Converting monsters from Dungeon Magazine

[dhaga]

Thanks, Shade. I'm still relatively new to 3.5 (just started DMing in it myself during our most recent gaming session (was in 3.0 for a long time beforehand)) and this is the first I've heard of these "swift actions".

Now that I know the definition, my comment: should an attack be a swift action? Does that break the rules a bit?

 

[Shade]

I read back through the adventure, and no specific sizes given, but it is mentioned that they are the size of a normal ventriloquist's dummy. So we can make them either Tiny or Small.

Since the recommended maximum HD for Tiny is 6, and these guys start at 7 HD, and are the weakest of the dummies in the module, I'd suggest we go with Small. They can still be only 2 feet tall. Thoughts?

 

[freyar]

Since the recommended maximum HD for Tiny is 6, and these guys start at 7 HD, and are the weakest of the dummies in the module, I'd suggest we go with Small. They can still be only 2 feet tall. Thoughts?

A very short Small it is, then.

 

[Shade]

Conjurer Puppet
Small Construct
Hit Dice: 7d10+10 (48 hp)
Initiative: +x
Speed: 20 ft. (4 squares)
Armor Class: x (+1 size, +x Dex, +x natural), touch x, flat-footed x
Base Attack/Grapple: +5/+x
Attack: Hat +x ranged (special) and/or wand +x ranged? (2d6 electricity)
Full Attack: Hat +x ranged (special) and wand +x ranged? (2d6 electricity)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Hats
Special Qualities: Construct traits, darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision
Saves: Fort +2, Ref +2, Will +2
Abilities: Str x, Dex x, Con -, Int -, Wis 11, Cha 1
Skills: -
Feats: -
Environment: Any land
Organization: Solitary, pair, or gang (3-4)
Challenge Rating: x
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: x
Level Adjustment: -

 

[GrayLinnorm]

No intelligence? The line "and the puppets are smart enough to know this" seems to imply that they are intelligent, although it could just be instinct.

I would also suggest a higher Charisma (the effects of their hats suggest a Charisma-based saving throw).

 

[Shade]

No intelligence? The line "and the puppets are smart enough to know this" seems to imply that they are intelligent, although it could just be instinct.

I would also suggest a higher Charisma (the effects of their hats suggest a Charisma-based saving throw).

Excellent points. I went with the stock mindless construct stats, but we can definitely grant them an Int and/or higher Cha.

 

[dhaga]

Each puppet can make a second attack per round with its wand, striking for 2-12 hp electrical damage (save vs. spells for half damage). The wands are usable only by the puppets.

"Striking" makes me think of a melee attack, but I don't think that would be good for these little guys, especially due to the ranged nature of the hats. I think the wand attack should be ranged.

I agree that they should have Int, though it need not be very high.
Str 6, Dex 14, Con -, Int 6, Wis 11, Cha 14?

 

[Mortis]

"Striking" makes me think of a melee attack, but I don't think that would be good for these little guys, especially due to the ranged nature of the hats. I think the wand attack should be ranged.

Well, you can be struck by a bolt of lightning so why not?

I agree that they should have Int, though it need not be very high.
Str 6, Dex 14, Con -, Int 6, Wis 11, Cha 14?

Looks ok to me

Regards
Mortis

 

[Shade]

Added to Homebrews.

How do the special abilities look?

 

[dhaga]

Victim stupefied, doing nothing but quietly stare blankly.

That could probably be changed to "Victim is stupefied, standing quietly, with a blank stare."
We should state if a stupefied victim is considered helpless or not.

Special abilities look good otherwise.