Results 271 to 300 of 547
-
2011-06-06, 08:54 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Oct 2009
Re: That's ONLY CR 9??? Let's Read: The Monster Manual II
Heads up, I'm posting the update tomorrow instead of today.
Extended Homebrew Signature
Let's Read the Monster Manual II!
Dwarf Cleric avatar by azuyomi244. Thanks!
Saurial Soulknife avatar by Serpentine. Thanks!
Warforged Fighter Avatar by C-Lam. Thanks!
-
2011-06-07, 10:08 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Apr 2011
Re: That's ONLY CR 9??? Let's Read: The Monster Manual II
Quick thing I noticed while looking through the update doc yesterday: it changes the corollax's DR from 5/silver to 5/cold iron.
-
2011-06-07, 08:11 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Oct 2009
Re: That's ONLY CR 9??? Let's Read: The Monster Manual II
Cloud Ray
Cloud Rays! I do not know why, but all fiction seems to love the idea of flying sea creatures. I guess it might be because sea creatures already move in three dimensions, and so it is easier to imagine them doing so, but it still seems weird. For you KotOR fans out there, this creature seems superficially similar to the Brith of Dantooine.
Anyway, Cloud Rays are described as majestic creatures that soar through the air. They don't actually fly, though, instead propelling themselves forward as they magically levitate. It resembles a (you guessed it) colossal flying manta ray. Its tail, called a zip, is covered in spikes, and its wings have thick muscle tissue.
With the exception of dragons, it has no natural predators. They eat Rocs, hippogriffs, griffons, and all sorts of large air creatures. Oddly, sometimes they land on the ground to consume human settlements. This seems like a rather ham-fisted way of shoehorning them into possible adventure hooks. Why on earth would this creature make itself more vulnerable by landing? Its not even like it can move once landed....
This creature swallows its natural prey whole, which makes sense for a manta-ray like creature. It also has a pretty cool ability to deactivate its levitation at will, allowing it to descend 500 ft. freely per round. Now I can see how human hunting could be a viable option; crush 'em, eat 'em, and levitate back in the air in the same round. The tactic would take a while, though...
It also has a supernatural ability that functions like a permanent protection from arrows spell, which could be helpful.
Challenge Rating: Currently, it is listed as a 16. This could be reasonable, seeing how it has 30 HD and relatively minor abilities. It comes out to be CR 22. It should be noted, however, that this probably is not correct. Tribble's calculator does start to break down when a lot of hit points are involved; according to the calculator, the Tarrasque is CR 30 based o its hp total alone. This shows that even the best system has its flaws... still, if you want to play it on the safe side, call it CR 18.
Spoiler435 divided by 7 (30 HD): 62,1 (about 62)
Armor Class: 8 (-0)
Special Attacks: Swallow whole (+1)
Special Qualities: darkvision 60 ft, levitation, low-light vision, protection from arrows, telekinesis (+3)
Bonus Feats: It actually requires many more feats than it has (+0)
66 divided by 3: 22
End Result: CR 22 monsterLast edited by LOTRfan; 2011-06-10 at 08:16 PM.
Extended Homebrew Signature
Let's Read the Monster Manual II!
Dwarf Cleric avatar by azuyomi244. Thanks!
Saurial Soulknife avatar by Serpentine. Thanks!
Warforged Fighter Avatar by C-Lam. Thanks!
-
2011-06-07, 08:14 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Apr 2010
- Location
- Hell's Heart
Re: That's ONLY CR 9??? Let's Read: The Monster Manual II
Sweet.
...Now I wanna use one of those and have it be suicide-bombing a city.
-
2011-06-07, 08:14 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Jan 2011
- Location
- Plane of Elemental Pie
- Gender
Re: That's ONLY CR 9??? Let's Read: The Monster Manual II
I thought the cloud ray was some type of airborne laser.
Last edited by Lemonus; 2011-06-10 at 01:50 PM.
Awesome Pony-Chul by slayerx!
My computer is on the blink. Posting will be affected.
The endless wisdom that is my extended signature lies here.
I have Pokemon!
-
2011-06-07, 08:15 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Oct 2009
Re: That's ONLY CR 9??? Let's Read: The Monster Manual II
Wow, that was a fast reply. Yeah, they're pretty decent monsters.
Extended Homebrew Signature
Let's Read the Monster Manual II!
Dwarf Cleric avatar by azuyomi244. Thanks!
Saurial Soulknife avatar by Serpentine. Thanks!
Warforged Fighter Avatar by C-Lam. Thanks!
-
2011-06-07, 08:16 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Oct 2010
- Gender
-
2011-06-07, 09:06 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Oct 2007
- Location
- Stuck here
- Gender
Re: That's ONLY CR 9??? Let's Read: The Monster Manual II
This is pretty cool. And...it seems my favourite monster is in the MMII!
Specifically...the Ixitxachitl.
I have probably the only character in history to have a sworn grudge against the things...Last edited by The Bushranger; 2011-06-07 at 09:06 PM.
Inner CircleHomebrewSpoiler
Werewolf GamesAshna and Brendan dolls by RecaidenSpoilerGames Won: 5
BR by Dr. Bath
BR's Bag o' Nuts · The Russkijs · Bushrangers explained
Condiments · Pianos · Tumbleweeds · Drow Bloodline · Half-Drow Noble · Lacy Items
-
2011-06-07, 09:11 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Apr 2010
- Location
- Hell's Heart
Re: That's ONLY CR 9??? Let's Read: The Monster Manual II
-
2011-06-07, 09:13 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Aug 2010
- Location
- Australia
- Gender
Re: That's ONLY CR 9??? Let's Read: The Monster Manual II
Evil vampire stingrays!
Spoiler: Old Avatar by Aruiushttp://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q56/Zeritho/Koboldbard.png
-
2011-06-07, 09:49 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Oct 2010
- Gender
-
2011-06-07, 10:42 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Jun 2009
Re: That's ONLY CR 9??? Let's Read: The Monster Manual II
personally i cant see the cloud ray at cr 16
it has no sr or spell immunities its slow and not very maneuverable and its ac is terrible 8?!
a guy with a wounding weapon could rip this thing apart with no sweat.
protection from arrows is basically useless at this level all this thing has going for it is hit dice.Last edited by awa; 2011-06-07 at 10:43 PM.
-
2011-06-07, 10:51 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- May 2010
- Location
- Washington
Re: That's ONLY CR 9??? Let's Read: The Monster Manual II
Hmm, Tribble's system cuts out at 25HD.
At that point HD doesn't really make as much of a difference...
What about after 25HD divide it by an extra .5 per HD instead of every 5? (as every other puts this at 21 still, but might work better in general)
That would put the cloud Ray at: ~17. Seems more accurate to me.
Spoiler435 divided by 9: 48.333 (about 48)
Armor Class: 8 (-0)
Special Attacks: Swallow whole (+1)
Special Qualities: darkvision 60 ft, levitation, low-light vision, protection from arrows, telekinesis (+3)
Bonus Feats: It actually requires many more feats than it has (+0)
52 divided by 3: 17.33 etc...Game systems I play: DnD 3.5, Pathfinder, Star Wars Saga, Vampire: The Masquerade, Dungeons: The Dragoning, AFBME, Atomic Highway, Dark Heresy, Legend of the 5 Rings 4E, MAID and... EQRPG... Does anyone actually play that?
-
2011-06-08, 03:51 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Oct 2009
- Location
- Highland, MI
Re: That's ONLY CR 9??? Let's Read: The Monster Manual II
Just wanted to say thanks for doing this, It makes for a really fun read.
Amazing Ninja Penguin Avatar By Meirnon
Originally Posted by ConjobOriginally Posted by A friend of mine
-
2011-06-09, 10:05 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Apr 2011
Re: That's ONLY CR 9??? Let's Read: The Monster Manual II
Hope you don't mind I keep doing this, if not I'll stop ^^
But here's the missing feats of the Cloud Ray: Alerntess, Cleave, Dodge, Flyby Attack, Great Cleave, Hover, Improved Initiative, Mobility, Power Attack, Snatch, Wingover.
-
2011-06-10, 11:44 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Oct 2009
Re: That's ONLY CR 9??? Let's Read: The Monster Manual II
I'm glad you like it, Furmonger.
An MosAnted, dn't be silly. It's always nice to have another person helping out.
Unfortunately, there will be no update on Monday. Remember how I said before I was having family issues? Well, Monday is my grandmother's funeral. Posting will be erratic and even more unpredictable, at best.Extended Homebrew Signature
Let's Read the Monster Manual II!
Dwarf Cleric avatar by azuyomi244. Thanks!
Saurial Soulknife avatar by Serpentine. Thanks!
Warforged Fighter Avatar by C-Lam. Thanks!
-
2011-06-10, 12:04 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Feb 2010
- Gender
-
2011-06-10, 05:18 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Apr 2011
-
2011-06-10, 05:52 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Dec 2010
- Location
- Where I live.
-
2011-06-10, 06:10 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Sep 2009
- Location
- Runite
- Gender
-
2011-06-10, 06:38 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Jan 2011
- Location
- Why am I here?
-
2011-06-10, 08:03 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Apr 2010
- Location
- Hell's Heart
Re: That's ONLY CR 9??? Let's Read: The Monster Manual II
-
2011-06-10, 08:16 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Oct 2009
Re: That's ONLY CR 9??? Let's Read: The Monster Manual II
Thanks, guys.
I also fixed the tail thing, No brains.Extended Homebrew Signature
Let's Read the Monster Manual II!
Dwarf Cleric avatar by azuyomi244. Thanks!
Saurial Soulknife avatar by Serpentine. Thanks!
Warforged Fighter Avatar by C-Lam. Thanks!
-
2011-06-10, 08:37 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Jan 2011
- Location
- Why am I here?
Re: That's ONLY CR 9??? Let's Read: The Monster Manual II
Aw, it doesn't have hundreds of tails? How will I feed my bears?
P.S. I hope the funeral goes pleasantly. My grandfather's death was the only blow that made me miss a day of college. I also had the unexpected burden of delivering the eulogy because my dad was out getting drunk (not because he was particularly sad, because he's a jack orc). They said I was a good speaker for it though.
-
2011-06-14, 04:58 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Sep 2009
- Location
- Denver.
- Gender
Re: That's ONLY CR 9??? Let's Read: The Monster Manual II
I found the Spelljammer Monstrous Compendium, it has copper, silver, gold, electrum, platinum, and Adamant clockwork horrors.
-
2011-06-14, 05:08 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Apr 2004
- Location
- Melbourne, Australia
- Gender
Re: That's ONLY CR 9??? Let's Read: The Monster Manual II
Last edited by Amiel; 2011-06-14 at 05:08 AM.
To see the world in a grain of sand
and Heaven in a wild flower
To hold infinity in the palm of your hand
and eternity in an hour.
- William Blake, Auguries of Innocence
-
2011-06-14, 10:17 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Jan 2011
- Location
- Why am I here?
-
2011-06-20, 05:50 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Oct 2009
Re: That's ONLY CR 9??? Let's Read: The Monster Manual II
Corollax
Corollaxes are pesky little critters that inhabit subtropical rain forests. They are social animals, living in massive nests in many trees, with each nest containing up to twenty members! Apparently, they are rather friendly, as well. If you scare them, though, you'll end up waking up several moments later blinded with a bad headache.
See, Corollaxes have this "nifty" little ability to fire magical beams of light at their enemies, which stuns, blinds, and knocks out enemies (all at the same time!). Not exactly the cool exotic pet you wanted, huh? There is also some minor sexual dimorphism within the species; males (pictured above) tend to be reddish orange, while females are brown or gray.
Training a Corollax: We just established that these little buggers can knock a full grown man unconscious. Why on earth would they be wanted as pets? They do have one useful ability, though; By succeeding on a DC 23 Handle Animal check, you can teach the parrot-like creature up to nine phrases (each new phrase requires a new check, however).
Corollaxes as Compaions: It seems that behaviorally, these things are a lot more like cats than birds; they constantly demand attention, and leave you if you don't feed them enough. At the same time, though, they are extremely loyal, and will never leave their owner for any reason other than the ones stated above. I fact, once you train them the first time, you get a +2 bonus to all Handle Animal checks concerning that bird.
Challenge Rating? It is currently listed as 1/2. This makes sense, I guess. It has 1 HD, and its single special attack is the equivalent of a 1st level wizard spell. Seems alright, no? But wait: It has Damage Reduction and Spell Resistance, as well! This thing probably won't kill your first level characters, but it can result in a Total Party Knockout! Be careful with this critter...
Spoiler5 divided by 4.5 (1 HD): 1.111 (about 1)
Armor Class: 17 (+1)
Special Attacks: Color Spray (+1)
Special Qualities: Damage Reduction 5/Cold Iron, Spell Resistance 12, Darkvision 60 ft., Lowlight vision (+2)
Bonus Feats: None (+0)
5 divided by 3: 1.66 (about 2)
End Result: On the low end of CR 2.
Corpse Gatherer
So, we finally come across to another undead! And its not evil, for once! It is listed instead as "usually neutral," but reading it now, its pretty disturbing.... see, it gathers corpses (oh my god, what a surprise, right!?). It won't bother humanoids, but it will desecrate graveyards for new bodies, while also traveling to battlefields to collect the dead. Honestly, this is sort of boring to me, though. Why do you ask? Well, I was just reading the Monster Manual III, and do you know what is in there?
This is the Cadaver Collector. See the subtle difference, there?
To be fair, the fluff is a little different. At least they have different powers... But seriously? Come up with more unique monsters, WotC! Or at least better monster names....
Back to business, though, the Corpse Gatherer is composed of many bodies and gravestones. It is believed that if you bury an undead creature "alive," its negative energy will eventually flow into the surrounding tombs, creating a corpse gatherer. Some corpse gatherers do not care if they slaughter humanoids to make themselves bigger, though. These creatures actually consume the very souls of these creatures, entrapping them within. The only way to raise these poor people is to slaughter the undead creature before casting the proper spell.
If you want to be a cruel DM, you could have this creature as a boss monster for a lower ECL party. As soon as they kill it, the negative energy animating it flows into all the corpses it has gathered, animating as many zombies as the corpse collector had HD. So, your level 12ish party works hard to defeat this creature, only to have it reanimate as 30 separate zombies! Granted, its only a CR 8 encounter, but still!
Challenge Rating: Okay, it is currently listed as 19. Honestly, with its sucky AC and not so good HP, this thing won't last very long. And at ECL 19, a CR 8 horde of zombies is nothing more than a speed bump, no?
Spoiler255 divided by 7 (30 HD): 36.42 (about 36)
Armor Class: 12 (+0)
Special Attacks: Improved Grab, Ingest Corpses, Swallow Whole (+3)
Special Qualities: Damage Reduction 15/Magic and Bludgeoning, Spell Resistance 30, zombie-spawn, soul-binding, desanctifying aura, undead traits (+8)
Bonus Feats: None
47 divided by 3: 15.666
End Result: Weak side of CR 16Last edited by LOTRfan; 2011-06-20 at 06:16 PM.
Extended Homebrew Signature
Let's Read the Monster Manual II!
Dwarf Cleric avatar by azuyomi244. Thanks!
Saurial Soulknife avatar by Serpentine. Thanks!
Warforged Fighter Avatar by C-Lam. Thanks!
-
2011-06-20, 05:57 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- May 2010
- Location
- Washington
Re: That's ONLY CR 9??? Let's Read: The Monster Manual II
Well I would hope so, that is what the thread is about.
Hmm, total party knockout though... I imagine that causing some trouble if you're fighting something intelligent at the same time. Seems like a good way to lead the party into their death pretty easily. Well at low levels at least.Game systems I play: DnD 3.5, Pathfinder, Star Wars Saga, Vampire: The Masquerade, Dungeons: The Dragoning, AFBME, Atomic Highway, Dark Heresy, Legend of the 5 Rings 4E, MAID and... EQRPG... Does anyone actually play that?
-
2011-06-20, 05:59 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Oct 2009
Re: That's ONLY CR 9??? Let's Read: The Monster Manual II
This is why I should not be allowed to type quickly. I meant Monster Manual III. I corrected it already, though...
Extended Homebrew Signature
Let's Read the Monster Manual II!
Dwarf Cleric avatar by azuyomi244. Thanks!
Saurial Soulknife avatar by Serpentine. Thanks!
Warforged Fighter Avatar by C-Lam. Thanks!