only the templated version of these undead is likely to have much variation in its feats.

I'll agree with the problem about Great Fortitude, so I'll back Blind-Fight as the third feat. The notion of them having uncanny senses works for me a lot more than better initiative.

The proposed skills and Challenge Rating 3 are fine by me.

I would think they have no Advancement, like standard zombies of a base creature that advances by character class - although the templated version could either advance by character class or be fixed at the level at which it died, I can see it going either way.

 

[demiurge1138]

I agree with Cleon that the base monster shouldn't advance, but continue to support Improved Initiative.