Special Conversion Thread: Aboleths

[freyar]

Sound fine to me.

 

[Shade]

What's left for this one besides CR?

 

[freyar]

I think that may be it. Perhaps CR 12ish?

 

[Shade]

Let's see...we gave the greater aboleth CR 11. These fellows have 4 more HD, and a few greater powers. I could see CR 13.

 

[bykov]

I am noticing that we did not add spell-like abilities to equate to the psi-like ability gains, such as body adjustment.

I am noticing a need for equivalents for:

body adjustment - (heal?)
adapt body - (energy resistance?)
body equilibrium - (freedom of movement?)

Bykov.

 

[bykov]

Cr

Went through the calculations for both the standard and the psionic noble aboleth.

Both are *easily* CR 17 if not an 18. With these spell/psi-like abilities stacking up, they become very formidable.

Bykov.

 

[bykov]

Cr

Went through the calculations for both the standard and the psionic noble aboleth.

Both are *easily* CR 17 if not an 18. With these spell/psi-like abilities stacking up, they become very formidable.

Bykov.

 

[freyar]

Good catch on the SLAs! We should definitely put those in.

Hmmm, if the SLA/PsLAs make them look that high CR, I wonder if we have glass canons here. I somehow don't think they can last that long against level 18 parties. Compromise and go CR 15, like HD?

 

[Shade]

Yeah, good catch on the missing abilities.

I'm not seeing the higher CR, though. They stygian aboleth in Lords of Madness is CR 15, and it has 24 Hit Dice! Neothelids, at CR 15, also appear much deadlier. The CR 17 mind worm far outclasses them.

They are definitely superior to the CR 12 ulitharids, though. I could maybe see stretching them to CR 14, but no higher.

 

[bykov]

Good catch on the SLAs! We should definitely put those in.

Hmmm, if the SLA/PsLAs make them look that high CR, I wonder if we have glass canons here. I somehow don't think they can last that long against level 18 parties. Compromise and go CR 15, like HD?

If an aboleth went toe to toe (no SLAs) with a 12th level party, it would be chum. However, taking the assumption that the aboleth is without slaves/skum/partners, its illusory powers make it formidable. Now add in enslavement, that has a (assuming 18 WIS and good Will saves for the WHOLE party) 60% chance of taking out a combatant each round versus a level 12 party, a 55% chance versus a level 15 party, and a 45% chance verus a level 18 party.

Yes, the aboleth is weak physically (comparitively), but considering there is a 21.6% chance that in three rounds it will have control of 3 members of an attacking party (12th level). It is by no means helpless.

So for me, I would be comfortable standing firm with my assertation of a CR 17.

Bykov.