Nonabilities and Templates

[the Jester]

If I have a creature without an intelligence score (Int -), and I apply a template that gives +4 int, what happens?

 

[glass]

By default, nothing. Int - + 4 = Int -

OTOH, I don't see why the DM couldn't rule that the creature had Int 4 if it seemed more appropriate for the template.


glass.

 

[wuyanei]

By the rules glass is right.

By what I would actually do, I would say that it depends on if the template changes the creature's type. If the type changes to something with Int, then the creature becomes Int 4. If the type does not change, then the creature remains Int --.

 

[Li Shenron]

I think it depends too, but generally speaking I'd say it stays without an Int score.

If a template gives a +4 Constitution and the base creature is a construct or undead, does it become alive?

 

[Dinkeldog]

It could lead to an interesting story arc about normally non-sentient creatures that somehow have sentience, too.

 

[Nellisir]

Whatever you want. I know that's a cliche, but...which suits your purposes better? A slightly-intelligent creature (smarter than your average dog), or a mindless vermin sort of thing?

 

[the Jester]

Whatever you want. I know that's a cliche, but...which suits your purposes better? A slightly-intelligent creature (smarter than your average dog), or a mindless vermin sort of thing?

Well- my players, don't look:

Spoiler

I'm putting the paragon creature template on a living spell (which is an ooze). This template gives +15 to all stats. So its intelligence is either - or 15... a very interesting choice.

 

[Infiniti2000]

I would not increase the ability score. Adding +N to -- has no meaning unless it specifically changes the type of creature or sets it to a particular score (such as a fiendish vermin).

 

[Rystil Arden]

I would do it--
[SBLOCK]A sentient Living Spell is cool! That just gives all sorts of ideas--what if there was a living spell of something like Charm Person and Polymorph that used its Charm Person power to gain a base of followers

Yeah, yeah, yeah--I know those spells can't be used for a Living Spell[/SBLOCK]