Converting Planescape monsters

[freyar]

I say just add +3 HD. If Cleon really insists, put in a minimum of 6HD.

 

[Cleon]

I say just add +3 HD. If Cleon really insists, put in a minimum of 6HD.

I insist, I insist!

+3 HD is OK by me.

 

[freyar]

Ok, then +3 HD with a minimum of 6HD total.

Next question: Int +8 or just bump Int to 9 or 10?

 

[Cleon]

Ok, then +3 HD with a minimum of 6HD total.

Next question: Int +8 or just bump Int to 9 or 10?

If we restrict the base type to Animals they'll have Int 1 or 2 in the first instance, right?

Hmm, the entry says some Warden Beasts are insects, so either Vermin or Magical Beasts are eligible (depending on whether we're talking Monstrous Spiders or Phase Spiders here).

How about a graduating scale, something like Int 0 => 6-7, Int 1 => 8-9, Int 2 => 10, Int 3-4 => 11, Int 5-6 => 12, Int 7-8 => 13, Int 9-10 => 14, Int 11+ => +4?

 

[freyar]

I think this rules out magical beasts:

Only animals found on the Beastlands have a warden beast. That is, no creatures with magical powers or other criteria excluding them from the Beastlands are represented. Thus, there are no basilisk, chimera, or dragon warden beasts.

I think the scale is a bit too complicated, especially since we're restricted to animals (and possibly vermin). If you want some gradation, let's just say Int +8 (treating Int - as 0).

 

[Shade]

I think the scale is a bit too complicated, especially since we're restricted to animals (and possibly vermin). If you want some gradation, let's just say Int +8 (treating Int - as 0).

Agreed. A scale adds unnecessary complexity. I suppose we could make it a factor of Hit Dice if we want more variety, but I'm content with a flat +8.

 

[Cleon]

Agreed. A scale adds unnecessary complexity. I suppose we could make it a factor of Hit Dice if we want more variety, but I'm content with a flat +8.

I'd be afraid a flat +8 might result in superintelligent Wardens, since there's bound to be a few eligible creatures with around human level Intelligence (especially if we allow Magical Beasts).

How about Int 8 or +2 original Int, whichever is higher?

 

[freyar]

Magical Beasts are not eligible, at least not by the original text ("Only animals found on the Beastlands have a warden beast. That is, no creatures with magical powers or other criteria excluding them from the Beastlands are represented."). So we don't need to worry about that, given Vermin and Animal Ints.

 

[Shade]

Magical Beasts are not eligible, at least not by the original text ("Only animals found on the Beastlands have a warden beast. That is, no creatures with magical powers or other criteria excluding them from the Beastlands are represented."). So we don't need to worry about that, given Vermin and Animal Ints.

Nice catch! So all will end up as Int 8, 9, or 10.

 

[Cleon]

Magical Beasts are not eligible, at least not by the original text ("Only animals found on the Beastlands have a warden beast. That is, no creatures with magical powers or other criteria excluding them from the Beastlands are represented."). So we don't need to worry about that, given Vermin and Animal Ints.

Yes, I realized that. I just feel in my bones that someone's going to find an augmented animal or vermin somewhere that qualifies.

I'd be happier giving them +8 Int if we applied a Max Intelligence on the base creature.