what does 'the save is con-based' mean?

[Dracuwulf]

what does 'the save is con-based' mean?

 

[Thanee]

Save DC is Con-based (like wizard spell DC is Int-based). If Con is increased or lowered, the save DC is altered accordingly.

Bye
Thanee

 

[drunkmoogle]

Most special attacks that require a save are based on the formula 10 + 1/2HD + Ability Modifier. In this case, use the creature's Constitution modifier as part of the formula.

 

[Nail]

OT, but: can you think of any special attacks (Sp or Su) that are not?

 

[drunkmoogle]

OT, but: can you think of any special attacks (Sp or Su) that are not?

Special Attacks granted by Classes and Prestige Class HD are sometimes based on Class Levels rather than total HD.
SLAs that mimic spells use the formula Spell Level + Ability Modifier (i.e. a dryad's SLAs).

 

[Mouseferatu]

OT, but: can you think of any special attacks (Sp or Su) that are not?

You will also find occasional monsters (though none come to mind off-hand) where the save DC is higher than that formula would indicate. Best I can figure, it represents a creature that has a specific attack tougher than the norm for its Hit Dice would indicate. This isn't a specificly defined bonus, as best I can tell, just an extra number added into bump up the DC.

However, the basic advancement rules still hold. If you bump the relevant stat, the DC still goes up by the proper amount.

 

[Nail]

You will also find occasional monsters (though none come to mind off-hand) where the save DC is higher than that formula would indicate. Best I can figure, it represents a creature that has a specific attack tougher than the norm for its Hit Dice would indicate. This isn't a specificly defined bonus, as best I can tell, .....

Typically, this comes from a monster feat, and so "it is defined".

Can you find any (core RAW) that are not? (Dryad was a good call! But still, a definate, familiar formula.)

 

[drunkmoogle]

Curse of Lycanthropy is non-formulaic: Fortitude DC 15, flat.

3.5 streamlined the monsters and HD, so I think we'd have to delve back into 3.0 to find non-formulaic DCs. Anything that the designers wanted to boost they could just give the creature Ability Focus, Racial Bonuses, or more HD.