Let’s Convert the Monster Manual: Manes, Succubus, and Type I (Vrock)

I’ve been asked to convert the original Monster Manual in a manner similar to my conversion of the Fiend Folio. I am going to do this a bit differently, though, and just try to stick to the essence of creatures without referring to the text of the original work. This is, in part, because of my plans to create a monster book in the upcoming year. In this case, we are dealing with IP that is currently held by Wizards of the Coast/Hasbro, so I can’t imagine a published version of everything here coming out!

When converting the demons and devils from the original Monster Manual, some deviation from the strict order of presentation is required to allow for invoke patron results. I am therefore doing the demon princes (one per post), other demons, archdevils (one per post), then other devils.

Succubae and incubi are listed as Type IV demons in the DCC core rules, and I have followed that here (although the Monster Manual would suggest to me a Type II demon based on Hit Dice). These are not, it should be noted, official statistics, and I am aware of at least two Goodman Games adventures which contain succubae in DCC terms. I have avoided referencing those adventures while doing these conversions, but the interested can seek them out, and I will gladly point you in the right direction privately so as to avoid spoilers.

I have also added a “Lesser Succubus” to match the power level of the AD&D version more closely. One can see that some of the abilities of a Type II demon fall below those of the Monster Manual succubus, but providing options is not, to my mind at least, a bad thing.

Similarly, the vrock is definitely more potent in the Monster Manual, but as this is the in-system example of a Type I demon, I am loathe to provide a higher-type version of the same monster. It is my hope that, in statting out the other demons, some form of balance will be achieved between the more- and less-powerful conversions. 

One of the most glorious aspects of Dungeon Crawl Classics is the mantra to “Make Monsters Mysterious”. This follows the ethos of the pulps the game is based upon, and opposes the formulaic idea of what this or that monster must be. The upwelling of creativity that follows from this advice is something that I hope we can hold on to, even as a second official monster book has been announced!

Manes: Init +0; Atk claw +1 melee (1d3) or bite +0 melee (1d4); AC 13; HD 1d8; MV 10’; Act 3d20; SP half damage from non-magical weapons, immune to mind-affecting, death throes; SV Fort +2, Ref -2, Will -4; AL C.

These sub-demons are only semi-intelligent, existing only to fulfill their hatred and hunger, or orders given to them by a demon lord or other master. They are no taller than a halfling, and so ill-formed that they move slowly for the most part – but they can use action dice to move, meaning that a manes can move up to 30’ and still make a single attack! When using demon summoning, 4d4 manes can be summoned to replace a single Type I demon (these can be controlled by the spellcaster, despite their normal immunities). When reduced to 0 hp, they become clouds of foul-smelling vapor, drifting away to reform after 4d12 hours.

Some sages claim that manes are the dead which are pulled to the Abyss after life, and which are sometimes consumed by the various demon lords and princes, destroying them utterly. At other times, demon princes may elevate manes to un-dead status as shadows or ghosts if their evil was great enough in life, to plague the material world. At other times the manes themselves are loosed upon the living world for a day, there to wreak havoc for their Abyssal lords’ delight.

Succubus (Type IV Demon): Init +6; Atk claw +10 melee (1d6+2); AC 23; HD 8d12; MV 30’ or fly 60’; Act 2d20; SP demon traits, shapechange, Stamina drain (1d4, DC 23 Will negates), spellcasting (+16 spell check): charm person, darkness, ESP; SV Fort +12, Ref +13, Will +12; AL C.

            Demon traits: Telepathy, immunities (weapons of less than +3 enchantment or natural attacks from creatures of 7 HD or less, fire, cold, electricity, gas), half damage from acid), projection (teleport at will to any location, as long as not bound or otherwise summoned; can project astrally and ethereally), crit range 17-20.

Lesser Succubus (Type II Demon): Init +5; Atk claw +7 melee (1d3); AC 14; HD 6d12; MV 30’ or fly 60’; Act 2d20; SP demon traits, shapechange, Stamina drain (1d4, DC 16 Will negates), spellcasting (+8 spell check): charm person, darkness, ESP; SV Fort +6, Ref +7, Will +7; AL C.

            Demon traits: Immunities (non-magical weapons or natural attacks from creatures of 3 HD or less), half damage (fire, cold, electricity, gas, and acid), projection (teleport at will to native plane, as long as not bound or otherwise summoned), crit range 19-20.

These demons can appear in any humanoid form, and are able to shapechange into whatever they believe will be most alluring using an action die. In their natural form, they are tall and very attractive, with bat-like wings, small horns, and sharp teeth. In male form, they are called incubi, and it is unclear whether they actually have gender, or whether succubae and incubi are interchangeable, taking whatever form their victims are most likely to find attractive.

In either case, this demon can drain 1d4 Stamina with a single kiss, although they may choose (or be commanded) not to use this ability. Succubae are sometimes the consorts of other, usually more powerful, demons, and rule lower demons through a combination of threats and guile.

Vrock (Type I Demon): Init +0; Atk claw +4 melee (1d6+4) or beak +2 melee (1d8+4); AC 16; HD 4d12; MV 30’ or fly 60’; Act 2d20; SP demon traits, spellcasting (+4 spell check): darkness, detect invisible; SV Fort +3, Ref +2, Will +0; AL C.

            Demon traits: Half damage from non-magical weapons and fire.

Demonic beings resembling a cross between human and vulture, standing 8 ½ feet tall with a wingspan of 1d4+16 feet, vrocks are all too common on the Abyssal planes. They will do much to secure precious metals, jewels, and human flesh, but are too stupid to easily follow a bribe offer…which also means that clever adventures may find the means to easily trick them. Luring vrocks into a trap or ambush is not that difficult!