Applying a type-changing template [Archive] - Wizards Community

Applying a type-changing template [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Keenath
05-27-06, 02:46 PM I'm not sure how to go about applying a template that changes a creatures type. I mean, it seems clear -- it says not to recalculate HD, BAB, or saves -- but do you gain all the Traits of your new type? What about when those traits don't make any sense?

For example, I was working on a half-celestial griffon as a special cohort for a paladin (as an alternative to the overused Unicorn). According to the template, his type changes to outsider, but his HD and all don't change (though he gains a TON of skills).

But as I apply the traits, some are weird. Darkvision is fine, and the singular-nature and eat/breathe/sleep things don't count (as half-celestials are native outsiders). But now I have a griffon who is proficient with all martial weapons.

Does that make any sense? Am I doing this wrong?
Morwen
05-27-06, 04:03 PM That would be correct; the creature gains all the traits of the new type, but none of the features.
Keenath
05-27-06, 05:19 PM Great. So I have a gryphon who knows how to use a greatsword and doesn't have any hands. Weird.
Nani?
05-27-06, 06:58 PM Use Logic to adjust RAW. Not too hard.

All the Best,

Nani?
Karak_Nechot
05-27-06, 07:58 PM Great. So I have a gryphon who knows how to use a greatsword and doesn't have any hands. Weird.

Eh, not really all that weird. It's a smart bird...cat...angel...thing. There are a number of outsiders who know how to use weapons, but simply can't do so physically. Take the Achaierai. It technically knows how to use a longbow, but has not actual way to do so. Same with a lantern archon.

There's a number of funky things that happen when you start tossing on templates and even class levels. It's the designers' way of trying to cover as many possibilites as they can with as little wording as they can. It's not always effective, or logical for that matter, but, for the most part, it works.

When you get right down to it, is also really doesn't matter. Who cares if his half-celestial griffon knows how to use a greatsword. He still can't actually use it, and the odds of it ever coming up in a game are ignoreable.

...Though it would be kind of funny to have the griffon empathically coaching the paladin; maybe even getting a little ticked off when the paladin missed.
Keenath
05-28-06, 01:12 AM ...Though it would be kind of funny to have the griffon empathically coaching the paladin; maybe even getting a little ticked off when the paladin missed.
"No, no! GEEZ! Hold it the other way! Your grip is all wrong! I could do that better, and I don't even have THUMBS!!"

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Keenath 05-27-06, 02:46 PM	I'm not sure how to go about applying a template that changes a creatures type. I mean, it seems clear -- it says not to recalculate HD, BAB, or saves -- but do you gain all the Traits of your new type? What about when those traits don't make any sense? For example, I was working on a half-celestial griffon as a special cohort for a paladin (as an alternative to the overused Unicorn). According to the template, his type changes to outsider, but his HD and all don't change (though he gains a TON of skills). But as I apply the traits, some are weird. Darkvision is fine, and the singular-nature and eat/breathe/sleep things don't count (as half-celestials are native outsiders). But now I have a griffon who is proficient with all martial weapons. Does that make any sense? Am I doing this wrong?
Morwen 05-27-06, 04:03 PM	That would be correct; the creature gains all the traits of the new type, but none of the features.
Keenath 05-27-06, 05:19 PM	Great. So I have a gryphon who knows how to use a greatsword and doesn't have any hands. Weird.
Nani? 05-27-06, 06:58 PM	Use Logic to adjust RAW. Not too hard. All the Best, Nani?
Karak_Nechot 05-27-06, 07:58 PM	Great. So I have a gryphon who knows how to use a greatsword and doesn't have any hands. Weird. Eh, not really all that weird. It's a smart bird...cat...angel...thing. There are a number of outsiders who know how to use weapons, but simply can't do so physically. Take the Achaierai. It technically knows how to use a longbow, but has not actual way to do so. Same with a lantern archon. There's a number of funky things that happen when you start tossing on templates and even class levels. It's the designers' way of trying to cover as many possibilites as they can with as little wording as they can. It's not always effective, or logical for that matter, but, for the most part, it works. When you get right down to it, is also really doesn't matter. Who cares if his half-celestial griffon knows how to use a greatsword. He still can't actually use it, and the odds of it ever coming up in a game are ignoreable. ...Though it would be kind of funny to have the griffon empathically coaching the paladin; maybe even getting a little ticked off when the paladin missed.
Keenath 05-28-06, 01:12 AM	...Though it would be kind of funny to have the griffon empathically coaching the paladin; maybe even getting a little ticked off when the paladin missed. "No, no! GEEZ! Hold it the other way! Your grip is all wrong! I could do that better, and I don't even have THUMBS!!"