Only Extraplanar in 3e.
I Think it's more likely that they are abberations, considering the way the propogate.
Genestealer Special Rules
Also, the original concept for a genestealer best fits with the lurker/striker type, not soldier/defender. Genestealers hide in dark places, then leap out with unstoppable close combat viciousness and no fear of death. razor sharp claws, sudden and penetrating ovipositors, and dripping feeder tendrils (a great addition in the most recent codex) really say "I'll never turn out the lights again". Genestealers are perhaps the most terrifying opponents in the 40k universe when used right: they come out of nowhere and an individual grunt can take out an army general in hand to hand combat, one on one. They should hit a little more easily and a little harder than creatures of their level, and should make the PCs want to make sure they never get close enough to get into melee (which is where the lurking comes in). Also, don't forget they have brood telepathy.
The hybrids are brutes (maybe soldiers if older and better trained), the recently infected little more than minions, but carrying the ranged equipment. Magus powers should include warding off enemies with the pure horror of the alien hive mind, catalyst (giving nearby allies the ability to strike one last time at death, great for minions), and of course vicious warp blasts. He could also, of course, command lesser tyranid-modified creatures, from weirdly-transformed and oddly vicious vermin to massively enlarged creatures from the sewers.
I myself love the genestealer cults. I wish they'd put an army list together for them. it's been two editions since they have at least. if you keep to the central concept of vicious, deadly alien beings infiltrating and infecting society to call down an unstoppable hive of voracious death that will absorb all life on a massive scale, you can't go wrong.
I agree that the purestrains should be lurkers and i'll have a go at re-jigging the stat block tomorrow :o) how much do you think their damage should be upped?
I hear what you're saying with the patriarch, but i was thinking of including the broodlord as well, i know there's speculation, that a broodlord and a patriarch are the same thing, but their fluff is a bit different, by making the patriarch a high level controller, and sticking a broodlord in as a solo (as you suggested) around the same level as the magus, then we get more roles filled. Some little tyranid critters like rippers could be cool, although personally i like the feel of genestealer cults better when they are working independantly of a tyranid hive.
I agree that the purestrains should be lurkers and i'll have a go at re-jigging the stat block tomorrow :o) how much do you think their damage should be upped?
Perhaps instead of upping the damage, give them the ability to make two claw attacks as a standard action, and if they have combat advantage four claw attacks, and give them a rogue-like ability to get combat advantage from foes who are surprised. It gets both the lurker message across and oh-God-there's-more-of-them as well. Some kind of "scuttlers" ability to hide again in shadowy environments or while opponents are distracted by other foes might be good.
You might even consider making purestrains elite. Then they're really terrifying. A genestealer should be more than a match one-to-one with a pc of equal level. you'll have plenty of minions with the cultists if you need them. Maybe for the final confrontation with the patriarch you could have waves of genestealers minions, just to emphasize how crazy-hard the fight is.
I'd go with the broodlord as the leader/control, leading out groups of genestealers, sort of an alternative to the magus. I'm of the opinion that the broodlord is the same effectively as the patriarch, but I'd be inclined not to make him solo simply because (in 40k) he must always lead a squad of genestealer. also, no psychic powers for the broodlord, giving them to the patriarch can set him apart from "lesser" broodlords and effectively form his needed set of extra actions that all solo creatures need to keep up with a full party. That way the patriarch is attacking minds with psychic scream, (in some way keeping some of his foes minimized, a good solo trait) and hitting with two or four claws every turn (also good for a solo beast). plus, solos make great "end of the adventure" monsters.
Great topic!
Speaking of Hive Minds, a great defense would be something along the lines of "no genestealer is flanked unless all are flanked" (a common hive mind benefit in 3rd ed, still workable in 4th) and you could even add that none grant combat advantage unless all grant combat advantage, but that would be much more powerful (and probably make your rogue scream in despair). But there should definitely be some scary, very practical way of representing the hive mind. Also, not saying cultists should get this level of connection. And the patriarch and magus could have much better, like sacrificing minions for their own safety (a great new 4th ed trick)
Love the spitting angle btw. mutations and evolutions should be encouraged. Each time the PCs win, the genestealers could pick up a new trick. Keep the good guys on their toes
I've had a go at implementing some of the suggestions made (see the above post), The idea of making them elite is a good one, it definately makes them stand out as a major threat, but would be counter productive if you want to make a large enounter, so i've put in a biomorph option that will up them to elites, but they can still be used without if you want more gribbleys :D comments on the new build?
Excellent! I love the biomorphs, particularly feeder tendrils, although I wouldn't mandate synapse creatures, since genestealers have their own indpendent brood mind. Or maybe purestrains get a pass, and a synapse creature can pass it on to other non-purestrains.
I like the recharge on the four claw attack. I think a two-claw standard attack is still worth putting on the stat block. Also, might be worth reminding what else goes along with elite (hp, defenses, etc) in the Biomorph ability tag.
Excellent! I love the biomorphs, particularly feeder tendrils, although I wouldn't mandate synapse creatures, since genestealers have their own indpendent brood mind.
Indeed,the synapse creatures mentioned are a part of that independant genestealer hive-mind with it's own synapse creatures i.e. broodlord, magus & patriarch. I might stick the hyrophant in there too, but i don't know yet.
I like the recharge on the four claw attack. I think a two-claw standard attack is still worth putting on the stat block. Also, might be worth reminding what else goes along with elite (hp, defenses, etc) in the Biomorph ability tag.
Here we have a number issue, i could give the 2 claw attacks, but if i did they would attack with 2 all the time (no need for a single claw attack). If i did that in order to balance it's damage potential each claw would deal less damage, which in turn lowers the damage potential for the goring assault ability. If you have a solution i'd be happy to hear it.
I have included the XP elite rules in the biomorph block
Indeed,the synapse creatures mentioned are a part of that independant genestealer hive-mind with it's own synapse creatures i.e. broodlord, magus & patriarch. I might stick the hyrophant in there too, but i don't know yet.
Here we have a number issue, i could give the 2 claw attacks, but if i did they would attack with 2 all the time (no need for a single claw attack). If i did that in order to balance it's damage potential each claw would deal less damage, which in turn lowers the damage potential for the goring assault ability. If you have a solution i'd be happy to hear it.
I have included the XP elite rules in the biomorph block
The double attack is fairly standard in 4th ed, as it still leaves a single attack for attacks of opportunity and other abilities (from leaders, etc) that allow for only a basic attack instead of a standard action. They still have to hit with both attacks, don't forget.
The only thing I meant about the synapse was that GW has recently chosen to give genestealer squads there own mini-hivemind, which I personally think fits well with the concept.
These are all extremely nit-picky exceptions. Awesome job!
Shiftkitty, as the original requester, have you used these gribbleys yet?
can anyone tell me how to create these nice tables in posts ??
please answer in 4e shinobi class tread. thanks
I know i haven't got around to doing anything with this recently, but ive been quite busy with xmas (a lot of traveling) and my scifi setting. Has anyone used what's been done so far? I'd love some feedback on their use, or playtest. The 4th ed party i GM is only just lvl 4 so i haven't had the chance myself.
Shiftkitty, as the original requester, have you used these gribbleys yet?
I'm about to. I'm thinking of replacing the Carnage Demons in H2's encounter right after the Well of Demons, where the party is supposed to stop the ritual. I may swap out the CDs with some Brood Brothers. The party is within 150 points apiece of Level 7. Sound like a good swap?
I look forward to seeing more of these critters.
A] Out of interest
B] Because my players aren't gonna stand for inexplicable reasons they can't find anything out for much longer.
B] Because my players aren't gonna stand for inexplicable reasons they can't find anything out for much longer.
I didn't know anyyone was waiting on me
but i'll get right to it should have something by tomorrow night.It's cool that your players don't know what they are, i take it none of them play WH40k?
Do you think the purestrains have played well? do they seem balanced for their level? I'm also curious to know if you've used any other monsters in the same encounters as the cult.
but i will say,
one of my PCs got gene fever from a biomorphed purestrain, and theyve fought a few encounter groups of initiates, blood brothers, purestrains, biomorphs, and ripper swarms (reflavored/reworked needlefang drake swarms, with their powers pumped up) and said that they enjoyed it thoroughly, saying they are really fun and cool monsters.
My players also enjoy me working the angle that they are being sent/controlled/called by something greater than themselves, and nudging them to figure out what it is.
I have to say Fragsie, GREAT CREATION:D :D
I didnt want to sound like i was trying to force you to work or anything.
:heehee I was attempting to be cute, not exasperated! Worry not, it will help me to get them done quicker, i often loose my steam with these projects
one of my PCs got gene fever from a biomorphed purestrain, and theyve fought a few encounter groups of initiates, blood brothers, purestrains, biomorphs, and ripper swarms (reflavored/reworked needlefang drake swarms, with their powers pumped up)
Wow, you'll have to keep me updated on how that character fairs, especially if the lustyness kicks in, do you have a mixed gender party? i should get on with the hybrid template too, that way you'll be able to turn loads of MM monsters into hive gribbleys of all shapes and sizes!
Any chance you could post those ripper swarms on here?
I have to say Fragsie, GREAT CREATION:D :D
Thankyou :D it gives me a warm fuzzy feeling to hear such praise :D
The only thing I would reconsider...is making the purestrains minions. It adds to the terror, and allows for a entire force of these to be deployed rather than 2 or 3 at a time.
The terror is not in them individually...its them in the masses...
I love it!
The only thing I would reconsider...is making the purestrains minions. It adds to the terror, and allows for a entire force of these to be deployed rather than 2 or 3 at a time.
The terror is not in them individually...its them in the masses...
I know where you're coming from, but remember that we're dealing with a genestealer cult here; not a tyranid invasion. Depending on how quickly i finish the cult, i may well move on to tyranids as higher level monster, in which case i would make a minion variation of the purestrains and the cultist would be all but obsolete.
If you're wanting that kind of endless rush of alien terrors, may i point you in the direction of Wushu. i like to play the odd encounter using wushu rules every now and then when i want exactly that kind of atmosphere
Just experimenting with the concepts and such. Mixing terror, fear, and the rush of the 88s.
I wanna work with you makin some bigger monsters too, maybe licktor zoanthrope. But definitely the Carnifex
I will put those rippers up tonight. for sure.
I wanna work with you makin some bigger monsters too, maybe licktor zoanthrope. But definitely the Carnifex
Well, after stating up to the patriarch i was planning on going back throrugh what i'd done and filling in all the lore check and tactics stuff; But by all means; start on some guants or something. I had imagined the 'Nids taking over where the cult left of; level wise, stretching from termigants at around lvl 10 minions, warriors about lvl 16 tyrant guard and hive tyrant around lvl 25, a lictor would have to be a solo lurker, the carnifex a brute, maybe a solo too?
EDIT: If we're going to do all the Tyranids you should pobably start it in a second thread so the info can be on the top post of the thread, you should probably reserve a couple of posts too
I could really do with a PEACH on the patriarch as it's my first ever solo monster, and im unsure of it's balance, and whether it has enough to prove a decent threat to an entire party.
Ripper Swarm
Ripper Swarm
Level 5 Soldier
Medium aberrant beast humanoid XP 200
Initiative +5 Senses Perception +6 Lowlight Vision
_____________________
HP 65; Bloodied 32.
AC 20; Fortitude 20, Reflex 17, Will special (see Mindlessness)
_____________________
Immune against will attacks (see Mindlessness)
Resist Half damage from melee and ranged attacks
Resist 5 Acid
Vulnerable 5 Close and Area attacks
Speed 8
_____________________
Ripping Maws (standard; at-will)
+11 vs. AC; 1d10+5 damage;2d8+5 damage against a prone target.
______________________
Pull Down (standard; at-will)
+9 vs. Fortitude; Target is knocked prone
__
Digesting Juices (minor; Recharge |6|) (Basic) ✦ Acid
until the end of Ripper Swarm's next turn any successful Ripping Maws
__
Acid Spurt (immediate interrupt; when first bloodied)✦ Acid
Close burst 1, automatic hit. 1d6+3 acid damage, and ongoing 3 acid damage (save ends)
_______________________
Mindlessness
Ripper Swarms are immune any attack/effect against a will save.
_____________________
Alignment Unaligned Languages -
Str 18 (5) Dex 13 (2) Wis 10 (1)
Con 17 (4) Int 2 (-3) Cha 10 (1)
Equipment -
Ripper Swarm
Level 5 Soldier
Medium aberrant beast humanoid XP 200
Initiative +5 Senses Perception +6 Lowlight Vision
_____________________
HP 65; Bloodied 32.
AC 20; Fortitude 20, Reflex 17, Will special (see Mindlessness)
_____________________
Immune against will attacks (see Mindlessness)
Resist Half damage from melee and ranged attacks
Resist 5 Acid
Vulnerable 5 Close and Area attacks
Speed 8
_____________________
Ripping Maws (standard; at-will)
+11 vs. AC; 1d10+5 damage;2d8+5 damage against a prone target.
______________________
Pull Down (standard; at-will)
+9 vs. Fortitude; Target is knocked prone
__
Digesting Juices (minor; Recharge |6|) (Basic) ✦ Acid
until the end of Ripper Swarm's next turn any successful Ripping Maws
__
Acid Spurt (immediate interrupt; when first bloodied)✦ Acid
Close burst 1, automatic hit. 1d6+3 acid damage, and ongoing 3 acid damage (save ends)
_______________________
Mindlessness
Ripper Swarms are immune any attack/effect against a will save.
_____________________
Alignment Unaligned Languages -
Str 18 (5) Dex 13 (2) Wis 10 (1)
Con 17 (4) Int 2 (-3) Cha 10 (1)
Equipment -
Zoats were once used to communicate with other species for the hive, but aren't around anymore because the hive deemed the attempt futile,