Dust Zombies (Creature Idea) [Archive] - Wizards Community

Dust Zombies (Creature Idea) [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Sleepwalker13666
03-26-07, 05:35 PM Dust Zombie

Dust Zombies are ancient undead, their unstable bodies are capable of bursting into choking dust clouds. Dust zombies are far stronger than normal zombies, a deception that has cost the life of many adventurers.

This twisted mockery of life shambles towards you, the ancient dusty remains barely held together as a crumbling cloud of grave soil and ash clings to it's body like smoke.

Dust Zombie CR 7
Neutral Evil, Medium Size Undead
Init: +6
Ac: 18 ,Touch 12, Flat-Footed 16
(10 +6 Natural, +2 Dex)
Hp: 55 ( 8 HD)
Immune: Ability Damage, Ability Drain, Critical Hits, Energy Drain, Mind-Affecting, Non-Lethal Damage, Poison, Sleep, Paralysis, Stunning, Disease, Death Effects, Necromancy
Fort: +2 Refl: +4 Will: +6
Speed: 20 (4 Squares) 40 Fly (8 Squares)
Melee: 2 Claws +6 1d4+2 and 1 Bite +1 1d6+2
Space: 5 Reach: 5
Base Attack: +4 Grapple: +6
Special Actions: Dust Form, Breath Weapon
Abilities:Str: 14 Dex: 14 Con: - Int: - Wis: 10 Cha: 3
Special Qualities: Undead Traits, Dust Cloud, Death Throes
Feats: (B) Toughness, (B) Improved Initiative
Skills: -
Advancement: 7-10 (Medium) 11-20 (Large)

Dust Cloud: Expanding in a 5 foot radius around the dust zombie is a choking cloud of dust and ash, anyone entering this cloud must make a fortitude save DC 15 or takes 2d4 damage and is nauseated for 1d4 rounds as they cough out the dust. A successful save only grants protection for 1 round and a new save must be made every time the cloud is entered and at the start of the dust zombies round. If someone attempts to protect themselves, such as covering their nose and mouth with a wet rag, they gain a +4 circumstance to their fortitude save.

Breath Weapon: As a full round action the dust zombie can exhale a cone of ashes, this is a 25 foot cone that deals 6d4 damage. A reflex save DC 15 for half damage can be made, a failed save requires a fortitude save DC 15 as has the same effect as entering the zombies dust cloud. It may use it's breath weapon once every 1d4 rounds.

Dust Form: Whenever the dust zombie is damaged it explodes into a cloud of dust, while in this dust form the dust zombie gain a fly speed of 40. The dust zombie will simply move in as many squares of it's opponents as it can taking a double move. It is still surrounded by it's dust cloud in this form. While in it's dust form the dust zombie is immune to weapon damage. It reforms in 1d4 rounds after exploding. While in it'd dust form the dust zombie can not use it's breath weapon.

Death Throes: Once slain the dust zombie burst into a cloud of dust and ash in a 30 foot radius. Everyone within the area of effect must make a fortitude save DC 15 or takes 2d4 damage and is nauseated for 1d4 rounds.
KillerVole
03-26-07, 10:02 PM Out of your three monsters, I like this one the most. I think the Dust Form ability is very unique and cool. Great job!
Syn_Exelian
03-26-07, 10:52 PM It's a good idea, but the CR at a six seems a little low. I mainly think this because of the power of the Breath Weapon. The idea of the breath weapon makes sense, but even a 6th-level fighter with a fairly good set of rolls for his hp can be easily decimated with a total of 8d4 of damage on a botched save, and could be nauseated for up to for more rounds, preventing a lot of quick recovery from the hit.

That or I'm spewing complete nonsense, which I hope I'm not.
Sleepwalker13666
03-27-07, 04:11 AM Out of your three monsters, I like this one the most. I think the Dust Form ability is very unique and cool. Great job!

Thank you, I've got about 10 more on the way, I hope to get about 3 posted Tuesday.
:D

It's a good idea, but the CR at a six seems a little low. I mainly think this because of the power of the Breath Weapon. The idea of the breath weapon makes sense, but even a 6th-level fighter with a fairly good set of rolls for his hp can be easily decimated with a total of 8d4 of damage on a botched save, and could be nauseated for up to for more rounds, preventing a lot of quick recovery from the hit.

That or I'm spewing complete nonsense, which I hope I'm not.

I thought the CR seemed a little low myself but I figured I would get a few other opinions first, before moving it to 7. But as you pointed out it can build up pretty quick, so I'll change it to 7 tonight.
dengarbountyhunter
03-27-07, 07:00 PM Make it a template that you can add to zombies. You could then add it to any creature that can become a zombie! Seriously, add special abilities (DCs at 10+half HD+ whatever racial bonus), add ability modifiers and CR modifier and there you go! It's a freakin' template!

Same for the bleeding bones and burning dead (maybe not rune carved remains though)!
Domriso
03-27-07, 07:42 PM I've actually got a question, instead of just a statement.
When the dust zombie is in its dust form does its dust cloud expand around it, or does it just count as the cloud for these purposes?
Sleepwalker13666
03-27-07, 07:44 PM I've actually got a question, instead of just a statement.
When the dust zombie is in its dust form does its dust cloud expand around it, or does it just count as the cloud for these purposes?

The cloud does indeed continue to expand around it.
Sleepwalker13666
03-27-07, 07:47 PM Make it a template that you can add to zombies. You could then add it to any creature that can become a zombie! Seriously, add special abilities (DCs at 10+half HD+ whatever racial bonus), add ability modifiers and CR modifier and there you go! It's a freakin' template!

Same for the bleeding bones and burning dead (maybe not rune carved remains though)!

I'll try to get that done, I figured I would make the creatures first and see about making template options if these became popular.
RobbyPants
03-28-07, 11:31 AM I like this a lot. Nice job! :D

One thing I'd consider: change the breath weapon from a line to a cone (perhaps bring the range from 50 down to 25 feet as well when you do this). The reason is because it's a cloud of dust. When I picture breath weapons, I think of things like lightning or liquids like acid traveling in lines, but gasses and fire traveling in a cone. That's just my opinion.

Also a question: can the dust zombie use it's breath weapon when in dust form?
Sleepwalker13666
03-28-07, 02:25 PM I like this a lot. Nice job! :D

One thing I'd consider: change the breath weapon from a line to a cone (perhaps bring the range from 50 down to 25 feet as well when you do this). The reason is because it's a cloud of dust. When I picture breath weapons, I think of things like lightning or liquids like acid traveling in lines, but gasses and fire traveling in a cone. That's just my opinion.

Also a question: can the dust zombie use it's breath weapon when in dust form?

The Dust Zombie cannot use it's breath weapon while in it's dust form, I'll go ahead and make note of that in the op.

I can't argue that a cone makes more sense, consider it done.

Thanks for you comments and keep an eye out, I've got more citters on the way. :D
RobbyPants
03-28-07, 06:47 PM Thanks for you comments and keep an eye out, I've got more citters on the way. :D
Awesomesauce!
Kerin
05-04-07, 05:56 PM Love it, will use it at the first available opportunity!
Sands_Of_Chaos
05-05-07, 01:05 AM That is a cool cool build, love it. Almost as cool as the dust kobold.

Awesome Sauceum Rocks My Socksom
DebiHuman
05-05-07, 03:06 PM Since you wanted to see how popular this would be as a template, I'm adding in my vote for it.

Debby
ryuspearhead
05-05-07, 08:53 PM im just wonder if it did kill the enemny while it was inside could they take it over ?
somethings90
05-05-07, 09:21 PM Yes make it a template. It is really cool.
Nathreet
05-05-07, 10:29 PM I love this. And by that I mean I love everything about it. Keep everything; I wouldn't make anything more than minor changes like you've been doing.

I'd change the breath weapon damage from 6d4 to 4d6. Just b/c d6's are standard and a lot of people don't keep so many d4's. That changes the average damage from 15 to 14, so not much is different mechanically.
Sleepwalker13666
05-17-07, 04:58 AM http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?p=12422661#post12422661

Since you all requested, I wrote up a Dusty Dead template. Thank you for your feedback and support. The Dusty Dead can be seen in the link above.
Sleepwalker13666
09-21-07, 10:37 PM :bump:
ArgulFraster
09-22-07, 12:10 PM Sounds a lot like a Dust Wight (MMIII) to me.
Sleepwalker13666
09-22-07, 02:38 PM Sounds a lot like a Dust Wight (MMIII) to me.

:confused: Fluff-wise I can understand, but mechanically they have almost nothing in common.

These where actually modified from the ash demons out of dragon magazine and the swarm shifter template (grave soil) with some of my own cruelty mixed in.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Sleepwalker13666 03-26-07, 05:35 PM	Dust Zombie Dust Zombies are ancient undead, their unstable bodies are capable of bursting into choking dust clouds. Dust zombies are far stronger than normal zombies, a deception that has cost the life of many adventurers. This twisted mockery of life shambles towards you, the ancient dusty remains barely held together as a crumbling cloud of grave soil and ash clings to it's body like smoke. Dust Zombie CR 7 Neutral Evil, Medium Size Undead Init: +6 Ac: 18 ,Touch 12, Flat-Footed 16 (10 +6 Natural, +2 Dex) Hp: 55 ( 8 HD) Immune: Ability Damage, Ability Drain, Critical Hits, Energy Drain, Mind-Affecting, Non-Lethal Damage, Poison, Sleep, Paralysis, Stunning, Disease, Death Effects, Necromancy Fort: +2 Refl: +4 Will: +6 Speed: 20 (4 Squares) 40 Fly (8 Squares) Melee: 2 Claws +6 1d4+2 and 1 Bite +1 1d6+2 Space: 5 Reach: 5 Base Attack: +4 Grapple: +6 Special Actions: Dust Form, Breath Weapon Abilities:Str: 14 Dex: 14 Con: - Int: - Wis: 10 Cha: 3 Special Qualities: Undead Traits, Dust Cloud, Death Throes Feats: (B) Toughness, (B) Improved Initiative Skills: - Advancement: 7-10 (Medium) 11-20 (Large) Dust Cloud: Expanding in a 5 foot radius around the dust zombie is a choking cloud of dust and ash, anyone entering this cloud must make a fortitude save DC 15 or takes 2d4 damage and is nauseated for 1d4 rounds as they cough out the dust. A successful save only grants protection for 1 round and a new save must be made every time the cloud is entered and at the start of the dust zombies round. If someone attempts to protect themselves, such as covering their nose and mouth with a wet rag, they gain a +4 circumstance to their fortitude save. Breath Weapon: As a full round action the dust zombie can exhale a cone of ashes, this is a 25 foot cone that deals 6d4 damage. A reflex save DC 15 for half damage can be made, a failed save requires a fortitude save DC 15 as has the same effect as entering the zombies dust cloud. It may use it's breath weapon once every 1d4 rounds. Dust Form: Whenever the dust zombie is damaged it explodes into a cloud of dust, while in this dust form the dust zombie gain a fly speed of 40. The dust zombie will simply move in as many squares of it's opponents as it can taking a double move. It is still surrounded by it's dust cloud in this form. While in it's dust form the dust zombie is immune to weapon damage. It reforms in 1d4 rounds after exploding. While in it'd dust form the dust zombie can not use it's breath weapon. Death Throes: Once slain the dust zombie burst into a cloud of dust and ash in a 30 foot radius. Everyone within the area of effect must make a fortitude save DC 15 or takes 2d4 damage and is nauseated for 1d4 rounds.
KillerVole 03-26-07, 10:02 PM	Out of your three monsters, I like this one the most. I think the Dust Form ability is very unique and cool. Great job!
Syn_Exelian 03-26-07, 10:52 PM	It's a good idea, but the CR at a six seems a little low. I mainly think this because of the power of the Breath Weapon. The idea of the breath weapon makes sense, but even a 6th-level fighter with a fairly good set of rolls for his hp can be easily decimated with a total of 8d4 of damage on a botched save, and could be nauseated for up to for more rounds, preventing a lot of quick recovery from the hit. That or I'm spewing complete nonsense, which I hope I'm not.
Sleepwalker13666 03-27-07, 04:11 AM	Out of your three monsters, I like this one the most. I think the Dust Form ability is very unique and cool. Great job! Thank you, I've got about 10 more on the way, I hope to get about 3 posted Tuesday. :D It's a good idea, but the CR at a six seems a little low. I mainly think this because of the power of the Breath Weapon. The idea of the breath weapon makes sense, but even a 6th-level fighter with a fairly good set of rolls for his hp can be easily decimated with a total of 8d4 of damage on a botched save, and could be nauseated for up to for more rounds, preventing a lot of quick recovery from the hit. That or I'm spewing complete nonsense, which I hope I'm not. I thought the CR seemed a little low myself but I figured I would get a few other opinions first, before moving it to 7. But as you pointed out it can build up pretty quick, so I'll change it to 7 tonight.
dengarbountyhunter 03-27-07, 07:00 PM	Make it a template that you can add to zombies. You could then add it to any creature that can become a zombie! Seriously, add special abilities (DCs at 10+half HD+ whatever racial bonus), add ability modifiers and CR modifier and there you go! It's a freakin' template! Same for the bleeding bones and burning dead (maybe not rune carved remains though)!
Domriso 03-27-07, 07:42 PM	I've actually got a question, instead of just a statement. When the dust zombie is in its dust form does its dust cloud expand around it, or does it just count as the cloud for these purposes?
Sleepwalker13666 03-27-07, 07:44 PM	I've actually got a question, instead of just a statement. When the dust zombie is in its dust form does its dust cloud expand around it, or does it just count as the cloud for these purposes? The cloud does indeed continue to expand around it.
Sleepwalker13666 03-27-07, 07:47 PM	Make it a template that you can add to zombies. You could then add it to any creature that can become a zombie! Seriously, add special abilities (DCs at 10+half HD+ whatever racial bonus), add ability modifiers and CR modifier and there you go! It's a freakin' template! Same for the bleeding bones and burning dead (maybe not rune carved remains though)! I'll try to get that done, I figured I would make the creatures first and see about making template options if these became popular.
RobbyPants 03-28-07, 11:31 AM	I like this a lot. Nice job! :D One thing I'd consider: change the breath weapon from a line to a cone (perhaps bring the range from 50 down to 25 feet as well when you do this). The reason is because it's a cloud of dust. When I picture breath weapons, I think of things like lightning or liquids like acid traveling in lines, but gasses and fire traveling in a cone. That's just my opinion. Also a question: can the dust zombie use it's breath weapon when in dust form?
Sleepwalker13666 03-28-07, 02:25 PM	I like this a lot. Nice job! :D One thing I'd consider: change the breath weapon from a line to a cone (perhaps bring the range from 50 down to 25 feet as well when you do this). The reason is because it's a cloud of dust. When I picture breath weapons, I think of things like lightning or liquids like acid traveling in lines, but gasses and fire traveling in a cone. That's just my opinion. Also a question: can the dust zombie use it's breath weapon when in dust form? The Dust Zombie cannot use it's breath weapon while in it's dust form, I'll go ahead and make note of that in the op. I can't argue that a cone makes more sense, consider it done. Thanks for you comments and keep an eye out, I've got more citters on the way. :D
RobbyPants 03-28-07, 06:47 PM	Thanks for you comments and keep an eye out, I've got more citters on the way. :D Awesomesauce!
Kerin 05-04-07, 05:56 PM	Love it, will use it at the first available opportunity!
Sands_Of_Chaos 05-05-07, 01:05 AM	That is a cool cool build, love it. Almost as cool as the dust kobold. Awesome Sauceum Rocks My Socksom
DebiHuman 05-05-07, 03:06 PM	Since you wanted to see how popular this would be as a template, I'm adding in my vote for it. Debby
ryuspearhead 05-05-07, 08:53 PM	im just wonder if it did kill the enemny while it was inside could they take it over ?
somethings90 05-05-07, 09:21 PM	Yes make it a template. It is really cool.
Nathreet 05-05-07, 10:29 PM	I love this. And by that I mean I love everything about it. Keep everything; I wouldn't make anything more than minor changes like you've been doing. I'd change the breath weapon damage from 6d4 to 4d6. Just b/c d6's are standard and a lot of people don't keep so many d4's. That changes the average damage from 15 to 14, so not much is different mechanically.
Sleepwalker13666 05-17-07, 04:58 AM	http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?p=12422661#post12422661 Since you all requested, I wrote up a Dusty Dead template. Thank you for your feedback and support. The Dusty Dead can be seen in the link above.
Sleepwalker13666 09-21-07, 10:37 PM	:bump:
ArgulFraster 09-22-07, 12:10 PM	Sounds a lot like a Dust Wight (MMIII) to me.
Sleepwalker13666 09-22-07, 02:38 PM	Sounds a lot like a Dust Wight (MMIII) to me. :confused: Fluff-wise I can understand, but mechanically they have almost nothing in common. These where actually modified from the ash demons out of dragon magazine and the swarm shifter template (grave soil) with some of my own cruelty mixed in.