Monsters of Athas - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Monsters of Athas

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
zombiegleemax
Dec 16, 2003 18:14:40 How are you guys going about converting monsters?

Could you post some guidelines or proposed challenge ratings or something? Are you gonna follow the stuff in Monster Manual 2? I bet there are a lot of ad hoc personal conversions out there. We'd all benefit from being able to keep our stuff in line with what you're working on.
#2
nytcrawlr
Dec 16, 2003 18:17:22 Most of it has already been done and ready to go from what I remember last before leaving the monster thread.

It will all be 3.5 and based on the MM for 3.5 and probably using some elements from SS.
#3
dawnstealer
Dec 16, 2003 19:30:43 Which reminds me - I've started drawing them out. Am I still sending them on to Gab, or is there a "pooled email" where I should send them. Gab, if you're out there and you didn't get them, let me know and I'll resend. So far, I've just finished the two sets of "Animal" entries.

One final question: are all the DS monster manuals going to be rolled into one, or are you guys going to release them in the order that TSR did? In other words, have two monster manuals and then maybe an add-on with all the random monsters (Sharg from Saragar, Kludz from first adventure, and so on)?
#4
nytcrawlr
Dec 16, 2003 19:33:19 I would send to Gab...

Despite Terrors of the Deadlands, I think the rest are going into one product called Terrors of Athas.

I could be wrong though.
#5
jon_oracle_of_athas
Dec 16, 2003 19:56:35 You're not wrong. Terrors of Athas even includes a bunch of the critters from the novels etc.
#6
nytcrawlr
Dec 16, 2003 20:05:41 So they did stick to that, good.
#7
dawnstealer
Dec 16, 2003 21:34:54 In that case, I'll just draw as many as I can.
#8
Grummore
Dec 16, 2003 21:39:30 So, what about an update comment about the MM, you, at athas.org? It's been a good moment it's suppose to be out no?

What's taking so long since Nyt as most of it done? Conversion to 3.5?

Sorry to ask, but it seemed appropriate to ask here and since I didnt asked for long... here it goes
#9
zombiegleemax
Dec 17, 2003 0:09:30 So hey guys, when is it going to be out? If not for a while, what are the chances we could get a preview of some of the weaker monsters?
#10
dawnstealer
Dec 17, 2003 0:39:56 If you're really desperate for monsters, Nyt's put most of the stats on his web site. He's done a pretty bang up job, too: they're the critters I use. No pics, due to copyrights, but I'm working on that.
#11
Kamelion
Dec 17, 2003 2:56:35 I wouldn't want to promise any dates or anything (Gab is your man for that kind of info) but progress on the monsters release has been thick and fast and you should have something to use before too long (Gab, slap me if I'm speaking out of turn here ;) )

We wanted to be sure that we included all DS2e monsters as well as some from the novels - the final list runs to just over 200 critters (not including those from TotDL) and we have taken extra time to make sure that they're all in place. We're also including info on playing races as characters (as per MM 3.5) and of course there's the advanced creatures from the druid animal companions list. Add to that a series of in-depth reviews to iron out the kinks and you can see how we've all been busy little templars. In essence, we're after quality and hopefully you folks will find the extra wait worth it. Thanks for the continued interest - it's always a good motivator

In the meantime, grab the monsters from Nyt's site and don't forget the 3.0 monster doc at athas.org. It has a few of the basic creatures to get your teeth into... or vice versa...
#12
jon_oracle_of_athas
Dec 17, 2003 5:05:38 Not to discredit Nyt in any way, but all material needs to be reviewed, there were a fair number of conversions to go, and updating everything to 3.5 has taken time. Quality takes time.
#13
zombiegleemax
Dec 17, 2003 11:34:38
Originally posted by Jon, Oracle of Athas
Not to discredit Nyt in any way, but all material needs to be reviewed, there were a fair number of conversions to go, and updating everything to 3.5 has taken time. Quality takes time.

We always pay that price and we pay it gladly...
#14
jon_oracle_of_athas
Dec 17, 2003 12:49:58 The good news is that not much is left to go (see Kamelion's post).
#15
zombiegleemax
Dec 17, 2003 13:30:56 Have any of you played much with the Silk Wyrm stats in the monster doc from athas.org? (dumb wuestion, I know)
I found that those things are kicking my players ass. I think that thing is a little tougher than CR 4. What do you guys think? I've been considering them CR 6.
Is it a misprint, or are my players wimps?
#16
nytcrawlr
Dec 17, 2003 13:45:56
Originally posted by Jon, Oracle of Athas
Not to discredit Nyt in any way, but all material needs to be reviewed, there were a fair number of conversions to go, and updating everything to 3.5 has taken time. Quality takes time.

No discredit it at all, I knew I left it in a mess, due to just losing interest and burnout.

Glad to see it didn't take long to clean it up. Last version I saw was looking damn good.
#17
jon_oracle_of_athas
Dec 17, 2003 13:47:02 Describe the playtest environment. Amount of PCs, PC levels, treasure level vs reccomended treasure level per DMG, situational context etc.
#18
nytcrawlr
Dec 17, 2003 13:47:49
Originally posted by stidwell
Have any of you played much with the Silk Wyrm stats in the monster doc from athas.org? (dumb wuestion, I know)
I found that those things are kicking my players ass. I think that thing is a little tougher than CR 4. What do you guys think? I've been considering them CR 6.
Is it a misprint, or are my players wimps?

From what I can tell with my playtesting, it probably needs to go up at least 1 if not to 6.
#19
jon_oracle_of_athas
Dec 17, 2003 14:05:25 Again, please describe the playtesting environment.
#20
zombiegleemax
Dec 17, 2003 14:12:46 The dituation was as follows:

3 PCs : a Templar, a Ranger/Fighter, a 1/2-Giant Brute. All level 3.

The Silk Wyrm began combat at half hp (so 32 hp).

The battle took place in a hallway under the Arena of Tyr. The party had just fought a battle aginst a few Gith. The 1/2 giant had taken a little dmg (maybe at 75% hp), the others were unharmed.

The Silk Wyrm didn't even use his improved grab, and would have murdered the whole group if I hadn't claimed a miss when I actually rolled a hit. Still, the 1/2 giant died.

The minotaur is CR 4. Notice its attack bonus is 2 lower than the Silk Wyrm, and it has 25 hp instead of 63. Less dmg too, but similar AC. And the Silk Wyrm has access to an 8th level psionic power (shadow form).

The better hp, along w/ poison, grab and blood drain, and the buff psionics, seem to me to be worthy of CR 6.
#21
nytcrawlr
Dec 17, 2003 14:18:22 Maybe because you were just using 3 PCs then. At this point the silkwyrm is more of a CR 5 encounter instead of a CR 4 encounter to them, while the party is only worth an EL of 2.25.

That is still at least 2 higher CRs than them, so they are going to lose more than 20% of their resources. That might be why it overpowered them
#22
nytcrawlr
Dec 17, 2003 15:48:46
Originally posted by Kamelion
We wanted to be sure that we included all DS2e monsters as well as some from the novels - the final list runs to just over 200 critters (not including those from TotDL) and we have taken extra time to make sure that they're all in place. We're also including info on playing races as characters (as per MM 3.5) and of course there's the advanced creatures from the druid animal companions list. Add to that a series of in-depth reviews to iron out the kinks and you can see how we've all been busy little templars. In essence, we're after quality and hopefully you folks will find the extra wait worth it. Thanks for the continued interest - it's always a good motivator

Liking what I see so far, course what I see is about a week and a half old, but loving it either way.

You guys did a great job.
#23
zombiegleemax
Dec 18, 2003 12:44:32 That is still at least 2 higher CRs than them, so they are going to lose more than 20% of their resources. That might be why it overpowered them [/b]
You're right, if the wyrm had been at full strength and used all (or most) of his abilities. This wyrm never used imp grab, and was at half hp.

It seems that a monster this buff w/o some of it's abilities is a little tougher than CR4 at full str.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 zombiegleemax Dec 16, 2003 18:14:40	How are you guys going about converting monsters? Could you post some guidelines or proposed challenge ratings or something? Are you gonna follow the stuff in Monster Manual 2? I bet there are a lot of ad hoc personal conversions out there. We'd all benefit from being able to keep our stuff in line with what you're working on.
#2 nytcrawlr Dec 16, 2003 18:17:22	Most of it has already been done and ready to go from what I remember last before leaving the monster thread. It will all be 3.5 and based on the MM for 3.5 and probably using some elements from SS.
#3 dawnstealer Dec 16, 2003 19:30:43	Which reminds me - I've started drawing them out. Am I still sending them on to Gab, or is there a "pooled email" where I should send them. Gab, if you're out there and you didn't get them, let me know and I'll resend. So far, I've just finished the two sets of "Animal" entries. One final question: are all the DS monster manuals going to be rolled into one, or are you guys going to release them in the order that TSR did? In other words, have two monster manuals and then maybe an add-on with all the random monsters (Sharg from Saragar, Kludz from first adventure, and so on)?
#4 nytcrawlr Dec 16, 2003 19:33:19	I would send to Gab... Despite Terrors of the Deadlands, I think the rest are going into one product called Terrors of Athas. I could be wrong though.
#5 jon_oracle_of_athas Dec 16, 2003 19:56:35	You're not wrong. Terrors of Athas even includes a bunch of the critters from the novels etc.
#6 nytcrawlr Dec 16, 2003 20:05:41	So they did stick to that, good.
#7 dawnstealer Dec 16, 2003 21:34:54	In that case, I'll just draw as many as I can.
#8 Grummore Dec 16, 2003 21:39:30	So, what about an update comment about the MM, you, at athas.org? It's been a good moment it's suppose to be out no? What's taking so long since Nyt as most of it done? Conversion to 3.5? Sorry to ask, but it seemed appropriate to ask here and since I didnt asked for long... here it goes
#9 zombiegleemax Dec 17, 2003 0:09:30	So hey guys, when is it going to be out? If not for a while, what are the chances we could get a preview of some of the weaker monsters?
#10 dawnstealer Dec 17, 2003 0:39:56	If you're really desperate for monsters, Nyt's put most of the stats on his web site. He's done a pretty bang up job, too: they're the critters I use. No pics, due to copyrights, but I'm working on that.
#11 Kamelion Dec 17, 2003 2:56:35	I wouldn't want to promise any dates or anything (Gab is your man for that kind of info) but progress on the monsters release has been thick and fast and you should have something to use before too long (Gab, slap me if I'm speaking out of turn here ;) ) We wanted to be sure that we included all DS2e monsters as well as some from the novels - the final list runs to just over 200 critters (not including those from TotDL) and we have taken extra time to make sure that they're all in place. We're also including info on playing races as characters (as per MM 3.5) and of course there's the advanced creatures from the druid animal companions list. Add to that a series of in-depth reviews to iron out the kinks and you can see how we've all been busy little templars. In essence, we're after quality and hopefully you folks will find the extra wait worth it. Thanks for the continued interest - it's always a good motivator In the meantime, grab the monsters from Nyt's site and don't forget the 3.0 monster doc at athas.org. It has a few of the basic creatures to get your teeth into... or vice versa...
#12 jon_oracle_of_athas Dec 17, 2003 5:05:38	Not to discredit Nyt in any way, but all material needs to be reviewed, there were a fair number of conversions to go, and updating everything to 3.5 has taken time. Quality takes time.
#13 zombiegleemax Dec 17, 2003 11:34:38	Originally posted by Jon, Oracle of Athas Not to discredit Nyt in any way, but all material needs to be reviewed, there were a fair number of conversions to go, and updating everything to 3.5 has taken time. Quality takes time. We always pay that price and we pay it gladly...
#14 jon_oracle_of_athas Dec 17, 2003 12:49:58	The good news is that not much is left to go (see Kamelion's post).
#15 zombiegleemax Dec 17, 2003 13:30:56	Have any of you played much with the Silk Wyrm stats in the monster doc from athas.org? (dumb wuestion, I know) I found that those things are kicking my players ass. I think that thing is a little tougher than CR 4. What do you guys think? I've been considering them CR 6. Is it a misprint, or are my players wimps?
#16 nytcrawlr Dec 17, 2003 13:45:56	Originally posted by Jon, Oracle of Athas Not to discredit Nyt in any way, but all material needs to be reviewed, there were a fair number of conversions to go, and updating everything to 3.5 has taken time. Quality takes time. No discredit it at all, I knew I left it in a mess, due to just losing interest and burnout. Glad to see it didn't take long to clean it up. Last version I saw was looking damn good.
#17 jon_oracle_of_athas Dec 17, 2003 13:47:02	Describe the playtest environment. Amount of PCs, PC levels, treasure level vs reccomended treasure level per DMG, situational context etc.
#18 nytcrawlr Dec 17, 2003 13:47:49	Originally posted by stidwell Have any of you played much with the Silk Wyrm stats in the monster doc from athas.org? (dumb wuestion, I know) I found that those things are kicking my players ass. I think that thing is a little tougher than CR 4. What do you guys think? I've been considering them CR 6. Is it a misprint, or are my players wimps? From what I can tell with my playtesting, it probably needs to go up at least 1 if not to 6.
#19 jon_oracle_of_athas Dec 17, 2003 14:05:25	Again, please describe the playtesting environment.
#20 zombiegleemax Dec 17, 2003 14:12:46	The dituation was as follows: 3 PCs : a Templar, a Ranger/Fighter, a 1/2-Giant Brute. All level 3. The Silk Wyrm began combat at half hp (so 32 hp). The battle took place in a hallway under the Arena of Tyr. The party had just fought a battle aginst a few Gith. The 1/2 giant had taken a little dmg (maybe at 75% hp), the others were unharmed. The Silk Wyrm didn't even use his improved grab, and would have murdered the whole group if I hadn't claimed a miss when I actually rolled a hit. Still, the 1/2 giant died. The minotaur is CR 4. Notice its attack bonus is 2 lower than the Silk Wyrm, and it has 25 hp instead of 63. Less dmg too, but similar AC. And the Silk Wyrm has access to an 8th level psionic power (shadow form). The better hp, along w/ poison, grab and blood drain, and the buff psionics, seem to me to be worthy of CR 6.
#21 nytcrawlr Dec 17, 2003 14:18:22	Maybe because you were just using 3 PCs then. At this point the silkwyrm is more of a CR 5 encounter instead of a CR 4 encounter to them, while the party is only worth an EL of 2.25. That is still at least 2 higher CRs than them, so they are going to lose more than 20% of their resources. That might be why it overpowered them
#22 nytcrawlr Dec 17, 2003 15:48:46	Originally posted by Kamelion We wanted to be sure that we included all DS2e monsters as well as some from the novels - the final list runs to just over 200 critters (not including those from TotDL) and we have taken extra time to make sure that they're all in place. We're also including info on playing races as characters (as per MM 3.5) and of course there's the advanced creatures from the druid animal companions list. Add to that a series of in-depth reviews to iron out the kinks and you can see how we've all been busy little templars. In essence, we're after quality and hopefully you folks will find the extra wait worth it. Thanks for the continued interest - it's always a good motivator Liking what I see so far, course what I see is about a week and a half old, but loving it either way. You guys did a great job.
#23 zombiegleemax Dec 18, 2003 12:44:32	That is still at least 2 higher CRs than them, so they are going to lose more than 20% of their resources. That might be why it overpowered them [/b] You're right, if the wyrm had been at full strength and used all (or most) of his abilities. This wyrm never used imp grab, and was at half hp. It seems that a monster this buff w/o some of it's abilities is a little tougher than CR4 at full str.