Converting monsters from Dungeon Magazine

[Shade]

Updated.

Does the caustic ink look OK?

In addition to its multiple melee attacks, the tribute gatherer can use its telekinesis ability, which throws an object (or person) of 500 lbs or less 30’ away. This ability can be used every other round.

Telekinetis (violent thrust only) once every 2 rounds?

 

[Leopold]

Both abilities are reasonably balanced.

 

[freyar]

Looking pretty good here, and agreed on the telekinetic thrust.

I believe constrict damage is the same as tentacle damage, usually.

 

[Shade]

That does appear to be the standard, although the giant octopus does quite a bit more than its tentacle.

How's this?

Telekinetic Thrust (Su): Every other round, a tribute gatherer may lash out with telekinetic energy. This functions as the telekinesis spell (caster level equals culota's Hit Dice), but can only use the violent thrust option (Will DC 18 negates). The maximum weight it can throw is 500 pounds. The save DC is Charisma-based.

 

[demiurge1138]

Telekinetic thrust looks good, but why is the bite at a lower attack bonus than all of its other secondary attacks? The constrict damage should also have full Str bonus attached to it.

As for feats, Dodge, Mobility and Spring Attack would work for the other three. I agree with Leopold that a racial bonus to Spot and Search would be appropriate, and we could also give it Appraise so it can find the most valuable items possible.

As for its summons, how about 1d4 babaus with the aquatic subtype, the amphibious SQ and a swim speed equal to land speed?

 

[freyar]

Those feats are good.

I'll agree to the skill bonuses. Appraise, Intimidate, Knowledge (religion), Listen, Search, Spellcraft, Spot, Swim, Use Magic Device, one more? I'm thinking Spellcraft might help with appraising magic items, at least if we give it a detect magic SLA (or even identify/analyze dweomer).

I appreciate what you're trying to do with the summons, but there are so many other cool monsters. How about 1d4 or 1d6 skulvyns (FF), with an option for aquatic babau if not using the FF?

 

[Leopold]

Why not have the options of 2 choices: land and sea.

Give them a choice of 2 summons per area 1 from the MM the other from the FF. These things are upper level baddies, why not give them a bit of backing from the Bitch Queen.

 

[Shade]

Updated.

Skulvyn, like the tribute gatherer, can function on both land and sea. How about multiple fiendish octopi and/or a fiendish giant octopi?

I like the aquatic babau idea as an option for those without the FF.

I'm thinking something like this...

Summon Tanar'ri (Sp): Once per day a culota can attempt to summon 2d6 fiendish octopi or 1d6 skulvyn* with a 50% chance of success or a fiendish giant octopus or another tribute gatherer with a 20% chance of success. This ability is the equivalent of a 8th-level spell.

*If you are not using the Fiend Folio in your campaign, replace with 1d4 babaus with the aquatic subtype, the amphibious SQ and a swim speed equal to land speed.

 

[Leopold]

Can never have too many fiendish octupi! go for it

Advancement: None ? I don't see these things getting bigger or more powerful. Perhaps I missed the memo.

LA: - Too many abilties and HD, you are looking at a 16th level PC at least.

Treasure: See my post above. Standard if random. In lair Double Goods/Items.

Weight: 300lbs? It's a big blob and octopi are rather light when you take them out of water.

 

[demiurge1138]

Agreed that there's no need for an LA. It doesn't exactly scream "playable".