Converting original D&D and Mystara monsters

[Shade]

I continue to wonder whether Improved Grab and Rake justify either an LA of only +1 or the Humanoid type. As written, this thing is clearly more capable than a gnoll or lizard-man, for example. I'm not complaining -- just wondering out loud and hoping somebody else has some thoughts on this.

Over-all though, it looks great and I'll definitely enjoy using it.

Let's break it down, Savage Species-style!

+1 for unbalanced ability scores
+1 for natural armor
+1 for gaining multiple attacks in a single round before a fighter of equal Hit Dice would do the same
+1 for three or more racial bonuses on skill checks
+1 for scent
---------------------------------------
+5 Total

Also, by the Savage Species guidelines, it could probably warrant another +1 for having both Improved Grab and Mounted Leap.

So Zaster, I'd say you are definitely correct that a +1 is too low.

 

[Krishnath]

Well, yeah, but +5 (or even +6 is to high), should we settle on LA +3 perhaps?

I mean, the Lizardfolk has three attacks per round, and +5 natural armor, but it only has a LA of +1. One has to look at the ammount of damage a creature with multiple attacks can do compared with one that doesn't, such as a barbarian wielding a greataxe...

 

[BOZ]

As for the LA debate, I’ll let you gentlemen go at it. Remember, we had it at +2 before.

The class is a tricky issue. Let’s think about this one. Can we start up a list of humanoids and monstrous humanoids (any source) and see what the rakasta more commonly resembles? We only have given a few examples of each, how about at least a dozen of each type.

What are the pros and cons of making it one type or another?

Skills are the same.
Superior BAB for MonHum.
Two good saving throws with MonHum as opposed to only one.
Automatic darkvision for MonHum.

So, the monstrous humanoid is slightly superior to the regular humanoid, but there is little real difference. One question would be, is it an automatic LA increase for going from humanoid to monstrous? If not, then I guess we might as well switch to monstrous. If the LA does increase, then I think it might be best to stay where we’re at.

Thoughts?

 

[Shade]

No automatic LA increase for different types.

Humanoids:
Bugbear - rogue
Catfolk - ranger
Goblin - rogue
Gnoll - ranger
Hobgoblin - fighter
Orc - barbarian

Monstrous Humanoids:
Braxat - ranger
Desmodu - fighter
Jackal Lord - cleric
Loxo - ranger
Minotaur - barbarian
Yak Folk - sorcerer

Ranger seems the most obvious to me.

 

[Krishnath]

Actually the LA discussion is quite simple, just compare the Rakasta to other humanoids/monstrous humanoids with 2 HD. Let's see...

Race . . . . . . . . . LA

Gnoll (H) . . . . . . +1 (low end +1)
Grimlock (MH) . . .+2 (Mid +2)
Kuo-Toa (MH) . . .+3 (High end +3)
Lizardfolk (H) . . . +1 (high end +1)
Locathah (H) . . . . +1 (high end +1)
Sahuagin (MH) . . . +2 (high end +2)
Troglodyte (H) . . . +2 (mid +2)
Thri-Kreen* (MH) . +3 (high end +3)

*This is assuming it's a psionic Thri-Kreen

Of these I would say that the Rakasta rates somewhere between the Kuo-Toa and the Sahuagin in power level, thus I would recommend that we give it a +3 LA.

As for the favored class, Ranger is good, and it fits their culture.

 

[Shade]

I'm convinced.

 

[BOZ]

ok, +3 LA it is. thoughts on whether Humanoid or Monstrous Humanoid?

 

[Orius]

I'd go with just plain humanoid on them myself.

As for favored class, I'd say fighter, as they're supposed to have a warrior culture, but ranger would be a good choice too.

 

[Shade]

Here's an attempt at the "as characters" section. This is assuming we stick with humanoid, but can be easily modified for monstrous humanoid.

Rakasta As Characters

Rakasta characters possess the following racial traits.

Strength +2, Dexterity +4, Intelligence +2, Wisdom +2, Charisma –2.
Size Medium.
A rakasta's base land speed is 25 feet.
Darkvision out to 60 feet.
Racial Hit Dice: A rakasta begins with two levels of humanoid, which provide 2d8 Hit Dice, a base attack bonus of +1, and base saving throw bonuses of Fort +0, Ref +3, and Will +0.
Racial Skills: A rakasta's humanoid levels give it skill points equal to 5 x (2 + Int modifier). Its class skills are Balance, Climb, Craft, Hide, Jump, Listen, Move Silently, Ride, Spot, Tumble. Rakasta have a +4 racial bonus on Balance, Hide, and Move Silently checks. They use their Dexterity modifier instead of their Strength modifier for Climb and Jump checks.
Racial Feats: A rakasta's humanoid levels give it one feat.
+3 natural armor bonus.
Weapon Familiarity: Rakastas treat kasas as martial weapons, rather than exotic weapons.
Natural Weapons: Claw (1d2) and bite (1d4).
Special Attacks (see above): Improved grab, mounted leap, rake.
Special Qualities: Scent.
Automatic Languages: Rakasta and Common. Bonus Languages: ???.
Favored Class: Ranger.
Level adjustment +3.

 

[BOZ]

that's it. we need a poll, and i'm inviting all of enworld to join in...