Earth manipulator [Archive] - Wizards Community

Earth manipulator [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
cog_n_taz
11-20-06, 07:50 PM here's a monster I promised to some people over on the "help with ogremoch entourage" thread. Unfortunately, I don't remember their names:(

Earth manipulator
tiny elemental
hit dice: 8d8+24
initiative:+1
speed: 30 ft., 60ft.(burrow)
Armor Class: 22(10+1 dex+11 natural)
Base Attack/Grapple:
Attack: Slam+9(1d12)
Full Attack: slam+9/+4(1d12)
Space/Reach: see text
Special Attacks: spell-like abilities, engulf, lava form, spew earth/lava
Special Qualities: shell, tremorsense, blindsight, fire immunity,amorphous
Saves: +9fort, +3 ref, +2 will
Abilities: str16, dex12,con16,int6,wis10,cha12
Skills: listen+6, spot+5
Feats: quicken spell-like ability, run
Environment: any underground
Organization: solitary or gang( one EM and three delvers)
Challenge Rating: 14
Treasure: double standard
Alignment: neutral
Advancement: none
Level Adjustment: -

Spew earth(Ex): As a standard action, an Earth manipulator may hurl part of its shell at a foe within 30 ft. as a ranged touch attack. If it hits, it deals 2d8 bludgeoning damage and (if turned to lava) 4d6 fire damage and a reflex save (DC 20) or catch fire.

Engulf (Ex)
An Earth manipulator can simply mow down huge or smaller creatures as a standard action. It cannot make a slam attack during a round in which it engulfs. The EM merely has to move over the opponents, affecting as many as it can cover. Opponents can make opportunity attacks against the EM, but if they do so they are not entitled to a saving throw. Those who do not attempt attacks of opportunity must succeed on a DC 22 Reflex save or be engulfed; on a success, they are pushed back or aside (opponent’s choice) as the EM moves forward. Engulfed creatures are subject to the EM’s crushing and possible fire damage, and are considered to be grappled and trapped within its body. The save DC is Strength-based and includes a +1 racial bonus. The crushing damage is 4d8, for fire damage, see below.

Lava form(Ex): If an EM turns its shell to lava, any creatures attacking it unarmed, hit by its slam attack, grappling it, grappled by it or engulfed take 5d8 fire damage and must make a reflex save( DC 18, no save if engulfed) or catch fire.

Amorphous (Ex)

An Earth manipulator is not subject to critical hits. It cannot be flanked.

spell-like abilities(sp): at will-stone shape, meld into stone, soften earth and stone, stone to mud, mud to stone. 3/day-transmute stone to lava, these spell-like abilities are cast as an 18th level sorcerer.

shell(ex):an earth manipulator is constantly surrounded in a shell of stone and mud(sometimes lava). This gives it full cover and concealment from all directions and it acts as a huge creature(has face/reach as one). The EM can sense the outside through this shell and it does not block its line of sight or hinder it in any way. To attack the EM, a hole must first be broken in the shell, by doing at least 30 damage to it. three rounds after a hole is opened in the shell, it is closed again. The shell has DR 15/adamantine. This shell can be destroyed entirely with move earth/earthquake before regenerating completely 3 rounds later.

The shell has an AC of 22 (10+16 natural-4 size)

Anything I missed?
Arganis
11-21-06, 10:00 AM Yo Cog, swung over to see what you had come up with. It looks cool.

One thing I think is missing is the actual rules for when the manipulator changes its shell to lava... For example, does it gain a fire damage to its slam attack? Does its shell become molten and damaging against weapons or grappled players?

DR 20 is pretty high for 3.5.

As for suggestions:

What about giving it an engulf attack?

What about a "Spew Earth" ranged attack that gave it some kind of utility in that respect? When its shell is transmuted to Lava, that attack could cause fire and splash damage as it is kind of like napalm.
R.M.G.C.L.F.
11-21-06, 06:59 PM Total absence of flavor is a problem. What is this creature like? Where's it from? What governs its behavior?
WagnerSika
11-22-06, 02:01 AM Hmm, looks interesting, a bit vague still but I'm sure we can make it work. Some suggestions and questions:
The feats power attack and cleave seem almos useless on a creature which relies almost exclusively on sp-abilities and whose attack bonus is neglible for its CR. Feats like quicken spell-like ability or similar would be more beneficial to the creature. Or just give it general feats like improved toughness.

Can it attack with the slam ability through its stone shell?

What do you mean precisely with the 'acts like huge creature' line?

Can the cover and concealment be penetrated by any spells? Would it be vulnerable to some spesific spells like earthquake or move earth or similar?

I agree with Arganis, DR20 is high. DR 10/admantium would be more appropriate even moreso as the shell regenerates completely in 3 rounds. Can you damage the shell with spells? What is the shells AC?

It has obscenely good cha. In comparison nymphs have 19 and mind flayers only have 17 cha. Elementals tend to have average mental stats. What does this monster need such a high charisma for? Maybe increase con and dex instead and let cha be 10?

The movent rate is too much IMO considering that it is burrowing speed. Even air elementals can't fly that fast.
cog_n_taz
11-22-06, 05:46 AM RMGCLF: flavor comes later, crunch first:P, but thanks.

Arganis: Thanks for stopping by! The DR is supposed to be high, it compensates with low HP. But okay, call it 15? Spew lava/fire damage/engulf: taken! Also amorphous when it is in lava form. Sorry bout the confusion, it does its slam attack with the shell, the thing itself is pretty much a helpless spellcasting...blob.

wagner: Consider how it can move through earth and move it around, the burrow speed isn't that amazing for that, is it? Okay, maybe 60 ft. instead? The cha is artificial, to raise the save DC, sorry. Huge creature: Takes space like one, takes AC hits like one etc etc. Move earth and earthquake: Removes shell for 2 rounds, leaves helpless blob of cute orange squishyness.

Damaging shell with spells etc. sure, why not. Penetrate it with spells? No. Oh, and I forgot the AC, my bad.

Fixing time!
R.M.G.C.L.F.
11-22-06, 08:29 AM Flavor, crunch, the two are as one, like the body and soul of an elemental. One is meaningless without the other. You most know the flavor so you know what powers to give a creature. which levels of strength or additions would be appropriate. The crunch gives form to flavor, the flavor gives meaning to the crunch.
cog_n_taz
11-22-06, 09:03 AM fixed! I realize that fluff is VERY important, and will add it later.
WagnerSika
11-23-06, 02:54 AM Looks better :)

Questions
If the engulfed character wins the grapple check can he attack the manipulators real body bypassing the shell?
Would the treasure it has be found in his lair? I can't think where it would store any items on its person.

Suggestion time!

Would the shell be considered a part of the creature or an object? I was thinking that can you damage the spell with magic missile or similar spell that can not be targeted at objects.
Also if it is separate object you could replace the damage reduction of the shell with hardness that would wary with the current form of the shell.
Stone shell could have highest hardness but would make the manipulator slower, maybe easier to hit. Lava shell would have average toughness but would damage weapons and creatures with natural attacks that hit it. Mud shell would be lowest hardness but would be immune to slashing damage and would give the manipulator fastest speed. Maybe the mud shell could be bypassed with piecing weapons but the manipulator would still enjoy total concealment and maybe half cover. The mud could then trap the weapon with disarm check of 20 or something.

Edit: Actually it would be better if the mud shell would be immune to bludgeoning weapons rather that slashing weapons.
cog_n_taz
11-23-06, 09:47 AM I may use the suggestion of yours with different hardness etc.

If you win the grapple, no, you do not get past the shell. It's CR 14 for a reason:P.

Object/creature: Both really, whichever is convinient. Shatter works and so does Magic Missile.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
cog_n_taz 11-20-06, 07:50 PM	here's a monster I promised to some people over on the "help with ogremoch entourage" thread. Unfortunately, I don't remember their names:( Earth manipulator tiny elemental hit dice: 8d8+24 initiative:+1 speed: 30 ft., 60ft.(burrow) Armor Class: 22(10+1 dex+11 natural) Base Attack/Grapple: Attack: Slam+9(1d12) Full Attack: slam+9/+4(1d12) Space/Reach: see text Special Attacks: spell-like abilities, engulf, lava form, spew earth/lava Special Qualities: shell, tremorsense, blindsight, fire immunity,amorphous Saves: +9fort, +3 ref, +2 will Abilities: str16, dex12,con16,int6,wis10,cha12 Skills: listen+6, spot+5 Feats: quicken spell-like ability, run Environment: any underground Organization: solitary or gang( one EM and three delvers) Challenge Rating: 14 Treasure: double standard Alignment: neutral Advancement: none Level Adjustment: - Spew earth(Ex): As a standard action, an Earth manipulator may hurl part of its shell at a foe within 30 ft. as a ranged touch attack. If it hits, it deals 2d8 bludgeoning damage and (if turned to lava) 4d6 fire damage and a reflex save (DC 20) or catch fire. Engulf (Ex) An Earth manipulator can simply mow down huge or smaller creatures as a standard action. It cannot make a slam attack during a round in which it engulfs. The EM merely has to move over the opponents, affecting as many as it can cover. Opponents can make opportunity attacks against the EM, but if they do so they are not entitled to a saving throw. Those who do not attempt attacks of opportunity must succeed on a DC 22 Reflex save or be engulfed; on a success, they are pushed back or aside (opponent’s choice) as the EM moves forward. Engulfed creatures are subject to the EM’s crushing and possible fire damage, and are considered to be grappled and trapped within its body. The save DC is Strength-based and includes a +1 racial bonus. The crushing damage is 4d8, for fire damage, see below. Lava form(Ex): If an EM turns its shell to lava, any creatures attacking it unarmed, hit by its slam attack, grappling it, grappled by it or engulfed take 5d8 fire damage and must make a reflex save( DC 18, no save if engulfed) or catch fire. Amorphous (Ex) An Earth manipulator is not subject to critical hits. It cannot be flanked. spell-like abilities(sp): at will-stone shape, meld into stone, soften earth and stone, stone to mud, mud to stone. 3/day-transmute stone to lava, these spell-like abilities are cast as an 18th level sorcerer. shell(ex):an earth manipulator is constantly surrounded in a shell of stone and mud(sometimes lava). This gives it full cover and concealment from all directions and it acts as a huge creature(has face/reach as one). The EM can sense the outside through this shell and it does not block its line of sight or hinder it in any way. To attack the EM, a hole must first be broken in the shell, by doing at least 30 damage to it. three rounds after a hole is opened in the shell, it is closed again. The shell has DR 15/adamantine. This shell can be destroyed entirely with move earth/earthquake before regenerating completely 3 rounds later. The shell has an AC of 22 (10+16 natural-4 size) Anything I missed?
Arganis 11-21-06, 10:00 AM	Yo Cog, swung over to see what you had come up with. It looks cool. One thing I think is missing is the actual rules for when the manipulator changes its shell to lava... For example, does it gain a fire damage to its slam attack? Does its shell become molten and damaging against weapons or grappled players? DR 20 is pretty high for 3.5. As for suggestions: What about giving it an engulf attack? What about a "Spew Earth" ranged attack that gave it some kind of utility in that respect? When its shell is transmuted to Lava, that attack could cause fire and splash damage as it is kind of like napalm.
R.M.G.C.L.F. 11-21-06, 06:59 PM	Total absence of flavor is a problem. What is this creature like? Where's it from? What governs its behavior?
WagnerSika 11-22-06, 02:01 AM	Hmm, looks interesting, a bit vague still but I'm sure we can make it work. Some suggestions and questions: The feats power attack and cleave seem almos useless on a creature which relies almost exclusively on sp-abilities and whose attack bonus is neglible for its CR. Feats like quicken spell-like ability or similar would be more beneficial to the creature. Or just give it general feats like improved toughness. Can it attack with the slam ability through its stone shell? What do you mean precisely with the 'acts like huge creature' line? Can the cover and concealment be penetrated by any spells? Would it be vulnerable to some spesific spells like earthquake or move earth or similar? I agree with Arganis, DR20 is high. DR 10/admantium would be more appropriate even moreso as the shell regenerates completely in 3 rounds. Can you damage the shell with spells? What is the shells AC? It has obscenely good cha. In comparison nymphs have 19 and mind flayers only have 17 cha. Elementals tend to have average mental stats. What does this monster need such a high charisma for? Maybe increase con and dex instead and let cha be 10? The movent rate is too much IMO considering that it is burrowing speed. Even air elementals can't fly that fast.
cog_n_taz 11-22-06, 05:46 AM	RMGCLF: flavor comes later, crunch first:P, but thanks. Arganis: Thanks for stopping by! The DR is supposed to be high, it compensates with low HP. But okay, call it 15? Spew lava/fire damage/engulf: taken! Also amorphous when it is in lava form. Sorry bout the confusion, it does its slam attack with the shell, the thing itself is pretty much a helpless spellcasting...blob. wagner: Consider how it can move through earth and move it around, the burrow speed isn't that amazing for that, is it? Okay, maybe 60 ft. instead? The cha is artificial, to raise the save DC, sorry. Huge creature: Takes space like one, takes AC hits like one etc etc. Move earth and earthquake: Removes shell for 2 rounds, leaves helpless blob of cute orange squishyness. Damaging shell with spells etc. sure, why not. Penetrate it with spells? No. Oh, and I forgot the AC, my bad. Fixing time!
R.M.G.C.L.F. 11-22-06, 08:29 AM	Flavor, crunch, the two are as one, like the body and soul of an elemental. One is meaningless without the other. You most know the flavor so you know what powers to give a creature. which levels of strength or additions would be appropriate. The crunch gives form to flavor, the flavor gives meaning to the crunch.
cog_n_taz 11-22-06, 09:03 AM	fixed! I realize that fluff is VERY important, and will add it later.
WagnerSika 11-23-06, 02:54 AM	Looks better :) Questions If the engulfed character wins the grapple check can he attack the manipulators real body bypassing the shell? Would the treasure it has be found in his lair? I can't think where it would store any items on its person. Suggestion time! Would the shell be considered a part of the creature or an object? I was thinking that can you damage the spell with magic missile or similar spell that can not be targeted at objects. Also if it is separate object you could replace the damage reduction of the shell with hardness that would wary with the current form of the shell. Stone shell could have highest hardness but would make the manipulator slower, maybe easier to hit. Lava shell would have average toughness but would damage weapons and creatures with natural attacks that hit it. Mud shell would be lowest hardness but would be immune to slashing damage and would give the manipulator fastest speed. Maybe the mud shell could be bypassed with piecing weapons but the manipulator would still enjoy total concealment and maybe half cover. The mud could then trap the weapon with disarm check of 20 or something. Edit: Actually it would be better if the mud shell would be immune to bludgeoning weapons rather that slashing weapons.
cog_n_taz 11-23-06, 09:47 AM	I may use the suggestion of yours with different hardness etc. If you win the grapple, no, you do not get past the shell. It's CR 14 for a reason:P. Object/creature: Both really, whichever is convinient. Shatter works and so does Magic Missile.