Converting "generic setting" second edition monsters

[JiCi]

Maybe not 1/2 HD, if this bird can cast remove disease as a spell-like ability, it must at least have the minimum HD equal to the minimum Caster Level of the spell, or at most 3 HD lower.

How about starting from your Giant Crane stats, taken from the Creature Catalogue ?

Giant Crane
Medium Animal
Hit Dice: 3d8+3 (16)
Initiative: +3
Speed: 20 ft. (4 squares), fly 50 ft. (poor)
Armor Class: 16 (+2 size, +3 Dex, +1 natural), touch 15, flat-footed 13
Base Attack/Grapple: +1/+3
Attack: Bite +4 melee (1d6+3)
Full Attack: Bite +4 melee (1d6+3)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: -
Special Qualities: Low-light vision, wading
Saves: Fort +4, Ref +6, Will +4
Abilities: Str 14, Dex 17, Con 12, Int 2, Wis 16, Cha 6
Skills: Hide +5, Listen +8, Move Silently +5, Spot +12
Feats: Alertness, Stealthy, Weapon Finesse

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Environment: Any marsh
Organization: Solitary, pair, flock (10-30) or great flock (31-50 plus 3-12 fledgelings)
Challenge Rating: 1
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 4-6 HD (Medium); 7-9 HD (Large)
Level Adjustment: -

 

[Shade]

I'd rather keep it low HD (maybe 1?), as an interesting means for groups to rid themselves of diseases before the spell is readily available. Maybe place the size and physical stats between the Medium crane and the Tiny ibis.

Ibis
Tiny Animal
Hit Dice: 1/4d8 (1 hp)
Initiative: +3 (+3 Dex)
Speed: 20 ft., fly 50 ft. (poor)
AC: 16 (+2 size, +3 Dex, +1 natural), touch 15, flat-footed 13
Attacks: Bite +5 melee
Damage: Bite 1d3-2
Face/Reach: 2 1/2 ft. by 2 1/2 ft./0 ft.
Special Attacks: -
Special Qualities: Wading
Saves: Fort +2, Ref +5, Will +3
Abilities: Str 6, Dex 17, Con 10, Int 2, Wis 16, Cha 6
Skills: Listen +7, Spot +11
Feats: Alertness, Weapon Finesse (bite)
Climate/Terrain: Any marsh
Organization: Flock (2-12)
Challenge Rating: 1/4
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 1 HD (Tiny); 2 HD (Small)

 

[freyar]

In between those two works for me.

 

[demiurge1138]

There's no reason it needs to have the HD of its caster level. Just give it the CL. I agree with 1 HD.

 

[Shade]

Added to Homebrews.

On an indifferent or friendly reaction, it stares at the patient for one round. The bird's pure white feathers will turn gray and unhealthy as its absorbs the sickness into itself. The person's sickness is cured and he or she feels better immediately, but the caladrius catches the disease! To recover, the caladrius must be allowed to fly off high into the air, where the sun's rays purify it. Unfortunately, the caladrius cannot be tamed, so this means it escapes.

Perhaps it should also be able to remove the sickened (and possibly nauseated) conditions from a creature as well?

Note that the text contradicts itself, stating several times that the caladrius is immune to disease, yet above it indicates that it can be affected, and must be purified by sunlight. How would you like to handle that? The latter option is more flavorful.

Do we want to retain the +4 racial bonus on Spot checks from the ibis and giant crane?

 

[freyar]

Yes to sickened and nauseated.

I like purification by sunlight. Maybe make the ability such that it is immune to disease outdoors during daylight?

Spot bonus sounds ok.

 

[demiurge1138]

Purification by sunlight and removing those status conditions sounds good to me too.

 

[Shade]

How are these?

Absorb Impurities (Su): As a full-round action, a caladrius may absorb illness from a creature. This removes any disease from the victim, as well as the
sickened and nauseated conditions. The impurities are transferred to the caladrius, whose feathers turn an unhealthy gray pallor. In order to use this ability, the caladrius must have line of sight to its target. A caladrius will generally not use this ability unless its attitude is improved to friendly or helpful.

Purification by Sunlight (Su): Exposure to natural sunlight removes any disease from the caladrius. It also removes the sickened and nauseated conditions. When outdoors during daylight, a caladrius is thus effectively immune to disease, sickness, and nausea.

 

[freyar]

Excellent!

Given that these have animal Intelligence, should we specify Handle Animal DCs or conditions in which Diplomacy may be used to improve their attitude?

 

[Shade]

That's a good question...one for which I do not have an answer.