Chuul Monster Class (P.E.A.C.H) [Archive] - Wizards Community

Chuul Monster Class (P.E.A.C.H) [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Ront Iron-Roar
03-20-06, 05:13 AM For all your Zoidberg needs I present to you!

The Chuul Monster Class levels.

Chuul

Strange and bizarre mixtures of crustacean, insect, and reptile. Chuuls are lethal predators that are capable of crushing most challenges in thier claws. Ending battles abrubtly with thier ability to snatch up and paralyze opponents. Though, in the rare occassion of long running battle a Chuul is quite capable of absorbing damage as much as it can dish it out. Chuuls are strong, fast, tough, and cunning. They can excel in most classes but, thier penalties to charisma penalize them greatly in addition to thier inability to wear armor. Make them difficult to approach any class where charisma is the deciding factor and find some difficult in the long run with the armor situation if they pursue a combat oriented class.

With lethal claws, paralyzing tentacles, and the ability to fight both on land and water, a Chuul is well-suited for most situations. Combined with an intellect on par with a humans they can easily turn a battle to thier favor. Chuuls are naturally strong and even at 1st level as a small-sized creature they easily can match the brute strength of an Orc and the resilience of a dwarf. With each passing level a Chuuls body grows stronger and tougher. Its claws steadily become sharper as its body grows larger and it becomes better killer. But,its ability to get those claws around opponents improves gradually. With Improved Grab at 3rd level and then its Paralytic Tentacle ability which progressively grows stronger as the Chuul matures.

Class Skills
The Chuul's class skills (and the key ability score for each skill)
are Hide (Dex), Listen(Wis), Spot(Wis), and Swim(Str).

At Small size a Chuul has a +4 size modifier to Hide checks.
At Medium size they lose this +4 size modifier.
At Large size they gain a -4 bonus to hide checks.

A Chuul as a +8 racial bonus on swim checks
to perform some special action or avoid a hazard.
It can always choose to take a 10 on swim checks
even when rushed or threatened.

At each Hit Dice a Chuul gains (2+Int Modifier).
At 1st level (2+Int Modifier x4).

Racial Traits
Starting Ability Score Adjustment: +4 Str, +2 Con, -6 Cha.
Despite thier size Chuuls are born strong and tough. But, due to thier bizarre features many find them rather unsettling and unsociable. As they progress they become stronger, more graceful, tougher, and more cunning.

Level Hit Dice BAB Fort Ref Will CR Special
1st 1d8 +0 +0 +0 +2 1 Aquatic Subtype, Amphibious, 2 Claws 1d6, +2 Natural Armor, Feat
2nd 2d8 +1 +0 +0 +3 2 +2 Dex, Constrict 1d8
3rd 3d8 +2 +1 +1 +3 2 Medium-size,+2 Con,2 Claws 1d8, Feat
4th 4d8 +3 +1 +1 +4 3 +2 Wis, Improved Grab
5th 4d8 +3 +1 +1 +4 3 +2 Str, +4 Natural Armor
6th 5d8 +3 +1 +1 +4 4 +2 Con, Paralytic Tentacles(Least)
7th 6d8 +4 +2 +2 +5 4 +6 Natural Armor,
8th 7d8 +5 +2 +2 +5 5 +2 Dex, Constrict 2d6, Feat
9th 8d8 +6/+1 +2 +2 +6 6 +2 Con, +2 Str, Paralytic Tentacle(Lesser)
10th 8d8 +6/+1 +2 +2 +6 6 +2 Wis, Large-size, 2 Claws 2d6
11th 9d8 +6/+1 +3 +3 +6 6 --
12th 10d8 +7/+2 +3 +3 +7 7 +2 Str, Paralytic Tentacles(Greater), Feat
13th 11d8 +8/+3 +3 +3 +7 7 +10 Natural Armor
14th 11d8 +8/+3 +3 +3 +7 7 +2 Dex, Constrict 3d6

Speed:20 ft. Swim 20 ft.
When a Chuul advances to Medium size their landspeed advances to 30 feet.

Aquatic Subtype: Chuuls start off with the Aquatic Subtype.

Amphibious Subtype: A Chuul can breathe and function normally on land or underwater.

Darkvision: Chuuls can see in the dark up to 60 feet. Though, this ability only allows them to see the world in black and white.

Automatic Languages: Common or Undercommon. Chuuls upon the surface speak common, while underground dwelling breeds speak the language of its fellow denizens, Undercommon. Chuuls with high intelligence scores tend to learn the languages of thier allies and enemies. They speak with a gargly and sloshy voice.

Class Features

All of the follow Class features are of Chuul monster class.

Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Chuuls are proficient with thier natural weapons only and no armor or shields.

A Chuul who later gains proficiency with armor must pay double the cost of the original price to have the armor sized to thier abnormal body shape.

Claws: A Chuul starts out with 2 Claw attacks that deals 1d6 damage each. A Chuul applies thier full strength modifier to each damage roll. With each Size increase the damage thier claw deals increases. Upon reaching Medium size thier claw deals 1d8 and at Large Size it deals 2d6. A Chuuls claws are its primary attack form.

Improved Grab(Ex): At 4th level, a Chuul gains Improved Grab.To use this ability, a Chuul must hit a creature of smaller size with a claw attack. It can then attempt to start a grapple as free action without provoking an attack of oppurtunity. If it wins the grapple check, it estabolishes a hold and can constrict or on its next turn transfer a grabbed opponent to its tentacles.

Constrict)(Ex): At 2nd level, a Chuul who has begun its turn grappling an opponent can choose to automatically deal 1d8+ strength modifier damage to the grappled victim. At 8th level the damage improves to 2d6. Then at 14th it improves to 3d6.

Paralytic Tentacles(Ex): A Chuul can transfer a grabbed opponent from its claws to its tentacles as a move action. The tentacles grapple with the same strength as the claws but deal no damage. However, they exude a paralytic secretion. Anyone held in the tentacles must make a Fortitude save (DC 10+half-hit dice+Constitution Modifier) or be paralyzed for a number of rounds as shown on the table below. While held in the tentacles, paralyzed or not, a victim automatically takes bite damage as listed on the table below plus half of the Chuul's strength modifier each round from the Chuul's mandibles.

Damage Duration of paralysis
Paralytic Tentacles(Least)
1d4+half-strength modifier 1 Round

Paralytic Tentacles(Lesser)
1d6+half strength modifier 3 Rounds

Paralytic Tentacles(Greater)
1d8+half strength modifier 6 Rounds
Slagger the Chuul
03-21-06, 01:51 AM This looks okay, but the major trouble I see here is that the chuul spends too long in its Small size, while quickly gaining a number of abilities (like improved grab and, to a lesser extent, constrict) that aren't very useful until it grows larger. You probably want to get it to Medium size at around 3rd level (and Large size at around 10th level), and adjust when it gains the other abilities accordingly. I'd say to just go with Medium size from 1st level, but it is good to have it start off so little, since it fits with the style of the chuul (they're tough enough to start adventuring at birth/hatching).

You could also simplify the paralytic tentacles by linking the number of rounds to the level of the ability, thus making each stage its own neat package. Something like this:

Least: 1d4+1/2 Str, 1 round.
Lesser: 1d6+1/2 Str, 3 rounds.
Greater: 1d8+1/2 Str, 6 rounds.
Ront Iron-Roar
03-21-06, 08:54 AM Yeah, now that I realize it. Yeah improved grab pretty much sucks for them at the moment. Though, then again at the first couple of levels you can still snatch goblins right?

Hmmmmm any other suggestions before I edit the class?
Slagger the Chuul
03-21-06, 09:53 AM Yeah, now that I realize it. Yeah improved grab pretty much sucks for them at the moment. Though, then again at the first couple of levels you can still snatch goblins right?

The standard for improved grab (which the chuul's description doesn't change) requires the creature you grab to be at least one size smaller than you, so you can only use it to grapple Tiny creatures.

I'm sure someone else around here has valuable opinions about this monster class, of course.
Ront Iron-Roar
03-21-06, 01:23 PM The standard for improved grab (which the chuul's description doesn't change) requires the creature you grab to be at least one size smaller than you, so you can only use it to grapple Tiny creatures.

I'm sure someone else around here has valuable opinions about this monster class, of course.

Nope, doesn't say so in its entry. As for a few other creatures with improved grab.

I think improved grab for them works like a crab. You know how when they pinch something bigger then them they usually don't let go. I would assume that's how improved grab works for them?

I've changed the size and re-arranged the claw damage. Added a little more descript to the constrict. But, I'm still open for some changes.
moosekickedmysisterstoof
03-21-06, 07:23 PM Amazing! I love chuuls! I want a stuffed one! :D

- Johnny
Ront Iron-Roar
03-21-06, 07:35 PM Same here! I want to call him Zoidberg!
Slagger the Chuul
03-22-06, 01:01 AM I think improved grab for them works like a crab. You know how when they pinch something bigger then them they usually don't let go. I would assume that's how improved grab works for them?

Improved grab is always limited to opponents at least one size smaller unless the description for the creature says otherwise. It's part of the basic rules of improved grab, as detailed in the back of the Monster Manual.
Ront Iron-Roar
03-22-06, 06:45 AM Improved grab is always limited to opponents at least one size smaller unless the description for the creature says otherwise. It's part of the basic rules of improved grab, as detailed in the back of the Monster Manual.

Well, then technically it says otherwise. But, I guess I can change it.
Tower_of_Pain
10-20-06, 03:46 PM WOW! I just found this and I want to play it!! Just one question; What are the starting stats?
Slagger the Chuul
10-21-06, 01:22 AM +4 Str, +2 Con, -6 Cha

Just like it says at the start of the racial traits section.
Ront Iron-Roar
10-23-06, 08:10 AM Wow, people are still looking at this.

Thought, it get wiped off the boards by now.

Thanks for bringing this back to my attention...

I have as of yet got to use this at all yet.

Stupid racist-abberation-crab monster hating fellow players...

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Ront Iron-Roar 03-20-06, 05:13 AM	For all your Zoidberg needs I present to you! The Chuul Monster Class levels. Chuul Strange and bizarre mixtures of crustacean, insect, and reptile. Chuuls are lethal predators that are capable of crushing most challenges in thier claws. Ending battles abrubtly with thier ability to snatch up and paralyze opponents. Though, in the rare occassion of long running battle a Chuul is quite capable of absorbing damage as much as it can dish it out. Chuuls are strong, fast, tough, and cunning. They can excel in most classes but, thier penalties to charisma penalize them greatly in addition to thier inability to wear armor. Make them difficult to approach any class where charisma is the deciding factor and find some difficult in the long run with the armor situation if they pursue a combat oriented class. With lethal claws, paralyzing tentacles, and the ability to fight both on land and water, a Chuul is well-suited for most situations. Combined with an intellect on par with a humans they can easily turn a battle to thier favor. Chuuls are naturally strong and even at 1st level as a small-sized creature they easily can match the brute strength of an Orc and the resilience of a dwarf. With each passing level a Chuuls body grows stronger and tougher. Its claws steadily become sharper as its body grows larger and it becomes better killer. But,its ability to get those claws around opponents improves gradually. With Improved Grab at 3rd level and then its Paralytic Tentacle ability which progressively grows stronger as the Chuul matures. Class Skills The Chuul's class skills (and the key ability score for each skill) are Hide (Dex), Listen(Wis), Spot(Wis), and Swim(Str). At Small size a Chuul has a +4 size modifier to Hide checks. At Medium size they lose this +4 size modifier. At Large size they gain a -4 bonus to hide checks. A Chuul as a +8 racial bonus on swim checks to perform some special action or avoid a hazard. It can always choose to take a 10 on swim checks even when rushed or threatened. At each Hit Dice a Chuul gains (2+Int Modifier). At 1st level (2+Int Modifier x4). Racial Traits Starting Ability Score Adjustment: +4 Str, +2 Con, -6 Cha. Despite thier size Chuuls are born strong and tough. But, due to thier bizarre features many find them rather unsettling and unsociable. As they progress they become stronger, more graceful, tougher, and more cunning. Level Hit Dice BAB Fort Ref Will CR Special 1st 1d8 +0 +0 +0 +2 1 Aquatic Subtype, Amphibious, 2 Claws 1d6, +2 Natural Armor, Feat 2nd 2d8 +1 +0 +0 +3 2 +2 Dex, Constrict 1d8 3rd 3d8 +2 +1 +1 +3 2 Medium-size,+2 Con,2 Claws 1d8, Feat 4th 4d8 +3 +1 +1 +4 3 +2 Wis, Improved Grab 5th 4d8 +3 +1 +1 +4 3 +2 Str, +4 Natural Armor 6th 5d8 +3 +1 +1 +4 4 +2 Con, Paralytic Tentacles(Least) 7th 6d8 +4 +2 +2 +5 4 +6 Natural Armor, 8th 7d8 +5 +2 +2 +5 5 +2 Dex, Constrict 2d6, Feat 9th 8d8 +6/+1 +2 +2 +6 6 +2 Con, +2 Str, Paralytic Tentacle(Lesser) 10th 8d8 +6/+1 +2 +2 +6 6 +2 Wis, Large-size, 2 Claws 2d6 11th 9d8 +6/+1 +3 +3 +6 6 -- 12th 10d8 +7/+2 +3 +3 +7 7 +2 Str, Paralytic Tentacles(Greater), Feat 13th 11d8 +8/+3 +3 +3 +7 7 +10 Natural Armor 14th 11d8 +8/+3 +3 +3 +7 7 +2 Dex, Constrict 3d6 Speed:20 ft. Swim 20 ft. When a Chuul advances to Medium size their landspeed advances to 30 feet. Aquatic Subtype: Chuuls start off with the Aquatic Subtype. Amphibious Subtype: A Chuul can breathe and function normally on land or underwater. Darkvision: Chuuls can see in the dark up to 60 feet. Though, this ability only allows them to see the world in black and white. Automatic Languages: Common or Undercommon. Chuuls upon the surface speak common, while underground dwelling breeds speak the language of its fellow denizens, Undercommon. Chuuls with high intelligence scores tend to learn the languages of thier allies and enemies. They speak with a gargly and sloshy voice. Class Features All of the follow Class features are of Chuul monster class. Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Chuuls are proficient with thier natural weapons only and no armor or shields. A Chuul who later gains proficiency with armor must pay double the cost of the original price to have the armor sized to thier abnormal body shape. Claws: A Chuul starts out with 2 Claw attacks that deals 1d6 damage each. A Chuul applies thier full strength modifier to each damage roll. With each Size increase the damage thier claw deals increases. Upon reaching Medium size thier claw deals 1d8 and at Large Size it deals 2d6. A Chuuls claws are its primary attack form. Improved Grab(Ex): At 4th level, a Chuul gains Improved Grab.To use this ability, a Chuul must hit a creature of smaller size with a claw attack. It can then attempt to start a grapple as free action without provoking an attack of oppurtunity. If it wins the grapple check, it estabolishes a hold and can constrict or on its next turn transfer a grabbed opponent to its tentacles. Constrict)(Ex): At 2nd level, a Chuul who has begun its turn grappling an opponent can choose to automatically deal 1d8+ strength modifier damage to the grappled victim. At 8th level the damage improves to 2d6. Then at 14th it improves to 3d6. Paralytic Tentacles(Ex): A Chuul can transfer a grabbed opponent from its claws to its tentacles as a move action. The tentacles grapple with the same strength as the claws but deal no damage. However, they exude a paralytic secretion. Anyone held in the tentacles must make a Fortitude save (DC 10+half-hit dice+Constitution Modifier) or be paralyzed for a number of rounds as shown on the table below. While held in the tentacles, paralyzed or not, a victim automatically takes bite damage as listed on the table below plus half of the Chuul's strength modifier each round from the Chuul's mandibles. Damage Duration of paralysis Paralytic Tentacles(Least) 1d4+half-strength modifier 1 Round Paralytic Tentacles(Lesser) 1d6+half strength modifier 3 Rounds Paralytic Tentacles(Greater) 1d8+half strength modifier 6 Rounds
Slagger the Chuul 03-21-06, 01:51 AM	This looks okay, but the major trouble I see here is that the chuul spends too long in its Small size, while quickly gaining a number of abilities (like improved grab and, to a lesser extent, constrict) that aren't very useful until it grows larger. You probably want to get it to Medium size at around 3rd level (and Large size at around 10th level), and adjust when it gains the other abilities accordingly. I'd say to just go with Medium size from 1st level, but it is good to have it start off so little, since it fits with the style of the chuul (they're tough enough to start adventuring at birth/hatching). You could also simplify the paralytic tentacles by linking the number of rounds to the level of the ability, thus making each stage its own neat package. Something like this: Least: 1d4+1/2 Str, 1 round. Lesser: 1d6+1/2 Str, 3 rounds. Greater: 1d8+1/2 Str, 6 rounds.
Ront Iron-Roar 03-21-06, 08:54 AM	Yeah, now that I realize it. Yeah improved grab pretty much sucks for them at the moment. Though, then again at the first couple of levels you can still snatch goblins right? Hmmmmm any other suggestions before I edit the class?
Slagger the Chuul 03-21-06, 09:53 AM	Yeah, now that I realize it. Yeah improved grab pretty much sucks for them at the moment. Though, then again at the first couple of levels you can still snatch goblins right? The standard for improved grab (which the chuul's description doesn't change) requires the creature you grab to be at least one size smaller than you, so you can only use it to grapple Tiny creatures. I'm sure someone else around here has valuable opinions about this monster class, of course.
Ront Iron-Roar 03-21-06, 01:23 PM	The standard for improved grab (which the chuul's description doesn't change) requires the creature you grab to be at least one size smaller than you, so you can only use it to grapple Tiny creatures. I'm sure someone else around here has valuable opinions about this monster class, of course. Nope, doesn't say so in its entry. As for a few other creatures with improved grab. I think improved grab for them works like a crab. You know how when they pinch something bigger then them they usually don't let go. I would assume that's how improved grab works for them? I've changed the size and re-arranged the claw damage. Added a little more descript to the constrict. But, I'm still open for some changes.
moosekickedmysisterstoof 03-21-06, 07:23 PM	Amazing! I love chuuls! I want a stuffed one! :D - Johnny
Ront Iron-Roar 03-21-06, 07:35 PM	Same here! I want to call him Zoidberg!
Slagger the Chuul 03-22-06, 01:01 AM	I think improved grab for them works like a crab. You know how when they pinch something bigger then them they usually don't let go. I would assume that's how improved grab works for them? Improved grab is always limited to opponents at least one size smaller unless the description for the creature says otherwise. It's part of the basic rules of improved grab, as detailed in the back of the Monster Manual.
Ront Iron-Roar 03-22-06, 06:45 AM	Improved grab is always limited to opponents at least one size smaller unless the description for the creature says otherwise. It's part of the basic rules of improved grab, as detailed in the back of the Monster Manual. Well, then technically it says otherwise. But, I guess I can change it.
Tower_of_Pain 10-20-06, 03:46 PM	WOW! I just found this and I want to play it!! Just one question; What are the starting stats?
Slagger the Chuul 10-21-06, 01:22 AM	+4 Str, +2 Con, -6 Cha Just like it says at the start of the racial traits section.
Ront Iron-Roar 10-23-06, 08:10 AM	Wow, people are still looking at this. Thought, it get wiped off the boards by now. Thanks for bringing this back to my attention... I have as of yet got to use this at all yet. Stupid racist-abberation-crab monster hating fellow players...