Converting monsters from Second Edition Monstrous Compendiums

[Shade]

Freyar's writeup looks good, except I'd clarify that it is fire damage. In fact, I'm not sure if we need the "Unless magically protected by fire" text. Instead, perhaps it should read:

"Any foe so showered takes 1 point of fire damage per round. A victim damaged by the shower also suffers a -4 penalty on attack rolls, skill checks, and ability checks, as well as a -2 penalty to Dexterity, for 2d10 rounds."

I agree with Cleon that Cha-based seems the most appropriate in this case.

 

[freyar]

Yeah, the point of that write-up was to drop burn.

Cha-based makes enough sense to me, though I still think it seems Ex, and I like Shade's revisions.

 

[Shade]

Updated.

DR 10?

The fiery nature of this creation fills it with a lust to burn and destroy--even its maker.

These crude, unintelligent creatures attack almost without strategy.

It has no sense of self-preservation.

Feats: 5
Improved Critical (slam), Power Attack, Reckless Offense, Stand Still, Weapon Focus (slam)?

A burning man stands 18 feet tall and weighs x pounds.

 

[freyar]

DR 10 and those feats work. Since it's just made of wicker and lit pitch, it might be somewhat light. 5000 or 10000 lb?

 

[Shade]

Yeah, I'd imagine the low end of that range.

Updated.

 

[Cleon]

Updated.

DR 10?

Feats: 5
Improved Critical (slam), Power Attack, Reckless Offense, Stand Still, Weapon Focus (slam)?

A burning man stands 18 feet tall and weighs x pounds.

Damage Reduction 10's good.

I like the use of Reckless Offense and Stand Still from the Psionics SRD, I keep on forgetting about those General feats.

DR 10 and those feats work. Since it's just made of wicker and lit pitch, it might be somewhat light. 5000 or 10000 lb?

Yeah, I'd imagine the low end of that range

I agree.

5,000 pounds at 18-foot tall is the equivalent of 185 pounds at 6-foot tall, so it feels about right. I imagine these things are considerably bulkier in shape than a human, so their density is probably a fair bit lower.

It looks like we've only got Challenge Rating & Construction left, plus the flavour & tactics text.

A Burning Man has got a lot lower AC than a Stone Golem and isn't as resistant to magic, but it does about as much damage, has feats and can auto-heal and rejuvenate itself.

I'm thinking they're roughly equal challenges, so the Burning Man should be CR 11 or 10.

Let's say 10, since it's vulnerable to cold and quenching.

 

[freyar]

CR 10 is certainly reasonable.

 

[Shade]

CR 10 works.

This golem requires three months of construction time by a wizard of 14th or higher level; it costs 60,000 gold pieces. Construction is begun by fashioning a giant man-shaped wicker container, which is filled with pitch. On this form the wizard casts burning sphere, animate object, fire shield, wish, and geas.

Tukah began by fashioning a giant man-shaped wicker container, which he filled with pitch. On this form the wizard cast burning sphere, true name, fire shield, wish, and geas.

 

[freyar]

The materials and spells look reasonable, though I guess I'd go with the more popular and lower level limited wish rather than wish. Any other thoughts?

 

[Shade]

Agreed. So animate objects, fire shield, flaming sphere, geas/quest, and limited wish?