Converting monsters from the second edition Monstrous Compendiums

[BOZ]

"The few sages who know of the sea hermit and araneas have tried to find a link between their abilities. This has been unsuccessful because the sea hermit's ability is far more advanced, as it can quickly assume the form of any intelligent creature, not just a single humanoid."

quite right! this also supports my previous post further.

 

[Shade]

That's still sounding like change shape to me, albeit with the ability score caveat. Perhaps it is time for a whole new ability?

 

[BOZ]

check out the MM glossary. alternate form and change shape are spelled out in detail; the change in natural armor and ability scores is one of the few differences between the two.

 

[Shade]

Maybe I'm getting overly caught up on the "one or more specific alternate forms" part of the alternate form description. I dunno.

 

[BOZ]

Change Shape also says "specific creature or type of creature". what creatures do we have out there that can change into basically anything?

 

[Shade]

I found one...

Alternate Form (Su): A phasm can assume any form of Large size or smaller as a standard action. This ability functions as a polymorph spell cast on itself (caster level 15th), except that the phasm does not regain hit points for changing form. A phasm can remain in its alternate form until it chooses to assume a new one or return to its natural form.

...and I hereby concede any argument against using alternate form in this manner.

 

[BOZ]

good deal.

now, back to the limb severing issue. i would love to keep that, except that as you point out there is no limb severing mechanic in 3.5... i don't know that i would want to go with vorpal to replace that though.

definitely, we need improved critical at least, and possibly augmented criticals.

 

[Shade]

Augmented Critical (Ex): The sea hermit's claws threaten a critical hit on a natural attack roll of X–20, dealing triple damage on a successful critical hit.

 

[BOZ]

good enough for me.

 

[Shade]

Spells: A sea hermit casts spells as a 16th-level sorcerer.

Typical Sorcerer Spells Known (6/7/7/7/7/6/6/5/3; save DC 14 + spell level): 0—9; 1st—5; 2nd—5; 3rd—4; 4th—4; 5th—4; 6th—3; 7th—2; 8th—1.