Where o where has the DemiLich gone?

[JustinA]

Can't say as I understand what you mean there. Clearly the d20 System version is out of sync with the original in S1.

It's notable that the demi-lich in the original S1 had no stats except for hit points. He wasn't described as a monster. He was described like a trap.

When I did my conversion of the module I used the epic stats for a demi-lich, but followed the design ethos of the original module. Works just fine.

Justin Alexander
http://www.thealexandrian.net

 

[Delta]

It's notable that the demi-lich in the original S1 had no stats except for hit points.

But that's the way all unique monsters were described at the time (AC, hp, attacks). Compare in S1 to the 4-armed gargoyle, the large asps, giant skeleton, or false lich. It's the same covention (or lack thereof).

Again, the WOTC designers disagree with you in that they didn't think the epic demilich was valid in the official conversion of S1.

 

[JustinA]

But that's the way all unique monsters were described at the time (AC, hp, attacks). Compare in S1 to the 4-armed gargoyle, the large asps, giant skeleton, or false lich. It's the same covention (or lack thereof).

Here's the description of the gargoyle: "This monster is a huge (H.P.: 64; 19 strength) monstrosity that attacks 6 times/round as a 12 hit dice creature inflicting damage as follows:
2d4x4/3d4/1d6, and if any 2 of the clawing attacks (2d4x4) hit, the creature will do an additional 7 hit points at rending damage to the opponent so struck."

Here's the false lich: "The purported lich is actually a magically-prepared zombie with spells upon him which give the following stats: AC -4; move base 12”; H.P.: 32; attacks 1/round as a 6 hit dice monster for 3-10 h.p. damage; and anti-magic charms will absorb 12 levels of spells cast before any will take effect (any spell partially absorbed is spoiled)."

The demi-lich description is nothing like that. The only statistic the demi-lich is given is HP.

Again, the WOTC designers disagree with you in that they didn't think the epic demilich was valid in the official conversion of S1.

Bruce Cordell created a balanced adventure for four 9th-level PCs. It's debatable whether this is preferable to the design ethos of the original module, but it's pretty clear evidence that Cordell's adaptation has absolutely nothing to do with the power levels and balance of the original module (and is, therefore, irrelevant to this discussion).

Justin Alexander
http://www.thealexandrian.net

 

[pawsplay]

Can't say as I understand what you mean there. Clearly the d20 System version is out of sync with the original in S1.

Eh? I know the version that ended up in the monster books was nigh indestructible, had several nasty attacks, and permanently drained stuff.

 

[Delta]

The demi-lich description is nothing like that. The only statistic the demi-lich is given is HP.

From S1:

Acererak's skull takes 50 hit points before it is destroyed, and it is AC -6.

It has AC, and it has hit points. It doesn't have physical attacks, so no statistics are necessary there. It won't move out of its chamber, so no move rate. It has a list of special attacks and vulnerabilities. What specifically do you think it's missing?