Converting prehistoric creatures

[freyar]

Well, the non-giant sea turtle looks a bit better than a Tiny animated object (CR 1/2), better than a dire rat (except for the disease) (CR 1/2), and only slightly worse than a formian worker (CR 1/2). If you feel it needs a boost, I think it would be entirely reasonable to give it Weapon Finesse as a bonus feat.

As for the giant one, a good comp is the adult tojanida, which has considerably better AC but less in the way of damage. I think the fortification (at least if we go with usual moderate fortification at 75% unwithdrawn) makes up a bit for the AC, just like the tojanida's imp grab and ink cloud make up a bit for the reduced damage.

 

[Cleon]

Well, the non-giant sea turtle looks a bit better than a Tiny animated object (CR 1/2), better than a dire rat (except for the disease) (CR 1/2), and only slightly worse than a formian worker (CR 1/2). If you feel it needs a boost, I think it would be entirely reasonable to give it Weapon Finesse as a bonus feat.

Tiny animated objects usually have hardness - say, wood at hardness 5. They're a lot tougher to kill.

A Formian Worker has a better attack (+2 attack odds, average damage per hit of 3.5 vs the turtle's 2 - meaning it'll do about twice as much damage on average), various resistances, useful SLAs, and its saves are as good or better. Plus they can act intelligently and in perfect coordination.

It still looks like a 1/3 to me.

As for the giant one, a good comp is the adult tojanida, which has considerably better AC but less in the way of damage. I think the fortification (at least if we go with usual moderate fortification at 75% unwithdrawn) makes up a bit for the AC, just like the tojanida's imp grab and ink cloud make up a bit for the reduced damage.

I'm not that attached to CR 4 for the Giant version (which is why I've still got "4 or 5?" in the Working Draft.

Hmm, they are pretty tough, and have a reasonably good speed. I could see going for Challenge Rating 5 for the Giant Sea Turtle.

 

[freyar]

OK, then, you've convinced me, we'll go with CR 1/3. What do you think about Weapon Finesse ?

CR 5 for the giant ones, then. Shall we go with the normal moderate fortification?

 

[Shade]

OK, then, you've convinced me, we'll go with CR 1/3. What do you think about Weapon Finesse ?

When I think "turtle", the next word to come to mind isn't "finesse".

CR 5 for the giant ones, then. Shall we go with the normal moderate fortification?

Yep on both counts.

 

[Cleon]

When I think "turtle", the next word to come to mind isn't "finesse".

Yep on both counts.

That's OK by me.

I've updated the Working Draft.

So, are we giving the regular Sea Turtle Light Fortification or not?

 

[freyar]

I'd be ok with that but might want to revisit the CR 1/3 vs 1/2 issue if we do.

 

[Cleon]

I'd be ok with that but might want to revisit the CR 1/3 vs 1/2 issue if we do.

Well, they've still only got 5 hit points and a 1d4-1 bite. I don't think a 25% chance of cancelling a crit makes that much difference.

I don't believe Shade gave a preference - are we waiting for him?

 

[freyar]

Eh, just stick to CR 1/3 if it makes a difference to you.

 

[Cleon]

Eh, just stick to CR 1/3 if it makes a difference to you.

Well, I didn't mind leaving out the Light Fortification, but since it doesn't bother you...

Updating the Working Draft.

 

[Shade]

Looking good. CR 1/3 is fine by me. Are we just left with flavor?