Planescape Converting Planescape monsters

[Shade]

For damage reduction, I think 10 is about right. I’m leaning towards kodam’s idea of cold iron and magic – he’s got a point that they’re undead so should be different from standard tanar’ri. Psychotic jim’s version also had them with DR 10/magic, so I’m inclined to agree.

Sounds good.

Ability scores:
Kodam gave it Str 19 Dex 16 Con --- Int 14 Wis 15 Cha 13;
P Jim gave it Str 16 Dex 14 Con --- Int 14 Wis 15 Cha 20

I’m not inclined to think that they’re all that physically strong, so I’d take the lower strength – and in fact, I might make it even lower than that. I could go either way on the dex. As for Cha, I think the higher score is preferable – remember; they use Cha-based attacks. There’s no disagreement on the Int or Wis so that’s cool.

I'm for Str 10, Dex 16, Con -, Int 14, Wis 15, Cha 20. I think they should be weaker as well, since they are "wispy". Give it Weapon Finesse to take advantage of its good Dex.

Kodam rated them with +4 turn resistance, and P Jim gave them +6. “turning as special” under 2E rules essentially meant anything tougher than a baseline lich, which would be 12 HD or more. Therefore, I’d say the +6 was more in line.

I'm up for either.

Notice that in stealing a victim’s identity, it “almost perfectly imitates its voice, affectations, skills, and the like.” so, would we want it to be more than just alter self, or is that too much?

How about adding to the assumed shape ability: "The visage may speak any languages the victim could, and its voice perfectly matches that of the victim, including accents, affectations, and impediments."

 

[BOZ]

should we involve other skills in that ability at all?

 

[BOZ]

and here's what i have for the stats so far:

Visage
Medium Undead (Extraplanar, Tanar’ri)
Hit Dice: 6d12 (39 hp)
Initiative: +3
Speed: Fly 40 ft (perfect) (8 squares)
Armor Class: 20 (+3 Dex, +7 natural), touch 13, flat-footed 17
Base Attack/Grapple: +3/+3
Attack: Claw +6 melee (1d8)
Full Attack: 2 claws +6 melee (1d8)
Space/Reach: 5 ft/5 ft
Special Attacks: Lucidity control, dominate monster
Special Qualities: assume shape, damage reduction 10/cold iron and magic, immunity to cold, electricity, holy water, and poison, resistance to acid 10 and fire 10, spell resistance 16, steal essence, telepathy, turn resistance +6, undead traits
Saves: Fort +2 Ref +5 Will +7
Abilities: Str 10 Dex 16 Con --- Int 14 Wis 15 Cha 20
Skills: 54 ranks – Search, Spot
Feats: 3 – including Ability Focus (lucidity control), Weapon Finesse

Environment: Negative Energy Plane
Organization: Solitary or gang? (1d4)
Challenge Rating: 6?
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always chaotic evil
Advancement: 7-12 HD (Medium); 13-18 HD (Large)
Level Adjustment: ---

For the third feat, how about Improved Initiative, or I also like Kodam’s Skill Focus (Bluff)

For skills, I think I needs to start Bluff (and/or Intimidate), Hide, Knowledge (planes), Listen, Search, Sense Motive, Spot

Kodam also gave it Knowledge (religion); Psy Jim also gave it Concentration, Disguise, Move Silently, and Survival.

 

[Kodam]

Hi!

Hit Dice: 6d12 (39 hp)

Don't you grant monsters full HP for their first HD? If you do its 45 HP...

How about the "minor incorporeality" of the visages?
My suggestion would be to give them a 20% miss chance against magic weapons and a 50% miss chance against nonmagical ones.

Kodam

 

[Shade]

Don't you grant monsters full HP for their first HD? If you do its 45 HP...

No, they only get full HP for their first HD if they have a class level.

How about the "minor incorporeality" of the visages?
My suggestion would be to give them a 20% miss chance against magic weapons and a 50% miss chance against nonmagical ones.

Hmmm...it didn't look like they had any special benefit in 2E, other than being able to fit through tight spaces. Should we give them an ability to reflect this?

 

[BOZ]

psychotic jim had given them a power called "elasticity"

 

[Shade]

psychotic jim had given them a power called "elasticity"

That could work. Alternatively, the precedent appears to be to simply list this in the description. For example, the ghaunadan "can move, at half speed, through small cracks, gratings, or even under doors, and can ooze its way along walls or ceilings as well." The ochre jelly "seeps along floors, walls, and ceilings with ease, squeezing its malleable body under doors and through cracks in search of meals".

 

[BOZ]

hmm... that one'll need some thought.

 

[Kodam]

Hi!

I've just reread the Visages' Description in Dead Gods. You're right they're not incorporeal but they are solid.
How about "Elasticity" working like Reduce Person? This is a bit more concrete and easier to handle I think...

Seems as if I confused the official rules with a houserule of mine for his HD thing...

Kodam

 

[BOZ]

no problem. we'll figure this one out.