Hey Gang,
Just looking for a few bits of input for creating the catoblepas in 5e. I'm trying to stick as close as possible to the original catoblepas, as presented in the original monster manual in 1977. To that end, basically I'm using the same stats as a basilisk (they were fairly comparable back then), but the thing I'm trying to nail down in the death gaze. So, I've presented two options below...
Design Thoughts
The first option is basically the way the basiliks gaze attack works now, only tweaked to have a "death" effect (as opposed to petrifying).
The second is lifted from the sea hags death glare, only with an added recharge since the original catoblepas could only do the death glare pretty much 25% of the time.
I like the second option because it mechanically functions like the original, however the first option is a bit more deadly, and I like that as well <evil grin>.
Which would you go with? Which one "captures the feel" better? Which one would be the easiest to run in the 5e ruleset?
Thanks for any input!
~~Death Gaze: If a creature starts within 60ft of the catoblepas and both can see one another, the catoblepas can force the target to make a DC 12 Con save if the catoblepas is not incapacitated. On a failed save, the creature feels the life force being syphoned from their body as they are overcome with weakness. It must repeat the save at the end of its next turn. A success ends the effect. On a failure, the target drops to 0 hit points and is dying.
A creature who is not surprised can avert its eyes at the start of its turn. If so, it can’t see the catoblepas until the start of its next turn, when it can avert its eyes again. If it looks at the catoblepas, it must make the save immediately.
~~Death Glare (Recharge 5-6): The catoblepas raises its head and uses its death glare on one target within 60ft. The target must succeed on a DC 12 Con save. On a failed save, the creature feels the life force being syphoned from their body as they are overcome with weakness. The target must repeat the save at the end of its next turn. A success ends the effect. On a failure, the target drops to 0 hit points and is dying.
A creature who is not surprised can avert its eyes at the start of its turn. If so, it attacks with disadvantage, but gains advantage on saving throws. A failed save indicates they have accidently made eye contact with the catoblpas.
CCS wrote:
In fact, the designers have no exclusive on Making **** Up....
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I would particularly keep this bit:Lobo316 wrote: