Converting monsters from First Edition modules

[demiurge1138]

The extra attack and speed boost could be handled by just giving them a permanent haste effect--we've done this before for a number of critters.

 

[freyar]

The extra attack and speed boost could be handled by just giving them a permanent haste effect--we've done this before for a number of critters.

Yeah, that sounds like the simplest thing to do.

 

[Echohawk]

Should these be telepathically controlled by their creator or something?

We might want to bug Echohawk for more details from the module.

"Creating Duplicates
With this ability, Nuala can create a duplicates of a human or demi-human creatures and their equipment. These duplicates are parasitic entities which constantly drain and consume the vitality of their victims through an undetectable magical link. The duplicates are totally loyal to Nuala and, since they consume the victims' life-energy at a vastly accelerated rate, are more powerful than the originals. Life-bane duplicates are described on p24."

 

[Shade]

Hmmm...it sounds like the creator doesn't have any special control over them.

It also sounds like some slow Con damage, similar to the symbionts, eh?

 

[freyar]

Hmmm...it sounds like the creator doesn't have any special control over them.

It also sounds like some slow Con damage, similar to the symbionts, eh?

Definitely agreed to the Con damage, maybe 1d4/day. I don't think the creator has any direct control, but there should be some sort of loyalty as described.

 

[Shade]

Added a rough outline to Homebrews.

We need to determine how the link between parasite and host is first established. Apparently, it was an inherent ability of Nuala, but we'll need a way to make it more generically applicable.

 

[freyar]

Well, we could write a spell. It might also be interesting if they can be formed as a backlash from a failed incantation (ok, not exactly kosher SRD, but it's in the online versions).

Incidentally, in the template, you say that it deals 1d4 Con damage per day to the "host." We should say that the host is the actual base creature, which exists simultaneously with the duplicate.

 

[Shade]

That all sounds reasonable. I rather like the idea of the failed incantation. Another possibility is that they are sometimes created spontaneously as a side effect of using time-altering magic.

 

[freyar]

Oh, why don't we mention all these possibilities in the flavor text?

Ok, should we try to figure out what to do with spellcasting for these things?

 

[Shade]

Oh, why don't we mention all these possibilities in the flavor text?

Sounds good.

Ok, should we try to figure out what to do with spellcasting for these things?

Yes, and we also should address psionics and other "chosen daily" abilities.