Converting monsters from the second edition Monstrous Compendiums

[Shade]

yes, there is definitely a precedent for such a thing, and I will definitely use it here. That would make Jump +5 for Dex, -4 for speed, plus whatever ranks it would get (not many). I’m thinking of giving it something additional to offset that speed penalty. Paraphrased from the entry for the common housecat:
Skills: Whipstings have a +X racial bonus on Jump checks. Whipstings use their Dexterity modifier instead of their Strength modifier for Climb and Jump checks.

They definitely warrant a racial bonus. I'd suggest +8 or more, since it is very important to the creature's concept.

I agree on Mobility, but I worry that it might be a bit much.

Fair enough.

I just went with this for combat flavor text: “It will usually remain attached until that prey becomes helpless from ability damage, or until attacked successfully by another opponent.” If it survives the first hit, it will be heavily damaged right?

Sounds good.

I think I’ll keep my Venom writeup the same then.

You're the boss. (or is that BOZZ)?

 

[BOZ]

Items remaining:

It has 4 skill ranks. I’m thinking these should be given to Listen and Spot. Jump might be just fine as-is. That would give it:
Skills: Climb +5, Jump +9, Listen +2, Spot +2
Skills: Whipstings have a +8 racial bonus on Jump checks. Whipstings use their Dexterity modifier instead of their Strength modifier for Climb and Jump checks.

Also, we need to figure out what racial bonus attach gives it to grapple. Keep in mind that it currently has a –4 modifier due to size, and +0 each from BAB and Str. Stirges have a +1 modifier due to their +12 bonus from attach – size penalty and Str penalty impact this one a lot. A +12 bonus to the whipsting would give it a +8 grapple bonus overall – this may or may not be too much. A +8 bonus might be just fine, but I wouldn’t want it to be any less than a +6 bonus.

It needs a CR – we could give it ½ like the stirge, though it we decide the whipsting’s a little tougher, we could make that higher.

 

[thom99]

WHEW! Just read thru the last 4 pages - you guys rock!!

I personally don't have a problem with the whipsting being a CR1 or so critter, it's got a lot of neat abilities and feats; and if that makes you feel more willing to keep the (net) +8 grapple bonus - so be it!

THANKS to both of you (especially Shade - who didn't particularly care for this guy) for all the hard work!

thomas cooper

 

[Shade]

Items remaining:

It has 4 skill ranks. I’m thinking these should be given to Listen and Spot. Jump might be just fine as-is. That would give it:
Skills: Climb +5, Jump +9, Listen +2, Spot +2
Skills: Whipstings have a +8 racial bonus on Jump checks. Whipstings use their Dexterity modifier instead of their Strength modifier for Climb and Jump checks.

That sounds good.

Also, we need to figure out what racial bonus attach gives it to grapple. Keep in mind that it currently has a –4 modifier due to size, and +0 each from BAB and Str. Stirges have a +1 modifier due to their +12 bonus from attach – size penalty and Str penalty impact this one a lot. A +12 bonus to the whipsting would give it a +8 grapple bonus overall – this may or may not be too much. A +8 bonus might be just fine, but I wouldn’t want it to be any less than a +6 bonus.

It needs a CR – we could give it ½ like the stirge, though it we decide the whipsting’s a little tougher, we could make that higher.

+8 seems awfully high for a CR 1 creature. A good 1st-level fighter type is going to have around a +5 grapple bonus (+1 BAB, +4 Str). Combined with its venom, I'd say that would warrant a further CR boost. To keep it at CR 1, I'd vote for +6.

 

[BOZ]

No problem thom – glad to be of service.

Shade, keep in mind that a stirge, with less than 1 CR has a +12 racial bonus due to its attach ability. If I give the whipsting a +6 racial bonus, it will have a total grapple bonus of only +2.

 

[Shade]

Oops! What I meant to say was a total grapple bonus of +6 (which would be a +10 racial bonus).

 

[BOZ]

MUCH better. now that i like. updating in homebrews, with that being the case...

 

[Shade]

I picture them as closer to 40 pounds than 70.

Venom should be Con-based, giving it a save DC of 10 + 1/2 HD + 4 Con + 2 racial. I can never remember...does 1/2 of 1 for save DCs equal 0 or 1? Also, doesn't a DC of 16 or 17 for poison that powerful seem a bit rough for CR 1? I'd recommend ditching the racial bonus, or upping the CR.

For stingwings, how about an additional +8 racial bonus to Jump checks?

 

[BOZ]

I forget where I got that weight range (of course, it’s been awhile), but keep in mind; the tentacles are huge and probably weigh a lot more than the tiny body.

As far as determining DCs, ½ of 1 = 0 as far as I’ve seen. “round down” remember? that would make the venom DC 16. you really think that’s too powerful? “The prey must successfully save vs. poison with a -2 penalty to avoid the venom's effects.” indicates a tougher than normal poison, which was probably meant to really sock it to victims. Of course, we do have it with a high Con anyway, and multiple hits with this venom can be really devastating considering it can strike twice with it in the same round…

 

[Shade]

...and the characters with the best Fort saves at 1st-level are gonna have a bonus of around +7 (assuming fighter with 18 Con) is only gonna make that save around 60% of the time, while the majority of characters will fail around 70-80% of the time. Ouch!

A random sampling of CR 1 critter's save DCs:
Medium viper - DC 11
Medium monstrous scorpion - DC 13
Medium monstrous spider- DC 12
Quasit (CR 2) - DC 13