D&D 3E/3.5 Creature Catalog 3.5 Overhaul Project

[Shade]

I agree that the phasm’s description is completely contradictory in that respect. However, this is how I’m choosing to look at it. Whenever a creature has an ability that functions similarly to a spell, it is assumed that the ability functions in the exact same way as said spell, given caster level, except for anything listed in the ability’s description which overrides or alters that. therefore, I would assume that a phasm could stay in an alternate form as long as it likes, and that a kenku could stay in an alternate form for up to a week. A quasit, however, is limited to 12 minutes at most. Given the kenku’s limitation of using this power only once monthly, a full week is a hell of a lot better than the nearly useless few minutes.

I think we're in agreement on this, aren't we?

As I mentioned earlier, the other function of the spell is how many HD a kenku would have when appearing as something else. For this respect, I’d say it’s good that a kenku should not duplicate something more powerful than itself (despite the fact that they may “appear” as a god – they could pull off the deception as long as they don’t have to offer up proof of all that power!). therefore, having caster level = HD is a good idea.

Oops, I missed that. I agree with you on this. You can look like Tiamat without being Tiamat (such as the aspect of Tiamat).

Also, should we offer any caveat about the kenku not being able to use certain abilities (backstab, evasion, spells) while transformed or should it be a-OK in any form?

Is there precedent for imposing such a limitation? I can't see any reason to do so.

Satisfactory, otherwise?

Yes!

 

[BOZ]

I think we're in agreement on this, aren't we?

i would hope so.

Oops, I missed that. I agree with you on this. You can look like Tiamat without being Tiamat (such as the aspect of Tiamat).

therefore, i'm going with caster level = HD after all. sometimes you need to think about something before saying ok.

Is there precedent for imposing such a limitation? I can't see any reason to do so.

I'd say so. "A quasit in alternate form loses its poison attack."

 

[Shade]

i would hope so.

therefore, i'm going with caster level = HD after all. sometimes you need to think about something before saying ok.

Sounds good.

I'd say so. "A quasit in alternate form loses its poison attack."

That makes sense, since the poison needs a delivery method, and the form of a fuzzy-wuzzy bunny wabbit lacks a stinger.

Per the alternate form entry in "Monster Types and Abilities" addresses:

The creature retains the type and subtype of its original form. It gains the size of its new form.
The creature loses the natural weapons, natural armor, movement modes, and extraordinary special attacks of its original form.
The creature gains the natural weapons, natural armor, movement modes, and extraordinary special attacks of its new form.
The creature retains the special qualities of its original form. It does not gain any special qualities of its new form.
The creature retains the spell-like abilities and supernatural attacks of its old form (except for breath weapons and gaze attacks). It does not gain the spell-like abilities or supernatural attacks of its new form.
The creature gains the physical ability scores (Str, Dex, Con) of its new form. It retains the mental ability scores (Int, Wis, Cha) of its original form.
The creature retains its hit points and save bonuses, although its save modifiers may change due to a change in ability scores.
The creature retains any spellcasting ability it had in its original form, although it must be able to speak intelligibly to cast spells with verbal components and it must have humanlike hands to cast spells with somatic components.
The creature is effectively camouflaged as a creature of its new form, and it gains a +10 bonus on Disguise checks if it uses this ability to create a disguise.

So...it would retain evasion and trapfinding, but would lose sneak attack. Its spells would be subject to those limitations.

 

[BOZ]

actually, i'm going to argue that since sneak attack is something a kenku learns how to do as a child rather than an innate ability, it gets to keep it in other forms. therefore, i'm imposing no limitations other than the standard ones.

therefore, updating in homebrews... take one last look to see if you can catch something that needs fixing. i plan on posting the next batch of critters before leaving work today!

 

[Shade]

I looked it over, and I think it's finished.

 

[BOZ]

well, guess what time it is boys and girls (if there are any)!

you guessed it, it's time for another round of "revise that monster!" *

if you want to play, go to the first page of this thread and pick out two monsters!

here are the rules:

if it has an * in front of it, it's no good for this thread! if there is a number behind it indicating that it counts as more than one monster, you can only take that group. if you go outside of these rules, i'll discount it.

when we hit 10 critters, that's it for now!

got it? ok, then let's play!


* Not a real game, there are no prizes, and no real winners, unless you have fun at this sort of thing.

 

[Shade]

Jabberwock
Krakentua

 

[Filby]

Oonga! and Jor

 

[BOZ]

heheh, interesting choices.

 

[Krishnath]

Gorgimera
Lythlyx