Converting original D&D and Mystara monsters

[MarauderX]

Perhaps we could convert the Savage Coast variant as a seperate entry? Maybe "Rakasta, Nomadic" or "Rakasta, Savage Coast". Personally, I am much more interested in that variety of the rakasta. They have a few abilities more abstract than "just another furry humanoid with a few different characeristics than the PHB races" and have interesting flavor text.

I agree.

 

[Garnfellow]

(laughing)

Man, I went through all this about two months ago when I did my own conversion of the rakasta . . . (http://home.gwi.net/~rdorman/frilond/rul/dm/rakasta.htm).

In my research, I came across a Yahoo Groups that basically imploded as its members tried (and failed) to reach consensus on how to do the conversion.

As far as creature type, the two examples that really convinced me to make rakastas Monstrous Humanoids were . . .

Exhibit 1: Anthropomorphic Cats, from Savage Species

and

Exhibit 2: Tabaxi, from Tome of Horrors.

These were enough to tip the scales for me, at least. I think the catfolk from the Minatures Hanbook are also Monstrous Humanoids, but I can't confirm.

Not sure what it is about these rakastas that make them such a devil to convert. I guess because they had two very different -- but both very popular -- incarnations.

 

[Shade]

These were enough to tip the scales for me, at least. I think the catfolk from the Minatures Hanbook are also Monstrous Humanoids, but I can't confirm.

Catfolk are humanoids.

Not sure what it is about these rakastas that make them such a devil to convert. I guess because they had two very different -- but both very popular -- incarnations.

I'm not sure either. I can't figure out why they are so wildly popular...they seem to be to Mystara what the drow are to the Forgotten Realms.

 

[BOZ]

garnfellow, as a matter of fact your conversion is one of the ones i'd been using as an example on how to do this one.

 

[Remathilis]

When I wrote up Rakasta are a PC race (using Savage Coast as a baseline) this was my version (Feel free to use or ignore)
Rakasta Racial Traits:

· +2 Dexterity, -2 wisdom -intelligence. A rakasta is naturally graceful and agile, but so set in there ways they have a hard time adapting to other thoughts or ways.

· Medium Size: No bonus or penalty.

· A rakasta has a base speed of 30 feet.

· Cat Fall: Rakastas have excellent balance and reflexes, taking only half damage from any fall.

· Low Light Vision: Rakasta's can see in dim light like an elf.

· +2 to listen checks: A rakasta has excellent hearing.

· +1to Search and Spot checks: A rakasta has keen sense.

· Natural Attacks: Rakasta claws do 1d4 damage when used in melee.

· Automatic Languages: Common, Rakasta, Bonus: Dwarven, Elven, Tortle, Orcish. Rakasta know the languages of their friends and foes.

· Favored Multi-Class: Fighter. Rakasta have a long-standing tradition of warrior-hood.

 

[Garnfellow]

garnfellow, as a matter of fact your conversion is one of the ones i'd been using as an example on how to do this one.

Hey, that's great -- did you pick it up off Google? I've got a bunch of other old-school conversions over there that I haven't yet gotten around to post here at enWorld.

When I was looking for rakasta info, I scored a ton of useful tidbits over at www.dnd.starflung.com .

I remember banging my head against the creature type question -- I guess I really should have asked for advice over here! It seems like the other big question I had concerned which racial skills to give bonuses to -- Balance, Climb, Listen, Spot, and Tumble all seemed like good candidates. I think the direction y'all are going here is solid.

As others have pointed out, the big problem in conversion is that the X1 Isle of Dread rakasta is a pretty different critter than the Savage Coast incarnation.

 

[Knightfall]

Holy Tomatoes! Is this discussion still going on? I had no idea that converting the rakasta would be such a chore. No matter what you do BOZ, someone is going to be unhappy. That's why I used the anthropomorphic animal template from Savage Species and then added flavor text.

Good luck!

KF72

 

[Orius]

Wow, up to 6 pages! I think maybe the rakasta conversion should have just got its own thread.

 

[Klaus]

I love rakastae, which were one of the main inspirations for my own cat-people race, the Kathos (you can see a dire-tiger-riding kathos at http://enworld.cyberstreet.com/hosted/Pozas/Pictures/Wallpapers/tiger_knight_wp.jpg

I wanted them to be LA +0, so I gave them:
Type: Humanoid (they don't have any fancy powers)
Hit Dice: d8-1
Ability adjustments: Dex +2, Wis +2 (they're very agile and have keen senses and instincts); Con -2, Int -2 (like a real-world cat, they're fine-tuned creatures, and any phisiological unbalance wreaks havok with their bodies... Plus, good instincts don't quite help intellectual development).
+2 racial bonus to Balance, Listen and Move Silently
Improved Unarmed Strike as a free feat, and they can choose to do slashing damage (representing vestigial claws).
Favored Class: Monk (kathos lost many of their cat-like qualities during evolution to biped form. those who want focus their minds and bodies to awaken these lost parts of their heritage, devloping sharper claws, fierce combat skills, preternaturally keen senses and amazing speed... so most kathos have at least 1 level of monk)

 

[BOZ]

wow, claudio pozas himself! thanks for the input fellas. more to come today...