Converting Monsters from Polyhedron Magazine

[Cleon]

Looks good. I'm not sure whether it really needs the red text or not. After all, NPCs with PC class levels (as most of these should be) are supposed to be elite anyway.

The red text in the Working Draft's is there because "Those failing to meet the harsh standards expected of amazon warriors by the age of 20 are banished and not allowed to rejoin the clan except under the most extraordinary circumstance." The elite array bit is just a way to quantify it.

Also, the SRD rules says the elite array is "most appropriate" for creatures with PC class levels, it doesn't forbid them from using the non-elite or standard arrays. The red text makes it clear this is a rare occurrence with amazons.

Besides, what if they make an Amazon with an NPC class?

 

[Shade]

I don't mind the red text. Are these ready for transfer to Homebrews?

 

[Cleon]

I don't mind the red text. Are these ready for transfer to Homebrews?

I'd add a bit more background info...

The basic unit of amazon society is the clan. Their culture is fiercely martial, with the most powerful warrior ruling as tribal queen. Each clan has fighting skills and tactics well suited to whichever environment they live in - horse archers for steppe amazons, longbow armed canoeists for island amazons, et cetera.

Updating the Working Draft.

I think that'll do.

 

[freyar]

Looks fine. Just change
"The majority of amazons use the elite ability array, those that do not usually fail to meet the harsh standards of amazon society and are banished."
to
"The majority of amazons use the elite ability array. Those that do not usually fail to meet the harsh standards of amazon society and are banished."
and it's grammatical, too.

 

[Cleon]

Looks fine. Just change
"The majority of amazons use the elite ability array, those that do not usually fail to meet the harsh standards of amazon society and are banished."
to
"The majority of amazons use the elite ability array. Those that do not usually fail to meet the harsh standards of amazon society and are banished."
and it's grammatical, too.

As you like.

Updating the Working Draft.

 

[freyar]

I'd say they look done. Get'em into homebrews, and we can start on the emezons.

 

[Cleon]

I'd say they look done. Get'em into homebrews, and we can start on the emezons.

Agreed.

Emezon's are basically humans with a "Wail of Sympathy" ability. Their favored class appears to be Cleric.

I suppose we'd better make them a template as well.

Give them weapon proficiency in "skillet" (equals heavy mace, maybe with a slight tweak like being throwable - probably while crying "Get Out Of My Kitchen!")?

A note that it's very rare for them to have the elite ability array? ("Their ability scores are average in all respects")

Racial bonus in child rearing skills?

 

[Shade]

I'd say they look done. Get'em into homebrews, and we can start on the emezons.

Done.

Emezon's are basically humans with a "Wail of Sympathy" ability. Their favored class appears to be Cleric.

I suppose we'd better make them a template as well.

Agreed to all that.

Give them weapon proficiency in "skillet" (equals heavy mace, maybe with a slight tweak like being throwable - probably while crying "Get Out Of My Kitchen!")?

That's a bit too silly for my tastes. How about just noting that they wield whatever items are available as clubs, or note that they use improvised weapons?

A note that it's very rare for them to have the elite ability array? ("Their ability scores are average in all respects")

Sounds good.

Racial bonus in child rearing skills?

Which are...?

I can see applying almost every skill to child rearing at one point or another. I know I've often had to Spot my child knocking something breakable off a shelf, then Tumble over and catch it with Sleight of Hand whiie Balancing precariously and using a blend of Bluff, Diplomacy, and Intimidate to prevent the next catastrophe!

 

[freyar]

I could see possibly letting them use improvised weapons without penalty. Or maybe not, as they're supposed to be pathetic.

If attacked in lair, an emezon will often start an unearthly wailing, which causes each creature within 60' to make a saving throw vs. spells. Those failing will immediately try to comfort and protect the poor thing.

Rumors indicate that all emezons are spellcasters, as they are prone to chanting words of various types while preparing meals. Detailed observation indicates that while a few are actually clerics, reaching a maximum of 5th level of experience, others are low-level chefs (see "Zee Chef", on the preceding pages for details), preoccupied with dweomers involving the creation, purification, and flavoring of food and drink.

We've done something like that wail before, but I can't quite place it.

Anyone have material on the zee chef? We could give them all some small SLAs based on that. Or else just something like mending or prestidigitation, you know, useful around the house.

 

[Cleon]

I could see possibly letting them use improvised weapons without penalty. Or maybe not, as they're supposed to be pathetic.

We've done something like that wail before, but I can't quite place it.

Sounds familiar. Wasn't it some kind of emotional parasite?

Anyone have material on the zee chef? We could give them all some small SLAs based on that. Or else just something like mending or prestidigitation, you know, useful around the house.

I'd rather make Zee Chefs be old/exceptional emezons that have developed intrinsic magical abilities, the same relationship as Stone Giant Elders to standard Stone Giants.