Converting monsters from Second Edition Monstrous Compendiums

[Cleon]

I'm not sure that it's the nomenclature Shade doesn't like; I expect it's the damage every round that's the problem. I think I like the harpoon-like option myself, too.

Well the original does damage per round, so I'd rather have the conversion do too.

What do you propose for a 'harpoon option'? Perhaps you could persuade me to come around.

Stun Cloud does look good.

Well at least we're agreed on something.

 

[freyar]

Something like the quills on a howler; if you take out the spine without a successful Heal check, the victim takes additional damage. I see the appeal of a continuing penalty for having a spine stuck in you, but I'm not sure the justification. Maybe damage from barbs if you move around while it's still jammed in there?

 

[Cleon]

Something like the quills on a howler; if you take out the spine without a successful Heal check, the victim takes additional damage. I see the appeal of a continuing penalty for having a spine stuck in you, but I'm not sure the justification. Maybe damage from barbs if you move around while it's still jammed in there?

Yes that could work. If the spined victim exerts themselves physically (as in makes an attack or moves) they take X damage, and they also take X damage if the spine is removed without a successful DC Y Heal check.

Although sticking to lingering damage would be closer to the original, you know.

 

[Shade]

Yep, freyar summed up my problem with it perfectly.

Yes that could work. If the spined victim exerts themselves physically (as in makes an attack or moves) they take X damage, and they also take X damage if the spine is removed without a successful DC Y Heal check.

I can go for that.

Although sticking to lingering damage would be closer to the original, you know.

Indeed it would, and it would also be further from everything with similar mechanics in 3e.

 

[Cleon]

Yep, freyar summed up my problem with it perfectly.

I can go for that.

Would you like to write something up then?

Indeed it would, and it would also be further from everything with similar mechanics in 3e.

Don't you want it to be unique and distinctive?

 

[Shade]

Don't you want it to be unique and distinctive?

It already is. Name me another lingering damage monster with LEMON SCENT!

Modifying the howler's quills...

Spines (Ex): A lemon fish's tail is covered in spines. An opponent hit by a lemon fish's tail attack must succeed on a DC x Reflex save or have a spine break off in his or her flesh. Additionally, any creature grappling a lemon fish also must make a Reflex save to avoid being impaled by a spine. Lodged spines impose a –1 penalty on attacks, saves, and checks per spine. If a victim exerts itself physically (by taking any action other than a purely mental action), it suffers 1d6 points of damage. The save DC is Dexterity-based.

A spine can be removed safely with a DC 20 Heal check; otherwise, removing a spine deals an extra 1d6 points of damage.

 

[Cleon]

It already is. Name me another lingering damage monster with LEMON SCENT!

Dire Lemon? Lemon-Flavoured Gello Monster?

Modifying the howler's quills...

Spines (Ex): A lemon fish's tail is covered in spines. An opponent hit by a lemon fish's tail attack must succeed on a DC x Reflex save or have a spine break off in his or her flesh. Additionally, any creature grappling a lemon fish also must make a Reflex save to avoid being impaled by a spine. Lodged spines impose a –1 penalty on attacks, saves, and checks per spine. If a victim exerts itself physically (by taking any action other than a purely mental action), it suffers 1d6 points of damage. The save DC is Dexterity-based.

A spine can be removed safely with a DC 20 Heal check; otherwise, removing a spine deals an extra 1d6 points of damage.

I'd add a maximum penalty (say -4) and maybe make the damage piercing, but other than that it's fine.

Spines (Ex): A lemon fish's tail is covered in spines. An opponent hit by a lemon fish's tail attack must succeed on a DC x Reflex save or have a spine break off in his or her flesh. Additionally, any creature grappling a lemon fish also must make a Reflex save to avoid being impaled by a spine. Lodged spines impose a –1 penalty on attacks, saves, and checks per spine (maximum penalty -4). If a victim exerts itself physically (by taking any action other than a purely mental action), they suffer 1d6 points of piercing damage. The save DC is Dexterity-based.

A spine can be removed safely with a DC 20 Heal check; otherwise, removing a spine deals an extra 1d6 points of damage.

 

[freyar]

Glad we've settled that! Ready for skills and feats?

 

[Cleon]

Glad we've settled that! Ready for skills and feats?

Okie-Dokie!

Split the ranks between Spot and Listen, with a racial bonus?

Also, since these are subterranean fish that hunt by the glow of phosphorescent fungi, should we give them Superior Low-Light Vision like the SRD Giant Owl?

 

[Shade]

Sure, that sounds fun.

Updated.

+4 racial bonus on those skills? Put the leftover rank in Spot?