Converting World of Greyhawk monsters

[Echohawk]

Sure, I can try to summarise the bits relevant for the "Subsumed Mind" template:

Extracts from the False Keraptis conversion:

The false Keraptis has access to all the perceptions of all of its Subsumed Minds on the same plane of existence, [...]. The false Keraptis may direct the actions of one of its Subsumed Minds [...]. Instead of directing the Subsumed Minds, the false Keraptis may channel its spell-like abilities through the Subsumed Minds[...]

Each false Keraptis has the ability to impose a partial imprint of Keraptis's mind on other creatures. [...] After 5 failed saves, the victim gains the Subsumed Mind template and becomes part of the false Keraptis's Hierarchical Mind.

From this post:

The other husks subsumed into hierarchical minds as a result of partial imprinting don't seem to undergo any physical transformation at all, except maybe a slackening of the jaw and a build up of drool as they shuffle around.

There is a stat block for a "Subsumed gnome" in the back of the book which might be useful to highlight the statistical impact of becoming a husk:

Subsumed gnome: AC 10; MV 9; hp 4; THAC0 20; #AT 1 (short sword); Dmg 1d6; SA spell channeling; SW no independent actions; SZ S (3 1/2' tall); ML steady (12); Int non- (0); AL NE; XP 35.
Special abilities: SA -- can join with two additional subsumed minds from the same hierarchy to provide a channel for spells; SW -- cannot take independent actions.

You suggested:

I have a small proposal: let's first write the Hierarchical Mind and Partial Imprint as abilities of the false Keraptis template, since those are things they do. Then let's do a Subsumed Mind template. Mossmutter and skinpuppets can be slightly(?) exceptional examples of those templates. Also, I'm in favor of allowing some kind of actions for general subsumed minds and/or a little less freedom for skinpuppets, just to keep things a little simpler.

And also, for Killjoy you noted:

Let's make his partial imprint just the standard scroll one and note that his Subsumed Minds are also standard (when we write that template).

 

[freyar]

Hehe, I'm glad you like to cut and paste! So that's it from the adventure, too? I guess we'll have to get down to work on these, especially while Shade's away.

 

[Echohawk]

It doesn't look like there is any more detail in the adventure on the effects of the subsumption process.

Basically, a Subsumed Mind:

• Undergoes no physical changes, although it looks like that gnome in the example has a marginally worse THAC0 than a vanilla gnome.
• Cannot take any independent actions (but you suggested allowing them some sort of actions).
• Shares senses with the subsuming False Keraptis. Does this work both ways? Does the Subsumed Mind gain any benefit from the fact that the False Keraptis has access to its perceptions?
• Can channel the spell-like abilities of the subsuming False Keraptis. I notice that the subsumed gnome has to join with two additional subsumed minds to do this, but that this restriction isn't included in Hierarchical Mind ability description in the False Keraptis conversion. Was this something that we decided to alter, or did we just not spot this until now?

 

[freyar]

Yeah, I think allowing a few actions would make the skinpuppets less of an exception.

Perhaps some kind of insight penalty to AC?

I think the no-flanking bit from formians, etc, might be a reasonable benefit for the Subsumed Minds.

I spotted the multiple Subsumed Mind SLA channeling, but I didn't want to get quite that complex.

Shade, actually, can you add a line to Killjoy that his partial imprint and subsumed minds are standard?

 

[freyar]

Subsumed Mind Template

Ok, getting started. This will be my working post for the Subsumed Mind template with discussion below.

Subsumed Mind (template)

A Subsumed Mind is the victim of the partial imprint ability of a false Keraptis. The entire intellect of each Subsumed Mind simply increases the capacity of the false Keraptis's hierarchical mind, so Subsumed Minds are capable only of very limited individual actions.

On the other hand, Subsumed Minds are profitable servants for a false Keraptis to possess. They can serve as eyes and ears for the false Keraptis as well as channeling the false Keraptis's spell-like abilities.

Please see the false Keraptis template for additional information. This template describes Subsumed Minds for a false Keraptis with a standard partial imprint ability.

Creating a Subsumed Mind

"Subsumed Mind" is an acquired template that can be added to any living creature with an Intelligence score which has been affected by the partial imprint ability of a false Keraptis (henceforth referred to as the base creature).

Creatures of more than 20 racial HD cannot become Subsumed Minds. If such a creature is affected by the partial imprint ability of a false Keraptis, the hierarchical mind will likely move to the more powerful body, leaving the original false Keraptis body as a Subsumed Mind.

A Subsumed Mind has all the base creature’s statistics and special abilities except as noted here.

Size and Type: The base creature’s size and type are unchanged in the standard Subsumed Mind template.

Hit Dice: Drop any Hit Dice from class levels (to a minimum of 1).

Speed: The speed and movement forms of the Subsumed Mind are unchanged.

Armor Class: The natural armor of a Subsumed Mind is unchanged.

Base Attack: A Subsumed Mind has a base attack bonus as normal for a creature of its type and hit dice.

Attacks: A Subsumed Mind retains all the natural weapons, manufactured weapon attacks, and weapon proficiencies of the base creature. These attacks are subject to a -1 insight penalty.

Damage: Natural and manufactured weapons deal damage normally.

Special Attacks: A Subsumed Mind retains the base creature's Ex special attacks except for those gained from class abilities. It loses all Su, Sp, and Ps special attacks. It also gains the following special attacks.

Instrument of Hierarchical Mind (Su): A Subsumed Mind can act with the will of the false Keraptis's Hierarchical Mind. If the false Keraptis directs the Subsumed Mind, the Subsumed Mind may take actions as a normal creature. In addition, if the false Keraptis chooses, it may channel spell-like abilities through its Subsumed Minds. This functions as if the Subsumed Mind had used one of the false Keraptis's spell-like abilities, using the false Keraptis's statistics. Each Subsumed Mind may channel only one spell-like ability per round.

Special Qualities: A Subsumed Mind retains the base creature's Ex special qualities except for those gained from class abilities. It loses all Su, Sp, and Ps special attacks. It also gains the following special qualities.

Single Actions Only (Ex): Subsumed Minds have little will of their own and can perform only a single move action or attack action each round, except when they are directed by the Hierarchical Mind (see Instrument of Hierarchical Mind above).

Hierarchical Mind Awareness (Su): All Subsumed Minds and the associated false Keraptis share the awareness of the Hierarchical Mind. A Subsumed Mind cannot be flanked unless all Subsumed Minds (from the same Hierarchical Mind) within line of sight are flanked.

Saves: The Subsumed Mind has base save bonuses appropriate for its hit dice and type.

Abilities:The base creature's ability scores change as follows: Int - .

Skills: A Subsumed Mind has no skills.

Feats: The Subsumed Mind keeps the feats of the base creature but may only use those for which it still meets the prerequisites.

Environment: Any.

Organization: Solitary, ganglion (2-6), or hierarchical mind (3-40 subsumed minds plus possibly false Keraptis).

Challenge Rating: Depends on hit dice, as follows:
HD CR
1/2 1/6
1 1/3
2–3 1
4–5 2
6–7 3
8–9 4
10–11 5
12–14 6
15–17 7
18–20 8

Treasure: None.

Alignment: Always evil (same as associated false Keraptis).

Advancement: Same as the base creature.

Level Adjustment: —.

 

[Echohawk]

Looks good so far. Am I correct in assuming that this template is going to be included as part of the main False Keraptis entry, rather than being a stand-alone conversion?

 

[freyar]

You'd have to ask Shade. Based on other recent "linked" conversions, it will probably be different, but maybe we can get Shade to hyperlink them.

I'll be adding more to the above post momentarily. Just took a break to browse the forums after accidentally hitting "submit" instead of "preview."

 

[Echohawk]

Yeah, usually I'd be in favour of it being a separate entry. However, I can't see anyone using the Subsumed Mind template without there being a False Keraptis involved, so it feels as if this template should just be a note within the False Keraptis conversion.

 

[freyar]

Well, I have a rough sketch of the whole template. See what you think and make suggestions!

 

[Echohawk]

I'm happy with all of that, but I think I'd leave out the references to a "standard" Subsumed Mind -- I think this template should only deal with the standard Subsumed Mind template. Any changes that Mossmutter's minds need can just be noted under Mossmutter. i.e. Something like "Mossmutter's Subsumed Minds use the 'Subsumed Mind' template with the following changes: ..."