Converting monsters from the second edition Monstrous Compendiums

[BOZ]

no, slam attack doesn't sound right. note the original description. it did have the spanner using an attack roll to throw opponents, and its damage/attack is 0. therefore, i think it should be a touch attack which works the same way. maybe instead of grapple then, if it succeeds on a touch attack you roll a reflex save or get thrown? (and it will almost always succeed on a touch attack...)

 

[BOZ]

It'll need a heck of alot of ranks of Hide to overcome its -16 size penalty and low Dex. The Disguise check could work. In fact, here's the way the mimic does something similar:

Mimic Shape (Ex): A mimic can assume the general shape of any object that fills roughly 150 cubic feet (5 feet by 5 feet by 6 feet), such as a massive chest, a stout bed, or a wide door frame. The creature cannot substantially alter its size, though. A mimic’s body is hard and has a rough texture, no matter what appearance it might present. Anyone who examines the mimic can detect the ruse with a successful Spot check opposed by the mimic’s Disguise check. Of course, by this time it is generally far too late.

Skills: A mimic has a +8 racial bonus on Disguise checks.

you're right; i don't know what i was thinking with Hide. maybe just the Disguise bonus (+6? +8? depends on its Cha score i guess) with the current Camouflage description will suffice, modified with a bit from the mimic power.

Edit: i know, instead of "untrained Knowledge check" we can say "Spot vs. Disguise."

 

[Shade]

That sounds like a good plan.

 

[Krishnath]

I have a question, that may, or may not sound stupid. How in hades do they reproduce? I can't for the life of me imagine any sane spellcaster creating more of these...

 

[BOZ]

they don't. "Spanners do not reproduce, and seem to have no natural limit to their lifespans." all the ones in existence were built.

 

[BOZ]

so like this?

Camouflage (Ex): A creature must make a successful Knowledge (architecture or engineering) check (DC X) to notice that a spanner is anything other than a true bridge. Dwarves may add their stonecunning bonus to this check. Anyone who examines the spanner can detect the ruse with a successful Spot check opposed by the spanner’s Disguise check.

 

[Shade]

I like it.

 

[BOZ]

good. now how about the Knowledge check DC, what would we base that on? methinks it should be easier than the spot vs. disguise DC, since you're talking about someone who is specialized in identifying masonry.

 

[Shade]

Here are some factors for comparison:

Knowledge Check: Answering a question within your field of study has a DC of 10 (for really easy questions), 15 (for basic questions), or 20 to 30 (for really tough questions).

In many cases, you can use this skill to identify monsters and their special powers or vulnerabilities. In general, the DC of such a check equals 10 + the monster’s HD. A successful check allows you to remember a bit of useful information about that monster. For every 5 points by which your check result exceeds the DC, you recall another piece of useful information.

Weakened Ceilings: A weakened ceiling can be spotted by a successful Knowledge (architecture and engineering) check (DC 20). A dwarf can make such a check if he simply passes within 10 feet of a weakened ceiling.

So, I'd say DC 15 or 20 seems the most appropriate.

 

[Krishnath]

they don't. "Spanners do not reproduce, and seem to have no natural limit to their lifespans." all the ones in existence were built.

In other words, they're a dying breed....

They are interresting though.