Converting "generic setting" second edition monsters

[Shade]

Like the dragon, let's specify the attack that gets the extra reach. I do think we should give claw attacks separate from rake.

Agreed to all that. We can keep the original damage, as it appears the behir followed its original 2d4 bite damage from 2e.

 

[Shade]

Added to Homebrews.

 

[freyar]

My take on the "breath weapon," which I'm changing to a ranged touch:

Aging Attack (Su): Every 10 rounds (?), a tether beast can make a ranged touch attack (max range 30' with no range increment), which appears to be a breath of mist. This mist is actually made of the essence of the Demiplane of Time. The target, if hit, must make a DC X Fort save or age instantly to death; a successful save means that the target ages by 20 years.

This probably needs work...

 

[GrayLinnorm]

You should probably note that anyone aged gains the drawbacks but not the benefits of entering a new age category.

 

[Shade]

That's a good start.

Attempt at a revision...

Time Mist (Su): Once per minute, a tether beast can breathe forth a puff of mist at a single target within 30 feet. The tether beast must succeed on a ranged touch attack (no range increment). This mist contains the essence of the Demiplane of Time. If the attack succeeds, the target must make a DC X Fort save or age instantly to death, crumbling to a pile of dust. Even with a successful save, the target still ages 20 years. The effects of time mist can only be reversed with a wish or miracle. (??) The save DC is Constitution-based?

 

[freyar]

Time Mist looks good. I'd make the DC Con based, and the wish or miracle reversal sounds good, too.

 

[Shade]

What shall we do with this?

For opponents who devise an attack method just out of reach, the tether beast grabs hold of the lifeline tightly with its back four claws and whips the entire upper half of its body out toward its intended victim, raking with all five attacks.

And this?

A creature may try to force one of the beast's four lifeline claws away from the lifeline. Whether or not it is successful, the only result is that the tether beast turns on that creature with every attack, including an extra claw attack from the limb that the victim just freed.

And for this...

The tether beast (or the largest of the group) stores treasure within several hidden pouches that can be found within the softer area of its underside. Large items of obvious value, or any magical item it might have, are dragged along in one claw. Tether beasts have a 10% chance of being able to use a magical item. Otherwise that claw is considered nonuseful for attacks or movements.

Use Magic Device ranks? Mention the claw capable of fine manipulation in the flavor text?

 

[dhaga]

What shall we do with this?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Monstrous Compendium Annual 3
For opponents who devise an attack method just out of reach, the tether beast grabs hold of the lifeline tightly with its back four claws and whips the entire upper half of its body out toward its intended victim, raking with all five attacks.

I think we already took care of this by giving him extra reach. He is only going to be able to reach so far. If someone is using a bow or spells at a distance, this attack method would not work, anyway.

And this?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Monstrous Compendium Annual 3
A creature may try to force one of the beast's four lifeline claws away from the lifeline. Whether or not it is successful, the only result is that the tether beast turns on that creature with every attack, including an extra claw attack from the limb that the victim just freed.

Extra flavor text, using most of the original text: if grappling with the tether beast, an opponent may make an opposed Strength check to force one of the beast's four lifeline claws away from the lifeline. Whether or not this check is successful, the only result is that the tether beast turns on that creature with every attack, including an extra claw attack from the limb that the victim just freed.

Should we make a decision on what happens if all 4 claws are forced from the lifeline, or leave that up to the DMs? (I'm for leaving it to the DMs for taking care of that hypothetical case).

And for this...

Quote:
Originally Posted by Monstrous Compendium Annual 3
The tether beast (or the largest of the group) stores treasure within several hidden pouches that can be found within the softer area of its underside. Large items of obvious value, or any magical item it might have, are dragged along in one claw. Tether beasts have a 10% chance of being able to use a magical item. Otherwise that claw is considered nonuseful for attacks or movements.

Use Magic Device ranks? Mention the claw capable of fine manipulation in the flavor text?

I think a few ranks in Use Magic Device would be the best way to handle this, coupled with flavor text that indicates the claw is capable of fine manipulation, as you stated.

 

[freyar]

I'm agreed with Dhaga here.

 

[Shade]

I'm with you guys.

Borrowing the behir's skills and adding UMD gives us...

Skills: Climb +x, Hide +x, Listen +x, Spot +x, Survival +x, Use Magic Device +x (26 total ranks)

Behir Feats: Alertness, Cleave, Power Attack, Track

Do we want to swap any of these out for something else?