Special Conversion Thread: Moldvay's Undead

[Shade]

Haven't we done somebody's version of an apollyon already? Sounds familiar.

Heck yeah! That ranks as one of my favorite conversions.

Creature Catalog - Preview Creature

The saraph actually became the Sollux as D&D evolved.

I'll pass on "generic Donald Duck clone" until April.

Moldvay may have suggested some variant undead without stat blocks in some of those articles, but otherwise, I think this thread is truly finished (unless we decide to do Dracula).

Actually, what the heck, Halloween's approaching!

DRACULA (Vlad Tepes)
FREQUENCY: Unique
NO. APPEARING: 2
ARMOR CLASS: -1 (-4 with dexterity)
MOVE: 12”/18”
HIT DICE: 12 (96 hp)
% IN LAIR: 10%
TREASURE TYPE: G
NO. OF ATTACKS: 2 (by touch or weapon)
DAMAGE/ATTACK: 1-8 (+7)
SPECIAL ATTACKS: Energy drain, hypnosis, +4 to hit in combat
SPECIAL DEFENSES: +1 or better weapon to hit
MAGIC RESISTANCE: 25%
INTELLIGENCE: Exceptional
ALIGNMENT! Chaotic evil
SIZE: M
PSIONIC ABILITY: 204
Attack/Defense Modes: B,C/J
S: 19
D: 17
I: 17
C: 19
W: 17
CH: 17

Dracula is similar to the usual AD&D game vampire in the Monster Manual, except as noted in this article. His strength is 19 (as per Legends & Lore), and he can wield a long sword if he so desires, doing 8-15 hp damage per attack (the weapon may be magical as well). Dracula can regenerate 5 hp per melee round. Garlic, mirrors, and holy symbols only cause him to hesitate 1-2 rounds because of his strength of will, and he can survive up to 10 rounds in sunlight or running water.

Dracula is assumed to have been reborn as a true vampire after his death, perhaps being summoned to a magical universe by an unlucky wizard. It is highly likely that he would make use of magical weapons and items in an AD&D game world, selecting those items appropriate to warriors since he had no skill at magic or the priesthood in life. Magical rings, amulets, scrolls of protection, swords and daggers, and similar items would be preferred.

Unlike most vampires, who have been completely overwhelmed by their transition into the undead, Dracula can sometimes overcome his undead state of mind by sheer willpower. It is possible that he could be impressed enough by an exceptional display of courage or faithful service on the part of a character or retainer to call off any attacks he is making. It is probable that Dracula will become involved in the politics of whatever world he enters. His relationship with Orcus, demon prince of the undead, is best left to the DM,s imagination.

When trying to turn Dracula away, a cleric should consider this monster to be classed in the "special" category. Conversely, though Dracula has no other clerical abilities-as such, he may exert his incredible willpower to force other undead beings into servitude for short periods of time. Treat him as an evil 12th-level cleric, making the usual attempts to call undead into service as per the rules for turning undead.

Originally appeared in Dragon Magazine #126 (1987).

 

[Cleon]

So, 12th level fighter with turn undead as a 12th level cleric and a few Psi-Like Abilities.

Same Strength as a 3E Hill Giant? Str 25?

 

[Shade]

Rather than work him up as a fighter, and slap on the vampire template, I'd rather we develop him as a unique undead creature that shares some of the vampiric traits and possesses some class abilities. Something like we've done with the Generals of the Animal Kings.

Str 25 appeals. Cha should be much higher than 17.

Assuming the listed ability scores were his "human" scores, and applying the vampire template modifiers, gives us...

Str 25, Dex 21, Int 19, Wis 19, Cha 21

The vampire lord template boosts the vampire as follows: Str +6, Dex +4, Int +2, Wis +2, Cha +4. If we apply those modifiers, we get...

Str 31, Dex 25, Int 21, Wis 21, Cha 25

I'd be fine with going with that set of scores, or blending the standard vampire physical scores with the mental scores of the vampire lord (Str 25, Dex 21, Int 21, Wis 21, Cha 25).

Thoughts?

 

[Cleon]

Assuming the listed ability scores were his "human" scores, and applying the vampire template modifiers, gives us...

Str 25, Dex 21, Int 19, Wis 19, Cha 21

The vampire lord template boosts the vampire as follows: Str +6, Dex +4, Int +2, Wis +2, Cha +4. If we apply those modifiers, we get...

Str 31, Dex 25, Int 21, Wis 21, Cha 25

I'd be fine with going with that set of scores, or blending the standard vampire physical scores with the mental scores of the vampire lord (Str 25, Dex 21, Int 21, Wis 21, Cha 25).

Thoughts?

Those physical scores are fine by me, since they're in keeping with 3.5's inflation. Do we want to increase the HD too? Maybe to 18?

Giving him a fighter skill SQ like General Ox is a possibility, but it doesn't make much difference. Whichever way we do it, I'd like to wrangle a full BAB like a fighter.

 

[Shade]

Added to Homebrews.

Since he's unique and tenacious, I'd recommend adding Unholy Toughness.

+12 natural armor like a vampire lord?

Give him some of the other additional bonuses from the vampire lord template (improved standard vampire abilities, control weather, telekinesis, telepathy)?

Suggested enhancements to his longsword? Keen and/or wounding seems a good fit (for bleeding prey).

 

[Cleon]

Added to Homebrews.

Since he's unique and tenacious, I'd recommend adding Unholy Toughness.

+12 natural armor like a vampire lord?

Give him some of the other additional bonuses from the vampire lord template (improved standard vampire abilities, control weather, telekinesis, telepathy)?

+12 NA is fine.

I'd go for improved vampire abilities, control weather and telepathy.

Telekinesis doesn't fit methinks.

Suggested enhancements to his longsword? Keen and/or wounding seems a good fit (for bleeding prey).

Nah, it just has to be merciful and ghost touch.

 

[freyar]

Hehehe, I'm assuming Cleon is kidding on the weapon and that a keen wounding longsword works.

I also like +12 NA, control weather, and telepathy. I wouldn't mind telekinesis either but don't have a strong opinion.

 

[Shade]

Don't make me mercifully touch your ghost!

Updated.

It is highly likely that he would make use of magical weapons and items in an AD&D game world, selecting those items appropriate to warriors since he had no skill at magic or the priesthood in life. Magical rings, amulets, scrolls of protection, swords and daggers, and similar items would be preferred.

Ring of protection? Cloak of resistance? Other magical gear?

 

[freyar]

Oh, Dracula should surely have better gear than a ring of protection and a cloak of resistance, right? Maybe go +5 for each and see what else we can come up with?

 

[Shade]

Oh, Dracula should surely have better gear than a ring of protection and a cloak of resistance, right? Maybe go +5 for each and see what else we can come up with?

But of course! Those just seemed no-brainers to get the ball rolling.