Converting "generic setting" Second Edition monsters

[Cleon]

Works for me!

Updated Working Draft.

Anything you want to add to the stats and special abilities?

 

[Shade]

I think that pretty much covers what it is.

CR 1 seems right.

Advancement looks OK, but I could even see going with "-".

Do we want to convert the fire phantom spell?

 

[Cleon]

I think that pretty much covers what it is.

CR 1 seems right.

Advancement looks OK, but I could even see going with "-".

Hmm, I guess Advancement -- would go with them being weaker than true fire elementals. Then there won't be and Advanced Fire Phantoms who are tougher than a Small Fire Elemental.

I'm OK with it, or with 3-6 HD (Medium), I'll leave it to you lot to decide on one.

Do we want to convert the fire phantom spell?

Might as well. Since a Fire Phantom's roughly the same CR-wise as a Small Elemental, it's closest match is a summon monster III, which is helpfully the same level as the original fire phantom spell. The main benefit seems to be a longer duration than a standard summon monster spell.

 

[Shade]

Summon Fire Phantom
Conjuration (Summoning) [see text]
Level: Brd 3, Clr 3, Drd 2, Rgr 2, Sor/Wiz 3
Components: V, S, F/DF
Casting Time: 1 round
Range: 30 ft.
Effect: One summoned creature
Duration: 3 rounds/level (D)
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: No

This spell summons a fire phantom. It appears where you designate and acts immediately, on your turn. It attacks your opponents to the best of its ability. If you can communicate with the creature, you can direct it not to attack, to attack particular enemies, or to perform other actions. The phantom must always remain within 30’ of the spellcaster; if it moves beyond this range the spell expires.

A summoned monster cannot summon or otherwise conjure another creature, nor can it use any teleportation or planar travel abilities. Creatures cannot be summoned into an environment that cannot support them.

Since a fire phantom has the Fire subtype, when you use the summon fire phantom spell, it is a spell of that type.

Arcane Focus: A pint of oil which must be poured out and ignited during the casting of the spell.


Note: I added Druid 2 and Ranger 2 since the Small elemental is also on the summon nature's ally II list. We can drop this if you'd prefer.

 

[Cleon]

Note: I added Druid 2 and Ranger 2 since the Small elemental is also on the summon nature's ally II list. We can drop this if you'd prefer.

I don't mind Druid 2, but putting it on the Ranger list doesn't seem right.

Should we add a note to the spell description as to how their Subservience To Flame means Fire Elementals can easily dismiss a summoned Fire Phantom?

 

[Shade]

I don't mind Druid 2, but putting it on the Ranger list doesn't seem right.

Even though they get Summon Nature's Ally at the same levels as druids?

Should we add a note to the spell description as to how their Subservience To Flame means Fire Elementals can easily dismiss a summoned Fire Phantom?

It can't hurt.

 

[Cleon]

Even though they get Summon Nature's Ally at the same levels as druids?

I'm just not fond of extensive spell lists for the Ranger, that's all.

It can't hurt.

Might as well do it, then.

 

[Shade]

I'm just not fond of extensive spell lists for the Ranger, that's all.

I can understand that reasoning, but this is essentially just a continuation of spells they already have, so I think it should go on their lists.

Any other opinions?

 

[Cleon]

I can understand that reasoning, but this is essentially just a continuation of spells they already have, so I think it should go on their lists.

Any other opinions?

Oh, I suppose it's no big deal. Throw it in the Ranger pile, if it pleases you so.

So, it's just the addition of a Subservience to Flame note.

 

[Shade]

Do you want to update your working draft? It hasn't made it to Homebrews yet.