Converting "generic setting" second edition monsters

[BOZ]

keep in mind, they did what they did most likely because the seawolf was traditionally a lycanthrope, so they were most likely doing their best to emulate what the lycanthrope template would do.

a nawidnehr is not locked into a single humanoid form, unlike lycanthropes.

 

[Shade]

Yeah, but the lycans have alternate form like the jackalwere. The seawolf actually breaks the mold.

 

[BOZ]

weird - lycanthropes should only have on alternative form, logically.

 

[Shade]

Two if you count hybrids.

Actually, that makes sense, since dopplegangers have change shape. I guess the seawolf is the screwy one.

It appears that alternate form = usually set form/appearance while change shape = any form/appearance with some limitations.

 

[BOZ]

the two abilities are slightly different (see MM p305-306).

alternate form is like polymorph, with a limited number of forms. change shape allows you to assume any from, though often within the limitation of a specific type of creature.

i compared the qualities of each ability, and the only difference i really notice is that with alternate form you lose the natural armor and Str, Dex, and Con of your standard form, and gain the ones of your new form. otherwise, there is very little difference.

i think alternate form sounds the best for that reason, but i want it to be able to take any humanoid or monstrous humanoid form (human one round, sahuagin the next, then a lizardfolk, and then a dwarf).

 

[Shade]

i think alternate form sounds the best for that reason, but i want it to be able to take any humanoid or monstrous humanoid form (human one round, sahuagin the next, then a lizardfolk, and then a dwarf).

...which sounds almost exactly like the doppelganger's change shape to me.

 

[BOZ]

right, therein lies my quandry. ah well, retaining its ability scores and natural armor in humanoid form won't hurt anything now will it?

 

[Shade]

Only its opponents.

 

[BOZ]

and there you have it. looks like that is the way to go then.

Change Shape (Su): A nawidnehr can assume the shape of any humanoid, monstrous humanoid, or giant of Huge or smaller size. In shark form, a nawidnehr cannot use its song ability. In humanoid form, a nawidnehr cannot use its bite attack, roar, or swallow whole ability.

A nawidnehr remains in one form until it chooses to assume a new one. A change in form cannot be dispelled, but a nawidnehr revert to its natural form when killed. A true seeing spell, however, reveals its natural form if it is in human form.

 

[Shade]

Excellent.

In melee, a nawidnehr's jagged teeth and powerful jaws can tear away huge chunks of flesh, producing wounds that bleed profusely.

Borrowing from the nycaloth...

Bleeding Wounds (Ex): A wound from a nawidnehr's bite attack continues to bleed after the injury was inflicted. Each wound bleeds for 1 point of damage per round thereafter. Multiple bite wounds result in cumulative bleeding loss (two wounds deal 2 points of damage per round, and so on). The bleeding can be stopped only by a successful DC 15 Heal check or the application of any cure spell or other healing spell (heal, mass heal, and so on).