Special Conversion Thread: Sheens

[demiurge1138]

Sure!

 

[freyar]

I think we're ready!

 

[Shade]

Smaller varieties of the drifter are called flitters for their quicker movement. Flitters often serve as “familiars” for machine mages. The flitter can actually project its excess electrical charge in the form of a small electrical bolt, but it possesses only a single manipulator arm.

Flitter, machine life form (1d4): AC 2 (metallic foil + Dex); MV 0, fly 20 (A); HD 3+1; hp 27; THAC0 17; #AT 1; Dmg 1d4 (manipulator arm); SA Electrical bolt; SD Grade 2 defensive field, immune to all mind-affecting spells, spells that affect life force, and psionics; SW Magic susceptibility; SZ M (4’ long); ML Champion (16); AL N; XP 975; Str 10, Dex 18, Con 16, Int 6, Wis 5 Cha 0.
SA – Electrical bolt. Flitters can build up an electrical charge in their forward sensor array 3/day. Unlike other sheens, the flitter can project an excess electrical charge at any target within 30 feet for 3d4 points of electrical damage. Victims who make successful saving throw vs. spells suffer only half damage.

Originally appeared in Dragon Magazine #258 (1999).

 

[demiurge1138]

Do we want to make the charge bolt a 30ft line or a ranged touch attack?

 

[freyar]

I think I can see justification for both in the original text, and I kind of prefer a ranged touch. Could allow SR to apply, I guess, by making it an Sp loosely based on shocking grasp, if we really want to keep the flavor of the saving throw.

 

[demiurge1138]

I'd rather it be a ranged touch attack, personally, but a bolt would also work (and be somewhat more powerful).

 

[freyar]

Let's do ranged touch. Not allowing a save or SR makes up a bit for only hitting one target, assuming these guys get a good ranged attack modifier.

 

[Shade]

That sounds good.

Stick with Medium or make 'em Small?

 

[freyar]

Stay Medium, I think. They're about as big as the drifter.

 

[Shade]

Added to Homebrews.

Wanna mix up the feats at all?

Reduce the weight since they are "smaller" than drifters?