customs for solo, 1st level adventure [Archive] - Wizards Community

customs for solo, 1st level adventure [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Solipsisto
07-01-04, 10:17 PM I'm a relative newb in PnP, and I am hoping to DM for the first time. I've created a small adventure using two new creatures, but I think I may have made a few mistakes. I am also worried they are too strong for a 1rst level character acting alone in the encounter.

Here's the first monster:

Sand Fly

Fine Vermin
Hit Dice: 1d8-5 (1 hp)
Initiative: +0
Speed: fly 30 ft. (clumsy)
Armor Class: 19 (+8 size, +1 dex), touch 18, flat-footed 18
Base Attack/Grapple: +1/+0
Attack: Bite +3 (+8 size, -5 strength), damage 1
Full Attack: Bite +3 (+8 size, -5 strength), damage 1
Space/Reach: 1/2 ft./0 ft.
Saves: Fort -3, Ref +1, Will +1
Abilities: Str 1, Dex 12, Con 1, Int -, Wis 12, Cha 3
Environment: Deserts, arid plains
Organization: Solitary, Infestation (2–4)
Challenge Rating: 1/2
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 2 HD (Large); 3 HD (Huge)
Level Adjustment: —
A large and extremely annoying fly, this is one insect that can draw blood. A tan or sandy color, it blends in well with a dry or arid environment.

COMBAT
The sand fly simply buzzes around the nearest hostile, trying to inflict as much damage as it can before someone gets lucky and hits it.

The player will find a "fly swatter" weapon; simple, 1d2 20x2, that attacks at +2 versus creatures of fine size. But I think this thing will still be too hard to hit. And imagine the humiliation of being killed by a fly! The player will never speak to me again!

Am I stressing unnecessarily, or should I weaken the insect somehow?
Solipsisto
07-01-04, 10:19 PM And here is the second creature. It will be encountered with a bandit. The sand demon will attempt to eat the bandit first, and the PC will have the opportunity to run away.

Sand Demon

Large Magical Beast
Hit Dice: 1d10+5 (10 hp)
Initiative: -3
Speed: Immobile
Armor Class: 12 (–1 size, -3 dex, +6 natural), touch 6, flat-footed 12
Base Attack/Grapple: +1/+5
Attack: Bite +1 melee (1d6+1)
Full Attack: Bite +1 melee (1d6+1)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Improved grab, Swallow whole
Special Qualities: Blindsight, tremorsense 20 ft.
Saves: Fort +8, Ref +0, Will +2
Abilities: Str 12, Dex 4, Con 20, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 3
Skills: Hide +3 (4 base, - 3 dex, +6 racial, - 4 size)
Environment: Deserts, arid plains
Organization: Solitary or cluster (2–4)
Challenge Rating: 1
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 3-4 HD (Large); 5–7 HD (Huge)
Level Adjustment: —
A magically altered creature most like a cross between a sea anenome and a reptilian head, the sand demon is a placid predator. When encountered by adventurers, it resembles a huge, toothed maw in the earth. Their flesh is usually a shade similar to the ground they are buried in and typically weigh in at some six hundred to seven hundred pounds. Few creatures find their flesh palatable. These creatures most often serve as the unwitting guards of desert dwelling folk who don't wish to have people nosing about in their business. On a side note, the sand "demon" is not really a demon, it is just a colorful name.

COMBAT
The sand demon is not even sentient, but tries to grab anything that wander over top of it in its teeth, then swallow it. If it has taken damage and failed to grap its intended prey, it attempts to cover itself with soil and hide.
A sand demon is usually hiding when first encountered. Players may make a Spot check at DC 12 to notice the hidden sand demon, which is currently buried under the sand or soil. If a creature wanders within range and creates noticeable tremors while walking, the sand demon pops out of the sand and attempts to bite and grapple the hapless prey. If damaged, the sand demon will attempt to retreat back within the soil. If it makes a Hide check at DC 14, the creature is hidden. Opponents who have seen the creature previously may make a Survival check at DC 12 to clear away the sand and render the demon vulnerable to attack. If they fail in their skill check, they must wait until the next round.

Improved Grab (Ex): To use this ability, an sand demon must hit with its bite attack. It can then attempt to start a grapple as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity.

Swallow Whole (Ex): The sand demon can try to swallow a grabbed opponent of at least one size smaller than itself by making a successful grapple check. Once inside, the opponent takes 1d4 points of acid damage per round from the sand demon’s stomach acid. Anyone trapped inside the creature's stomach may attack the stomach lining at AC 10, or cast spells normally provided they make a concentration check versus DC 14. If at least 5 damage is done in a round, the sand demon vomits up the character and they continue to take acid damage for one more round. If a creature or character inflicts at least 14 damage to the stomach lining, she manages to cut out of the stomach and the sand demon dies in 1d4 rounds. The sand demon’s stomach can hold 2 Medium, 8 Small, or 32 Tiny or smaller creatures.
bootor
07-01-04, 10:23 PM The fly should only do 1 damage not 1d2, and why does the demon have 1d10 + 15 hp. Shouldn't it have only 1d10 + 5.
Solipsisto
07-01-04, 10:32 PM That was fast.

Yes, you are right about the demon's hp. As for the fly, I just want to annoy myself by having to make countless 1d2 rolls. (Well, coin flips...)
bootor
07-01-04, 10:38 PM Thats fine, also the space/reach on the fly is wrong for a fine creature. It should be 1/2 ft space 0ft reach. So that every attack by one causes an AoO.
bootor
07-01-04, 10:40 PM Not quite right on the demon hp again it should be 10-11 on average
bootor
07-01-04, 10:41 PM init on the demon should be -3 for negative dex modifier, same goes for armor class
Solipsisto
07-01-04, 10:48 PM Thats fine, also the space/reach on the fly is wrong for a fine creature. It should be 1/2 ft space 0ft reach. So that every attack by one causes an AoO.

Stupid Copy/Paste...

Not quite right on the demon hp again it should be 10-11 on average

Don't you give full hit points for the first HD? Maybe I shouldn't even try to DM yet...

Thanks for your help!

EDIT: The AC on my fly was wrong too.
bootor
07-01-04, 10:55 PM Only full hp for pc characters, normal for monsters. To compinsate just give it another 2 HD to increase to cr 2.
Solipsisto
07-01-04, 10:58 PM Fixed init, hit points and AC on the demon. Also lowered the CR to 1.
bootor
07-01-04, 11:07 PM Not to ruin the demons only skill but hide is a dex based skill it also gets the -3 modifier, and a -4 modifier for being a large creature.....for a grand total of.......4 (base) - 3 (dex) - 4(size) = -3
Solipsisto
07-01-04, 11:11 PM Only full hp for pc characters, normal for monsters. To compinsate just give it another 2 HD to increase to cr 2.

I would, but this is going to be used in an adventure with one level one character. And even with one hit die I don't want it attacking the PC directly.
Solipsisto
07-01-04, 11:13 PM Not to ruin the demons only skill but hide is a dex based skill it also gets the -3 modifier, and a -4 modifier for being a large creature.....for a grand total of.......4 (base) - 3 (dex) - 4(size) = -3

Ah, you are right again. Do you think I should just increase the dex, or kill its ability to hide in the sand?
Dartanel
07-01-04, 11:14 PM Sand Fly:
Should be fine Vermin.
Str and Con should probably be 1, Int should be -
HD should be 1d8 - 4 (1) (1d8-5 if you apply my adj)
AC should be 20 (+8 Size, +1 Dex, +1 Natural) Touch 19, FF 19
Attack should be Bite +3 (+8 size, -5 strength) Damage 1 - 5 (min 1)
Save should be Fort -3. Ref +1. Will +1

And re: The sand demon's hide. Just give it a racial bonus to hiding in the sand.
bootor
07-01-04, 11:15 PM With an armor class of 8 if the pc is a fighter it will go down in 1 or 2 rounds at most so I wouldn't worry about being that big a problem.
Solipsisto
07-01-04, 11:34 PM Fly changed to vermin, AC, attacks, hit points, saves, attributes fixed. (I think.)

Demon's AC increased via natural AC boost, skill points edited.

Thanks for your help. Now I am really nervous about everything else I've designed for my adventure. It couldn't possibly be as buggy as my creatures though, so I should be ok.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Solipsisto 07-01-04, 10:17 PM	I'm a relative newb in PnP, and I am hoping to DM for the first time. I've created a small adventure using two new creatures, but I think I may have made a few mistakes. I am also worried they are too strong for a 1rst level character acting alone in the encounter. Here's the first monster: Sand Fly Fine Vermin Hit Dice: 1d8-5 (1 hp) Initiative: +0 Speed: fly 30 ft. (clumsy) Armor Class: 19 (+8 size, +1 dex), touch 18, flat-footed 18 Base Attack/Grapple: +1/+0 Attack: Bite +3 (+8 size, -5 strength), damage 1 Full Attack: Bite +3 (+8 size, -5 strength), damage 1 Space/Reach: 1/2 ft./0 ft. Saves: Fort -3, Ref +1, Will +1 Abilities: Str 1, Dex 12, Con 1, Int -, Wis 12, Cha 3 Environment: Deserts, arid plains Organization: Solitary, Infestation (2–4) Challenge Rating: 1/2 Treasure: None Alignment: Always neutral Advancement: 2 HD (Large); 3 HD (Huge) Level Adjustment: — A large and extremely annoying fly, this is one insect that can draw blood. A tan or sandy color, it blends in well with a dry or arid environment. COMBAT The sand fly simply buzzes around the nearest hostile, trying to inflict as much damage as it can before someone gets lucky and hits it. The player will find a "fly swatter" weapon; simple, 1d2 20x2, that attacks at +2 versus creatures of fine size. But I think this thing will still be too hard to hit. And imagine the humiliation of being killed by a fly! The player will never speak to me again! Am I stressing unnecessarily, or should I weaken the insect somehow?
Solipsisto 07-01-04, 10:19 PM	And here is the second creature. It will be encountered with a bandit. The sand demon will attempt to eat the bandit first, and the PC will have the opportunity to run away. Sand Demon Large Magical Beast Hit Dice: 1d10+5 (10 hp) Initiative: -3 Speed: Immobile Armor Class: 12 (–1 size, -3 dex, +6 natural), touch 6, flat-footed 12 Base Attack/Grapple: +1/+5 Attack: Bite +1 melee (1d6+1) Full Attack: Bite +1 melee (1d6+1) Space/Reach: 10 ft./5 ft. Special Attacks: Improved grab, Swallow whole Special Qualities: Blindsight, tremorsense 20 ft. Saves: Fort +8, Ref +0, Will +2 Abilities: Str 12, Dex 4, Con 20, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 3 Skills: Hide +3 (4 base, - 3 dex, +6 racial, - 4 size) Environment: Deserts, arid plains Organization: Solitary or cluster (2–4) Challenge Rating: 1 Treasure: None Alignment: Always neutral Advancement: 3-4 HD (Large); 5–7 HD (Huge) Level Adjustment: — A magically altered creature most like a cross between a sea anenome and a reptilian head, the sand demon is a placid predator. When encountered by adventurers, it resembles a huge, toothed maw in the earth. Their flesh is usually a shade similar to the ground they are buried in and typically weigh in at some six hundred to seven hundred pounds. Few creatures find their flesh palatable. These creatures most often serve as the unwitting guards of desert dwelling folk who don't wish to have people nosing about in their business. On a side note, the sand "demon" is not really a demon, it is just a colorful name. COMBAT The sand demon is not even sentient, but tries to grab anything that wander over top of it in its teeth, then swallow it. If it has taken damage and failed to grap its intended prey, it attempts to cover itself with soil and hide. A sand demon is usually hiding when first encountered. Players may make a Spot check at DC 12 to notice the hidden sand demon, which is currently buried under the sand or soil. If a creature wanders within range and creates noticeable tremors while walking, the sand demon pops out of the sand and attempts to bite and grapple the hapless prey. If damaged, the sand demon will attempt to retreat back within the soil. If it makes a Hide check at DC 14, the creature is hidden. Opponents who have seen the creature previously may make a Survival check at DC 12 to clear away the sand and render the demon vulnerable to attack. If they fail in their skill check, they must wait until the next round. Improved Grab (Ex): To use this ability, an sand demon must hit with its bite attack. It can then attempt to start a grapple as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity. Swallow Whole (Ex): The sand demon can try to swallow a grabbed opponent of at least one size smaller than itself by making a successful grapple check. Once inside, the opponent takes 1d4 points of acid damage per round from the sand demon’s stomach acid. Anyone trapped inside the creature's stomach may attack the stomach lining at AC 10, or cast spells normally provided they make a concentration check versus DC 14. If at least 5 damage is done in a round, the sand demon vomits up the character and they continue to take acid damage for one more round. If a creature or character inflicts at least 14 damage to the stomach lining, she manages to cut out of the stomach and the sand demon dies in 1d4 rounds. The sand demon’s stomach can hold 2 Medium, 8 Small, or 32 Tiny or smaller creatures.
bootor 07-01-04, 10:23 PM	The fly should only do 1 damage not 1d2, and why does the demon have 1d10 + 15 hp. Shouldn't it have only 1d10 + 5.
Solipsisto 07-01-04, 10:32 PM	That was fast. Yes, you are right about the demon's hp. As for the fly, I just want to annoy myself by having to make countless 1d2 rolls. (Well, coin flips...)
bootor 07-01-04, 10:38 PM	Thats fine, also the space/reach on the fly is wrong for a fine creature. It should be 1/2 ft space 0ft reach. So that every attack by one causes an AoO.
bootor 07-01-04, 10:40 PM	Not quite right on the demon hp again it should be 10-11 on average
bootor 07-01-04, 10:41 PM	init on the demon should be -3 for negative dex modifier, same goes for armor class
Solipsisto 07-01-04, 10:48 PM	Thats fine, also the space/reach on the fly is wrong for a fine creature. It should be 1/2 ft space 0ft reach. So that every attack by one causes an AoO. Stupid Copy/Paste... Not quite right on the demon hp again it should be 10-11 on average Don't you give full hit points for the first HD? Maybe I shouldn't even try to DM yet... Thanks for your help! EDIT: The AC on my fly was wrong too.
bootor 07-01-04, 10:55 PM	Only full hp for pc characters, normal for monsters. To compinsate just give it another 2 HD to increase to cr 2.
Solipsisto 07-01-04, 10:58 PM	Fixed init, hit points and AC on the demon. Also lowered the CR to 1.
bootor 07-01-04, 11:07 PM	Not to ruin the demons only skill but hide is a dex based skill it also gets the -3 modifier, and a -4 modifier for being a large creature.....for a grand total of.......4 (base) - 3 (dex) - 4(size) = -3
Solipsisto 07-01-04, 11:11 PM	Only full hp for pc characters, normal for monsters. To compinsate just give it another 2 HD to increase to cr 2. I would, but this is going to be used in an adventure with one level one character. And even with one hit die I don't want it attacking the PC directly.
Solipsisto 07-01-04, 11:13 PM	Not to ruin the demons only skill but hide is a dex based skill it also gets the -3 modifier, and a -4 modifier for being a large creature.....for a grand total of.......4 (base) - 3 (dex) - 4(size) = -3 Ah, you are right again. Do you think I should just increase the dex, or kill its ability to hide in the sand?
Dartanel 07-01-04, 11:14 PM	Sand Fly: Should be fine Vermin. Str and Con should probably be 1, Int should be - HD should be 1d8 - 4 (1) (1d8-5 if you apply my adj) AC should be 20 (+8 Size, +1 Dex, +1 Natural) Touch 19, FF 19 Attack should be Bite +3 (+8 size, -5 strength) Damage 1 - 5 (min 1) Save should be Fort -3. Ref +1. Will +1 And re: The sand demon's hide. Just give it a racial bonus to hiding in the sand.
bootor 07-01-04, 11:15 PM	With an armor class of 8 if the pc is a fighter it will go down in 1 or 2 rounds at most so I wouldn't worry about being that big a problem.
Solipsisto 07-01-04, 11:34 PM	Fly changed to vermin, AC, attacks, hit points, saves, attributes fixed. (I think.) Demon's AC increased via natural AC boost, skill points edited. Thanks for your help. Now I am really nervous about everything else I've designed for my adventure. It couldn't possibly be as buggy as my creatures though, so I should be ok.