Converting the Dukes of Hell

[Shade]

I'd at least like to see the saves and deflection bonus. I'm less interested in the armor bonus, but don't mind if the group consensus wants it.

I'd say he activates them by just touching it.

 

[Kain Darkwind]

I'd at least like to see the saves and deflection bonus. I'm less interested in the armor bonus, but don't mind if the group consensus wants it.

I'd say he activates them by just touching it.

I'm in total agreement with Shade here.
Also, the bonuses should only be used to bring Malphas' saves/AC up to par with similar CR creatures. The other abilities (the gem activated) are the real important ones, since they evoke a more interesting flavor.

 

[Shade]

FWIW, here are the relevant saves and AC for the CR 19-22 FCII greater aspects:

Fierna:
Armor Class: 41 (+6 Dex, +14 natural, +6 armor, +5 deflection), touch 21, flat-footed 35; Dodge, Mobility
Saves: Fort +26, Ref +27, Will +27

Bel:
Armor Class: 39 (-1 size, +2 Dex, +20 natural, +4 armor, +4 deflection), touch 15, flat-footed 37
Saves: Fort +23, Ref +15, Will +21

Belial:
Armor Class: 43 (+6 Dex, +22 natural, +2 armor, +3 deflection), touch 19, flat-footed 37; Dodge, Mobility
Saves: Fort +24, Ref +25, Will +25

Dispater:
Armor Class: 44 (+2 Dex, +25 natural, +7 shield), touch 12, flat-footed 42
Saves: Fort +28, Ref +20, Will +22

Levistus:
Armor Class: 42 (+7 Dex, +15 natural, +5 armor, +5 deflection), touch 22, flat-footed 35; Dodge, Mobility, elaborate parry
Saves: Fort +23, Ref +21, Will +25; evasion

Mammon:
Armor Class: 41 (-2 size, +2 Dex, +22 natural, +4 armor, +5 deflection), touch 15, flat-footed 39; Dodge, Mobility
Saves: Fort +27, Ref +20, Will +25

Glasya:
Armor Class: 46 (-1 size, +12 Dex, +20 natural, +5 deflection), touch 27, flat-footed 34; Dodge
Saves: Fort +28, Ref +32, Will +29 (+33 against mind-affecting spells and abilities)

 

[Aspect of BOZ]

OK then, so if it functions as a +4 ring of protection and a +4 cloak of resistance that should be just fine, no?

so, should activating a gem be a standard action? the reason i asked is, because if he were removing the gems before combat and holding them in his hand, i could see it happen as a swift action or something, but if he has to take the trouble to reach and find it, i have to say standard action.

 

[Mortis]

so, should activating a gem be a standard action? the reason i asked is, because if he were removing the gems before combat and holding them in his hand, i could see it happen as a swift action or something, but if he has to take the trouble to reach and find it, i have to say standard action.

Maybe he doesn't physically have to remove a gem. He just needs a moment of concentration (swift/free action) and the gem loses it's lustre and drops to the floor (as a worthless crystal).

Regards
Mortis

 

[Kain Darkwind]

The act of reaching the gem and activating it should be a standard action, from start to finish.


Either that, or we make it a mental action...he simply concentrates and the gem activates while he's wearing the cloak. In which case I would say a swift or standard action.

 

[Aspect of BOZ]

The act of reaching the gem and activating it should be a standard action, from start to finish.

this is where i'm coming from at the moment.

he can use the cloak to augment his SLAs and other abilities.

 

[Shade]

We could always use a combination of actions based on the ability.

For simplicity's sake, though, I think standard action is the way to go. If he gains several swift action abilities, they'd essentially be the equivalent of quickened spell-like abilities, which might make him more powerful in relation to other fiends of his CR.

 

[Aspect of BOZ]

That’s what I was primarily concerned about.

Here’s a bare-bones sketch of the item so far:

“Robe of Malphas”: Malphas’s black velvet robes are studded with 333 gems of considerable value. The robe itself functions as if it were both a +4 cloak of resistance and a +4 ring of protection.

Malphas can also activate any gem on his robe as a standard action by touching it. Each gem has a separate, individual function and can be used (1/day, 1/week?). Each gem’s effect should be determined by the DM. Many of the gems can be used to cast a spell much like other magic items, using the lowest possible caster level. Common spells include summon monster, summon nature’s ally…

Some of the gems function like ioun stones, for X rounds. Some function like a metamagic rod for X rounds, enhancing any spell-like ability Malphas uses.

 

[Kain Darkwind]

That’s what I was primarily concerned about.

Here’s a bare-bones sketch of the item so far:

“Robe of Malphas”: Malphas’s black velvet robes are studded with 333 gems of considerable value. The robe itself functions as if it were both a +4 cloak of resistance and a +4 ring of protection.

Malphas can also activate any gem on his robe as a standard action by touching it. Each gem has a separate, individual function and can be used (1/day, 1/week?). Each gem’s effect should be determined by the DM. Many of the gems can be used to cast a spell much like other magic items, using the lowest possible caster level. Common spells include summon monster, summon nature’s ally…

Some of the gems function like ioun stones, for X rounds. Some function like a metamagic rod for X rounds, enhancing any spell-like ability Malphas uses.

I think it would be better to have the gems function at a flat (20th?) caster level. Not only just for power level, but for ease of play. It adds an entire layer of work for the DM to choose an effect and then go find the lowest caster level for the effect, especially if he is actually using Malphas in combat. To say nothing of ECL 21 monks and drow not being affected in the least by SR dependant effects.