Special Conversion Thread: Moldvay's Undead

[demiurge1138]

Wait, what's the difference between taking an action other than dancing and stopping dancing? The idea is that they can make a DC 15 to attack and dance, and a DC 20 to stop dancing, yes? The wording is a little confusing.

 

[freyar]

This is why I thought it might still need work.

That's the idea. Maybe we should say that they must make a DC 15 to spend a round dancing (move action) and taking another standard action (as opposed to full-round dancing) and DC 20 to stop dancing (no move or full-round action devoted to dancing).

 

[demiurge1138]

I'm not sure I like the uncontrollableness. Seems like a liability--and these guys are already operating at a loss, being melee-focused fey. I also think there should be some way they can benefit from a good Perform check

 

[freyar]

Hmmm, I think there should at least be a small loss of control based on the flavor of the original text. We can negotiate. I like the idea of a benefit from the Perform check, though! Maybe a save/attack bonus based on making a set DC Perform check?

 

[demiurge1138]

Sure, something like DC 15 = +1, DC 25 = +2, DC 35 = +3? Borrowing a little bit from the archivist.

I think that sacrificing an action (no full attacks, for one thing) is already a big sacrifice. Perhaps if they have to make cumulative Will saves every round or just start dancing uncontrollably without fighting?

 

[freyar]

Ok, I had a start here a couple of days ago, lost it, and have just been too uninspired to type it in again since. But here goes:

Dancing Frenzy (Ex): A callicantzaros can dance itself into a frenzy. If a callicantzaros spends a move action to make a DC 15 Perform (dance) check, it gains a +1 to attack and damage rolls and an additional +1 for each 5 points the check exceeds DC 15. In addition, the callicantzaros may choose to use its Perform (dance) check result in place of any necessary Reflex save in the same round that it has danced. If a callicantzaros has made a successful Perform (dance) check for three successive rounds, it also gains +4 Str and +4 Con as long as it spends a move action to make a Perform (dance) check. However, each round that it benefits from enhanced Str and Con, it must make a DC 10 Will save or spend its full round dancing without taking any other actions.

Look better?

 

[demiurge1138]

That I like! Maybe make the Will save a higher DC--I'm not sure what their Will save is.

 

[freyar]

That I like! Maybe make the Will save a higher DC--I'm not sure what their Will save is.

It's at +4 right now, so they'll succeed 75% of the time. The failed Will save isn't too big of a penalty, but maybe it doesn't come up often enough.

 

[Shade]

Updated.

Feats: 3

Environment: x

Organization: Solitary or x (2-20)

Treasure: x
Type D:
1-8 1,000s of copper pieces: 10%
1-12 1,000s of silver pieces: 15%
1-8 1,000s of electrum pieces: 15%
1-6 1,000s of gold pieces: 50%
1-10 gems: 30%
1-6 jewelry: 25%
Maps or Magic Items: Any 2 plus 1 potion: 15%

A callicantzaros is 6 to 8 feet tall and weighs x pounds.

Callicantzari speak x.

 

[freyar]

Feats: Power Attack, Dodge, Mobility (or maybe Cleave instead)?
Environment: Any land?
Treasure: 1/2 coins, 1/2 goods, standard items?
200-300 lb?
Sylvan?