Converting monsters from First Edition modules

[freyar]

Ok, we have this so far:

Duplicated Powers

With the exception of additional powers (see below), all of the attributes of a duplicate (including ability scores and bonuses, hit points, combat abilities, special abilities and so on) are identical to those of its victim before he or she was affected by Nuala's magic.

When the link is first established with a spell-using victim, the duplicate gains "copies" of the spells which the victim has memorised at the time and can cast them in the same manner. Although a duplicate's spells are used up in the normal way when it casts them, it cannot relearn spells of its own accord. Instead, the spells it has available are determined by which ones the victim memorises. Each time that its victim relearns spells or memorises new ones, the duplicate's list of available spells becomes the same as the victim's.

Although the duplicate has the same list of spells as its victim, the casting of a given spell by the duplicate does not affect the character's ability to use it. Similarly, if the character casts a spell this does not deprive the duplicate of it.

This seems to work for characters that prepare spells, like wizards and clerics, but we need something for spontaneous casters as well as psionics.

Actually, maybe we could say that they regenerate spell slots/power points when the target does, but they can use them as they like. What do you think?

 

[Shade]

Actually, maybe we could say that they regenerate spell slots/power points when the target does, but they can use them as they like. What do you think?

Yeah. Simple and elegant.

 

[freyar]

How about this, then?

Duplicated Powers

With the exception of additional powers (see below), all of the attributes of a duplicate (including ability scores and bonuses, hit points, combat abilities, special abilities and so on) are identical to those of its victim before he or she was affected by Nuala's magic.

When the link is first established with a victim that prepares spells, the duplicate gains "copies" of the spells which the victim has memorised at the time and can cast them in the same manner. Although a duplicate's spells are used up in the normal way when it casts them, it cannot relearn spells of its own accord. Instead, the spells it has available are determined by which ones the victim memorises. Each time that its victim relearns spells or memorises new ones, the duplicate's list of available spells becomes the same as the victim's.

When the link is first established with a victim that casts spells spontaneously or manifests psionic powers, the duplicate gains "copies" of the spell slots or power points that the victim possesses at that time. Although the duplicate's spell slots or power points are used up in the usual way as it casts spells or manifests powers, the duplicate cannot regenerate spell slots or power points on its own. Instead, the duplicate regenerates spell slots or power points precisely when the victim does. The duplicate's list of spells or powers known is always identical to the victim's.

If the victim normally prepares spells but can cast some spontaneously (such as a cleric can cast cure or inflict spells spontaneously), the duplicate can do so as well. This uses one of the duplicate's spell slots as normal, which is then only restored when the victim prepares spells again.

Although the duplicate has the same list of spells and powers as its victim, the casting of a given spell or use of a spell slot or power point by the duplicate does not affect the character's ability to use it. Similarly, if the character casts a spell or uses a spell slot or power point, this does not deprive the duplicate of it.

 

[Shade]

Excellent! Updated.

 

[freyar]

Organization: Solitary or Party (3-6)?
CR: +2? Or is does the haste make it worth +3?
Treasure: Same as base creature, not adjusted for higher CR.
Always evil.
Advancement: As base creature.

I forget, do we need to put in that duplicates die when the victims die?

 

[Shade]

+2 seems reasonable and I agree we need to add that they die when the host dies.

Updated.

In appearance, voice and so on, a duplicate is indistinguishable from the original, and even has copies of the victim's clothing and equipment. Although a duplicate would be capable of fooling even the closest associates of the victim under normal circumstances, a truesight spell or similar magic would reveal it as an impostor, and a detect magic spell will reveal a magical aura.

We probably need to address the true seeing/detect magic bits.

Duplicated Equipment

In addition to taking on the physical form of its victim, a duplicate also acquires temporary "copies" of all his or her personal equipment. This includes clothing, armour, weapons, magical items, horses or other animals, but not, of course, any human or demi-human henchmen or hirelings.

This equipment is identical in appearance to the originals, and can be used by the duplicate in the same way. It is not real in the ordinary sense and exists only because of the duplicate's life-draining. Only the duplicate concerned may use it, and it vanishes if the duplicate is destroyed. Acquisition or loss of equipment by the victim or duplicate do not affect the equipment possessed by the other -- nor do damage or other changes (including using up the charges of magical items).

Should the duplicated items disappear if dropped? If not, another could theoretically use it.

How do we want to handle duplicated mounts?

 

[freyar]

On the first point:

Perfect Disguise (Ex): A life-bane duplicate's Disguise checks always defeats mundane opposed Spot checks to recognize the duplicate as an impostor. However, life-bane duplicates always detect as magic to the detect magic spell (moderate aura, Conjuration and Transmutation magic) or similar spells. In addition, true seeing and similar magic reveals that the life-bane duplicate is not, in fact, the creature it appears to be.

Do you think I got the spell schools right?

I guess the duplicate's equipment should disappear if dropped. Maybe mounts run away if someone tries to use them (or vanish if they are force to be used)? Have to think more on this.

 

[Shade]

I would say either transmutation, or as a magic item of a caster level equal to its Hit Dice.

 

[freyar]

So, "However, life-bane duplicates always detect as magic to the detect magic spell (as a magic item of caster level equal to HD, Transmutation magic) or similar spells"?

 

[Shade]

Sounds good. Updated.

Perhaps we should create a natural form for these things, just to keep it simple when viewed with true seeing and so forth?