Converting original D&D and Mystara monsters

[Cleon]

I'm fine either way here, although the originals did use scimitars.

Yes, that's why I said "instead of".

Problem is, they're scimitar damage is relatively pathetic. A scimitar armed Sis'thik would be doing 1d6+2 instead of 2d4+4 (assuming it wielded it one-handed). It's much better off just using its claws.

That's a common problem with creatures with two claw attacks - they need a pretty hefty weapon for it to be worthwhile then not just clawing their foes.

Besides, a falchion can be sort-of-like a big scimitar.

I'd prefer d4 too.

Good, we'll stick to tetrahedral randomizers for the claw damage, then.

 

[freyar]

Hey, they're only Int 8, who says they use optimal tactics?

Anyway, this sounds good.

 

[Cleon]

Hey, they're only Int 8, who says they use optimal tactics?

Anyway, this sounds good.

So, no changes then!

Would you care to outline some flavour text, or shall we leave it 'til later.

 

[Mortis]

Problem is, they're scimitar damage is relatively pathetic. A scimitar armed Sis'thik would be doing 1d6+2 instead of 2d4+4 (assuming it wielded it one-handed). It's much better off just using its claws.

Of course, the scimitar's plus point is that it allows them to use a shield as well (which are mentioned as an option in the description).

Now if we had the feats available we could could give them a scimitar and a spiked shield...

As I said though I'm happy to stick with the falchion.

Regards
Mortis

 

[Shade]

A scimitar also has a better threat range than its claws (but so does a falchion).

 

[Cleon]

Of course, the scimitar's plus point is that it allows them to use a shield as well (which are mentioned as an option in the description).

Now if we had the feats available we could could give them a scimitar and a spiked shield...

As I said though I'm happy to stick with the falchion.

Regards
Mortis

Yes, but I didn't think an extra point or two or AC was worth the drastically reduced damage potential.

That said, I did consider adding an off-hand claw with the scimitar. Give it Multiattack as well, and I'd be game to consider Scimitar/Claw/bite or Scimitar/Bite + Heavy Wooden Shield.

 

[Cleon]

A scimitar also has a better threat range than its claws (but so does a falchion).

So, do you prefer a Scimitar of a Falchion then, Shade?

Oh, and don't forget to update the Gurrash with the correct Strength Bonus in its BAB/Grapple and attacks.

Hold on! I just realized we forgot to adjust the Gurrash's attacks for its higher Strength.

It ought to be something like:

Base Attack/Grapple: +2/+5
Attack: Claw +5 melee (1d4+3) or trident +6 melee (1d8+4) or trident +3 ranged (1d8+3)
Full Attack: 2 claws +5 melee (1d4+3) and bite +3 melee (1d6+1) and tail slap +3 melee (2d4+3); or trident +6 melee (1d8+3) and claw +3 melee (1d4+1) and bite +3 melee (1d6+1) and tail slap +3 melee (2d4+3); or trident +3 ranged (1d8+2)

The skills appear to be correct - we sorted them out after we increased the Strength.

Skills: Balance +4, Intimidate +4, Jump +7, Survival +6, Swim +11

 

[freyar]

They would automatically get an off-hand claw if they used a 1-handed weapon, right?

Anyway, falchion or scimitar is ok by me.

 

[Cleon]

They would automatically get an off-hand claw if they used a 1-handed weapon, right?

Anyway, falchion or scimitar is ok by me.

Not necessarily. There are plenty of official 3E creatures with claw attacks whose stats don't list an off-hand claw when wielding a 1H weapon.

So, we're talking either:

Attack: Claw +4 melee (1d4+2) or falchion +5 melee (2d4+3/18-20)
Full Attack: 2 claws +4 melee (1d4+2) and bite +2 melee (1d3+1); or falchion +5 melee (2d4+3/18-20) and bite +2 melee (1d3+1)

OR

Attack: Claw +4 melee (1d4+2) or scimitar +5 melee (1d6+3/18-20)
Full Attack: 2 claws +4 melee (1d4+2) and bite +2 melee (1d3+1); or scimitar +5 melee (1d6+2/18-20) and claw +2 melee (1d4+1) and bite +2 melee (1d3+1)

The above assumes we're giving them Multiattack.

So, which do you prefer?

 

[freyar]

It might not list it, but they must have the off-hand attack just by the usual two-weapon fighting rules. In some cases, it probably just gets less efficient.

Anyway, I think I slightly prefer the scimitar/claw combo, but I don't mind either way.