Non-psionic versions of psionic monsters

[jester47]

Anyone know if there is such a doc or web page or somthing?

I took a look at the SRD and I am impressed with some of the monsters - ok the intellect devourer and the caller in the darkness, but would like magical 3.5 versions ala the 3.5 mindflayer. Granted, I could just use their psionic abilities as SAs, but just wondering.

Aaron.

 

[Psion]

I'm not sure what the problem is. The versions in the non-psionic version of the SRD just use psionics as spell like abilities.

 

[Voadam]

Call the psi-like abilities psionics that are treated as spell-like abilities and use the psionic power descriptions as written. Instant MM style magical psionics. Only detect psionics looks like it might need to be changed.

Caller in darkness

Psi-Like Abilities: At will—clairvoyant sense, concussion blast (two targets, 3d6*), detect psionics, ego whip (2d4, DC 16*), mind thrust (7d10, DC 16*); 3/day—death urge (DC 16), psychic crush (DC 13**), psionic suggestion (three targets, DC 14*); 1/ day—co-opt concentration (DC 18). Manifester level 7th. The save DCs are Charisma-based.
*Includes augmentation for the caller’s manifester level.
**Includes the inherent +4 save adjustment described in the power.

Intellect devourer

Psi-Like Abilities: At will—cloud mind, compression, detect psionics, ego whip (2d4, DC 16*), empty mind (+5 on Will saves*), id insinuation (three targets, DC 16*); 3/day—body adjustment (2d12*), intellect fortress, painful strike. Manifester level 7th.
The save DCs are Charisma-based.
*Includes augmentation for the intellect devourer’s manifester level.




Call these spell like abilities and use the psionic descriptions

 

[jester47]

Well, the problem came out of the fact that to use the two monsters, I would have to have the descriptions of 20 other abilities with their stats. I think it would be easier to use them if they just used similar spells.

But, now that I think about it, there is no spell for mind blast, and using these as spell like abilities pretty much makes the creatures unique.

Detect psionics pretty much becomes moot if you use the monsters this way. I figure that it would opperate like detect magic. Detect thoughts might work better.

It also occurs to me that the feats would need to be included.

Hrm, perhaps printing the Feats, Monster, and Power section of the SRD would be beneficial. With the XPH art gallery, I get some seriously spooky monsters witout the cheesy character stuff.

Aaron.

 

[Voadam]

Well, the problem came out of the fact that to use the two monsters, I would have to have the descriptions of 20 other abilities with their stats. I think it would be easier to use them if they just used similar spells.

But, now that I think about it, there is no spell for mind blast, and using these as spell like abilities pretty much makes the creatures unique.

Detect psionics pretty much becomes moot if you use the monsters this way. I figure that it would opperate like detect magic. Detect thoughts might work better.

It also occurs to me that the feats would need to be included.

Hrm, perhaps printing the Feats, Monster, and Power section of the SRD would be beneficial. With the XPH art gallery, I get some seriously spooky monsters witout the cheesy character stuff.

Aaron.

I was thinking of detect psionics. It should probably just apply to creatures that use psionics as listed in the MM (illithids, aboleths, etc.) otherwise it changes considerably and is not that appropriate flavor wise.

Anything listed as psionic x is just like the spell ability. so the caller's psionic suggestion is just like suggestion. The attack modes would be the toughest to find standard spell equivalents for if you go that route, clairvoy etc. are relatively easy.

 

[jester47]

It is easier to go with the monsters as they are and just have the powers and the feats at hand. Basicly, I would probably write a compiled description for the Monster that I was using. (sigh, more DM work).

Detect Thoughts works best (and IMO is better) as the Intellect Deveourer simply seeks sapient brains and not psionic abilities. In 12 seconds it knows the quality of the meals in the area. It probably would not hang around for the surface thoughts.

Detect thoughts is about as powerful as detect psionics, and fits the predatory aspect of the monster better. In fact I really do not see the point of detect psionics unless psionics are different. (which I don't use).

Aaron.