Converting "generic setting" Second Edition monsters

[Shade]

I'm sure they can still find reasons to corporealize. In fact, lets throw a few of those reclaimed ranks into Use Magic Device, since it gets nice synergy bonuses from other skills, but can't use it untrained.

Updated. Do we want to revise the spell list to account for the metamagic feats?

 

[Cleon]

I'm sure they can still find reasons to corporealize. In fact, lets throw a few of those reclaimed ranks into Use Magic Device, since it gets nice synergy bonuses from other skills, but can't use it untrained.

Use Magic Device is a good idea.

Updated. Do we want to revise the spell list to account for the metamagic feats?

Well there wouldn't be much point giving them those feats if they don't get used. Let's see what we've got...


...You know, I really like the spells as they are. Maybe we should swap those metamagic feats for something else?

 

[freyar]

Any other suggestions on feats? Reach on vampiric touch might be fun.

 

[Shade]

Yeah, it is. I like the spell list except magic jar. How about we keep Reach Spell, give it a reach vampiric touch at 5th-level, and swap out Repeat Spell and Silent Spell with Spell Focus (enchantment) and Greater Spell Focus (enchantment)?

 

[Cleon]

Yeah, it is. I like the spell list except magic jar. How about we keep Reach Spell, give it a reach vampiric touch at 5th-level, and swap out Repeat Spell and Silent Spell with Spell Focus (enchantment) and Greater Spell Focus (enchantment)?

The problem is it can just cast spectral hand and get a 230 foot reach on all its touch spells for the duration of the hand (13 minutes), with a +2 bonus on its attack rolls to boot.

Indeed, it's such a useful spell for the spectral wizard I'd consider having it prepare the spell twice or giving it a wand of spectral hand.

How about Craft Wand, Spell Focus (enchantment) and Greater Spell Focus (enchantment) instead of Still, Reach and Repeat Spell, give it a wand of spectral hand and swap the spectral hand for touch of idiocy?

Feats: Combat Casting, Craft Wand, Eschew Materials, Greater Spell Focus (enchantment), Greater Spell Focus (necromancy), Scribe Scroll (B), Spell Focus (enchantment), Spell Focus (necromancy), Spell Penetration
Treasure: x plus wand of spectral hand

Wizard Spells Prepared (4/5/5/4/3/2; save DC 13 + spell level, necromancy spells DC 15 + spell level).
0—detect magic, ghost sound, prestidigitation, touch of fatigue;
1st—chill touch, magic missile, ray of enfeeblement (2), reduce person;
2nd—false life, gust of wind, hideous laughter, scare, touch of idiocy;
3rd—dispel magic, ray of exhaustion, slow, vampiric touch;
4th—black tentacles, crushing despair, phantasmal killer;
5th—magic jar, mind fog.

 

[Shade]

I can go for most of that. I'd still like to replace magic jar, though. It just feels like a "cheesy" attempt to become more a full ghost (since it lacks malevolence). I'd rather it strive to be a bit more distinct, than strive to be similar. <shrug>

 

[Cleon]

I can go for most of that. I'd still like to replace magic jar, though. It just feels like a "cheesy" attempt to become more a full ghost (since it lacks malevolence). I'd rather it strive to be a bit more distinct, than strive to be similar. <shrug>

If it bothers you I don't mind changing it.

How about cloudkill? The Spectral Wizard will be immune since it's not living.

Failing that, I always have a fondness for baleful polymorph.

 

[Shade]

Updated.

Time to figure out CR. A ghost is +2. The wizard actually loses several spellcasting levels. Is that enough to offset the gained abilities, giving it a CR adjustment of +0?

A ghost has a LA of +5. I could see reducing it to +2, since 3 spellcasting levels are lost. Or maybe +3, due to the better manifestation than a standard ghost.

 

[Cleon]

Updated.

Time to figure out CR. A ghost is +2. The wizard actually loses several spellcasting levels. Is that enough to offset the gained abilities, giving it a CR adjustment of +0?

J'accord, losing three spellcasting levels is worth lowering the CR by 2.

A ghost has a LA of +5. I could see reducing it to +2, since 3 spellcasting levels are lost. Or maybe +3, due to the better manifestation than a standard ghost.

I prefer +3. The ability to "solidly manifest" is much more useful.

 

[Shade]

Updated. We still need to figure out the treasure entry, and to put weapons on our sample wizard's attack lines.

Oddly, ghost have treasure "None", despite listing a "Ghostly Equipment" sidebar.