Converting monsters from Dragon magazine (Part Two)

[demiurge1138]

Those ability scores appeal.

OK. Trap finding and trap sense. That's fine--I was worried that you were shooting for sneak attack, which I thought was too much. I'd actually be fine with not including, say, uncanny dodge.

 

[freyar]

While sneak attack would be fun, I don't see a real call for it (or really for uncanny dodge or evasion, but I'm ok with including any of these).

I'd also support a substantial racial bonus (+4 at least) to Hide and Move Silently.

 

[demiurge1138]

Substantial bonus to Hide and Move Silently is good. Evasion I like (and it'll help even more with those traps if it sets them off!)

I was thinking about doing something with its immunity to curses. I like the whole "carry cursed items to mess with adventurers", but I can't help but think there should be something else.

 

[freyar]

Let's keep Evasion as well, then.

I can't think of much else for the curses thing, either. Let's brainstorm: how else do curses come up in a D&D game? And what specific spells are they immune to (just ones with curse in the name)?

 

[Shade]

Added to Homebrews.

 

[freyar]

Also:

Roguish (Ex): Averxes have trapfinding, trap sense +1, and evasion as rogues of 5th level.

If we let them advance by character class (which seems like an option to me), I guess this should stack with actual rogue levels, huh?

 

[demiurge1138]

Yes.

As for the curses thing, only bestow curse is core, but there's a bunch of other curses in non-core supplements. Perhaps we could borrow from one of them for a minor cursing ability?

 

[Shade]

Also:

Roguish (Ex): Averxes have trapfinding, trap sense +1, and evasion as rogues of 5th level.

If we let them advance by character class (which seems like an option to me), I guess this should stack with actual rogue levels, huh?

Yes to the stacking, although I'm not sure this should be a single ability. Generally, monsters with class abilities list them out individually.

For example, see the MM3 rakshasa, particularly the nathzarune.

 

[freyar]

Sure, we can list them separately. That works.

These should be immune to the effects of cursed items, too, right?

 

[Shade]

Yes. "Curse" should really be an effect, like fear, polymorph, etc.

They should be immune to all curses, whether from a bestow curse spell, a cursed item, mummy rot, lycanthropy, or the dying curse of some creatures.