(Originally posted to the comment thread for G1 The Hill Giant Steading Conversion file)
Giants!!
Hi, I'm new to the board, and I realize this is a pretty old file, but since I recently played the GDQ1-7 megamodule and converted it on-the-fly, I thought I'd comment anyway.
I actually created some of the monsters from the ground up for the later modules, and if there is interest, I'll gladly upload them. I researched pedipalps and solifugids on various entymology sites and used that info to design and give tactics to the false spiders encountered in D1, D2, D3 and Q1. I also did a passable effort at a handmaiden. All of the critters above are in .doc format (Word).
For the giants in G1-3, I simply took the MM giant entry, and slapped a couple levels of fighter on the elite guards and leaders. Nonsra, the Jarl, and Snurre each gained 4 levels of fighter, weapon focus and spec (Nonsra got Sunder instead of spec), and the like. This method works fantastically for just about any 'elite' type monster, because using their normal progressions can sometimes result in an important fight having a weaker foe than the adventure intended.
I recommend making mountain giants wait until ECL25 before allowing them to select epic feats, they're tough enough already. (But when they, or any giant for that matter, do qualify for epic feats, Dire Charge is an absolute neccessity! Running in for 4 or 5 2x damage whacks is a great way to teach uppity players to respect your NPCs.)
Giants!!
Hi, I'm new to the board, and I realize this is a pretty old file, but since I recently played the GDQ1-7 megamodule and converted it on-the-fly, I thought I'd comment anyway.
I actually created some of the monsters from the ground up for the later modules, and if there is interest, I'll gladly upload them. I researched pedipalps and solifugids on various entymology sites and used that info to design and give tactics to the false spiders encountered in D1, D2, D3 and Q1. I also did a passable effort at a handmaiden. All of the critters above are in .doc format (Word).
For the giants in G1-3, I simply took the MM giant entry, and slapped a couple levels of fighter on the elite guards and leaders. Nonsra, the Jarl, and Snurre each gained 4 levels of fighter, weapon focus and spec (Nonsra got Sunder instead of spec), and the like. This method works fantastically for just about any 'elite' type monster, because using their normal progressions can sometimes result in an important fight having a weaker foe than the adventure intended.
I recommend making mountain giants wait until ECL25 before allowing them to select epic feats, they're tough enough already. (But when they, or any giant for that matter, do qualify for epic feats, Dire Charge is an absolute neccessity! Running in for 4 or 5 2x damage whacks is a great way to teach uppity players to respect your NPCs.)
