Converting monsters from First Edition modules

[Shade]

Since jump is already a mechanic handled by the Jump skill, the purist in me wants to avoid adding an additional type of movement. Maybe we could just give it a huge bonus on the Jump skill, and also allow it to use its Dex bonus instead of Str for Jump checks (like cats)? I'm assuming it will have a high Dexterity if it ends up being Diminutive.

I like Krishnath's death throes writeup.

 

[BOZ]

i agree with shade that it should be a skill-based manuever, with a high Jump bonus.

the death throes is nice, but i would prefer to use lesser confusion instead.

 

[Krishnath]

Then use my deathroes writeup, but add lesser before confusion

 

[BOZ]

how's this?

Death Throes (Ex?): When a memory web dies, it sends out a mental shockwave that affects all creatures within a 200-foot radius. Those within the radius must succeed at a will save (DC X) or be affected as by the lesser confusion spell. Creatures entangled by the memory web receive no saving throw. This is a mind-affecting effect. The save DC is Charisma(?)-based. All creatures affected will experience a series of dream-like recollections over the next 1d3 days, based on the memories that the web had drained during the 24 hours before it died.

 

[BOZ]

and here's an updated stat block:

Memory Web
Diminutive (Ooze or Aberration?)
Hit Dice: 6d8+X (X hp)
Initiative: +X
Speed: 10 ft (2 squares)
Armor Class: 18 (+4 size, +X Dex, +X natural), touch X, flat-footed X
Base Attack/Grapple: +X/+X
Attack: Touch + X melee touch
Full Attack: Touch + X melee touch
Space/Reach: 5 ft/5 ft
Special Attacks: web/entangle, constrict 1d6, death throes
Special Qualities: blindsight 60 ft, damage reduction, fire resistance X
Saves: Fort +X Ref +X Will +X
Abilities: Str X, Dex X, Con X, Int 12, Wis X, Cha X
Skills: X super Jump, Hide (size bonus +12)
Feats: 3

i like the idea of using Dex for Jump checks, but i think it may need a racial bonus too.

 

[Shade]

Suggested ability scores: Str 1, Dex 25, Con 11, Int 12, Wis 14, Cha 1

Skills: Memory webs have a +16 racial bonus on Jump checks. They use their Dexterity modifier instead of their Strength modifier for Climb and Jump checks.

Jump bonus so far: 9 skill ranks + 16 racial bonus + 7 Dex bonus -12 speed penalty = +20.

DC to Jump 50 feet (with running start) = DC 50. Unfortunately, since its speed is only 10 ft., in can only make a running jump as part of a charge attack. Otherwise the DC doubles.

With the suggested skill modifiers above, it can jump 20 feet without rolling, and a max of 40 feet on a roll of 20.

If we were to increase its base speed to 20 ft., it would lose -6 from the speed penalty, and wouldn't have to charge to get a running start. It could jump 26 feet without rolling, and a max of 46 feet on a roll of 20. This is closer to what it could jump in 1E/2E.

 

[Krishnath]

I say, make it an aberration

 

[BOZ]

is there a way we could make it so that it does a standing jump instead of a running jump? extraordinary ability if need be?

 

[Shade]

is there a way we could make it so that it does a standing jump instead of a running jump? extraordinary ability if need be?

I swear I've seen a creature with such an ability before, but I haven't been able to locate it.

Here's an attempt to describe this ability:

Powerful Leap (Ex): A memory web treats all Jump checks as if it had taken a 20-foot running start. Thus, the DCs of long jumps and high jumps made without a running start are not doubled.

 

[BOZ]

that sounds like a good way to start.