Blooderflies

Yesterday, I learned that one of the fan-created monsters in Dungeon Denizens II is the "Blooderfly". 

I wonder if this will be similar to the "blooderfly cloud" from Silent Nightfall (Purple Duck Games 2013)?

Here is the text for reference (pp. 19-20):

Even the tiniest and most inoffensive creatures are affected by the demonic radiation, as the blooderfly clouds show.  These are clouds of pure white to pinkish butterflies which can surround a creature in order to feed upon its blood, flushing their wings to a bright red.  These creatures attack victims in swarms, occupying a 20’ x 20’ area, and each creature within the space must make a DC 15 Fort or Ref save to avoid taking 1 point of Stamina damage due to blood loss.  When the swarm has taken 10 points of Stamina, it disperses to digest.  Swarms take half damage from any attack that is not an area effect.

Blooderfly cloud:  Init +3; Atk special; AC 10; HD 4d6; MV fly 30’; Act 1d20; SP blood drain, swarm; SV Fort –4 , Ref +6, Will +0; AL N.

Let’s Convert the Monster Manual: Geryon

I’ve decided to drop the boilerplate explanation for these posts. If you’ve seen any of the others, you’ve already read it. I am still hoping for some suggestions as to 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th, and/or 5^th Edition monsters that I can do after I finish of the Monster Manual, Deities & Demigods cyclopedia, Monster Manual II. I am thinking I should also do any monsters from the Basic, Expert, etc., sets, which didn’t make it into later editions. It would be good to have those things for reference, and I think it would help in adventure conversions.

Geryon is the final archdevil in the Monster Manual, clearly inspired by his appearance in Dante’s Inferno, but without the “infernal taxi service” aspect. The resulting devil is flavorful, ripe for expansion, and probably the most demon-like of his kin. Dante, of course, was not writing with role-playing games in mind, and certainly not with either AD&D’s or DCC’s alignment systems. For Dante, there was little or no difference between demons and devils, and the “Great Beast” of his poem was Lawful only in the senses that it followed the hierarchy of Hell and obeyed Virgil’s (divinely granted) command. This, at least, does give us something to work with, even if we omit Geryon’s stint as an infernal ferry service.

Geryon (Archdevil): Init +8; Atk claw +14 melee (3d6) or tail sting +12 melee (2d4 plus venom) or stare or spell; AC 23; HD 16d12 (133 hp); MV 20’ or fly 50’; Act 3d20; SP devil traits, venom (1d5 Strength Damage and Fort DC 25 or die), rend, stare, spells, horn; SV Fort +14, Ref +9, Will +14; AL L.

Spells (+20 to spell check): Charm person, comprehend languages, control ice, darkness, demon summoning, detect invisible, detect magic, dispel magic, and invisibility.

                Rend: If Geryon hits the same opponent with both claws, he rends the unfortunate victim for an additional 3d6 damage.

Stare: Geryon’s stare causes fear (-2d on dice chain for all rolls, lasting 1d4 rounds, Will DC 25 negates) in a single opponent.

                Horn:  Geryon’s Horn is a great bull’s horn which, when blown, summons forth 5d4 prime minotaurs which will obey the winder to the death. The horn can only be blown once a week, and a mortal who dares wind this terrible horn permanently loses 1 point of Stamina for each minotaur it summons.

                Devil traits: Telepathy, immunities (weapons of less than +5 enchantment or natural attacks from creatures of 12 HD or less, fire, cold, electricity, gas, acid), projection (teleport at will to any location, as long as not bound or otherwise summoned; can project astrally and ethereally), crit range 15-20.

Geryon, “the Wild Beast” has a ten-foot tall humanoid torso that ends in a snake-like tail some thirty feet long and tipped with a venomous stinger. Bat-like wings sprout from his shoulders. Although his face is handsome, it is cruel, and his hairy arms end in paw-like hands.

Geryon rules the fifth plane of Hell from a huge castle in the very middle of the plane, and seldom ventures forth from it. He is given to passionate bloodlust, and often loses his exceptional genius when the opportunity to revel in carnage arises. It may be imagined that Geryon is, to his hellish overlord Asmodeus, like a domesticate animal, bestial in nature but obedient to his master.

Those who would take this archdevil for their patron must likewise be willing to obey him, while otherwise surrendering part of their civilized nature. In order to ensure this, Geryon demands the sacrifice of someone important to the caster as part of the bonding ritual. This not only offers proof of fealty, but makes it difficult for the client caster to return to who they were before. As a result, Geryon is the only archdevil who foregoes formal contracts to obtain his patronage.

Invoke Patron check results:

12-13     Secluded within his castle in hell, Geryon hears the caster not. However, the caster’s own bestial nature answers the call, granting them a +2 bonus to melee attack rolls and damage for the next 1d5 + Caster Level rounds.

14-17     Bloodlust fills the caster’s mind, and they gain a +4 bonus to all melee attack rolls and damage for the next 1d6 + Caster Level rounds. Moreover, during this period they gain critical hits as a monster (Table M) whose Hit Dice are equal to their Caster Level.

18-19     As above, but the condition lasts 1d7 + Caster Level minutes, and during this time the caster ignores the first 2 points of damage from any source.

20-23     As above, but the caster ignores the first 5 points of damage, their critical range is extended to 19-20, and the condition lasts 1d4 + Caster Level turns. Unfortunately, the caster’s bloodlust is so great that, once they make a successful melee attack, they must succeed in a DC 5 Will save to stop attacking so long as even a single target – friend or foe – remains within 30 feet.

24-27     As above, but the caster also gains an additional 1d20 action die which can be used for melee attacks only. Their teeth and nails grow sharper and stronger, with a base damage of 1d6 for unarmed attacks while this condition lasts. The Will save for the caster to stop attacking increases to DC 10.

28-29     As above, but if the caster hits the same target with two claw attacks, they can rend for an additional 1d6 + Caster Level damage, and the Will save to stop attacking increases to DC 15.

30-31     The wild horn of Geyron echoes around the caster. All foes within 500 feet must succeed in a DC 20 Will save or flee for 2d6 + Caster Level rounds. If they cannot flee, they collapse into a cowering, sniveling mess upon a failed save.

1d3 rounds later, a group of 2d4 + Caster Level minotaurs appear, and immediately begin to aid the caster in whatever way the caster directs. At the end of each turn, one of the minotaurs disappears until none are left.

32+         The wild horn of Geyron echoes around the caster. All foes within 500 feet must succeed in a DC 25 Will save or flee for 2d6 + Caster Level minutes. If they cannot flee, they collapse into a cowering, sniveling mess upon a failed save. A group of 2d4 + Caster Level prime minotaurs appear, and immediately begin to aid the caster in whatever way the caster directs. At the end of each turn, one of the prime minotaurs disappears until none are left.

                When the last prime minotaur is left, the caster has the option of permanently sacrificing 1 point of Stamina to make the creature serve until it, or the caster, is slain or banished back to its place of origin. If the sacrificed Stamina is ever undone (such as through a restore vitality spell), the prime minotaur instantly disappears. Depending upon circumstances, Geryon may also be displeased and exact some penalty.

Let’s Convert the Monster Manual: Dispater

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!

Having already converted the demons from the original Monster Manual, I was required to consider how devils should be differentiated from demons in this conversion. I decided to retain the lawful nature of devils, although I otherwise treated them as demons. As before, some deviation from the strict order of presentation is required to allow for invoke patron results, with the archdevils being sone first (one per post), and then the other devils.

Of all the archdevils in the Monster Manual, Dispater is the most generically written. While this is fine for AD&D, conversion to DCC requires a bit more “meat”, especially in terms of invoke patron results.  Luckily, the archdevils in the Monster Manual all come from real-world sources, so there is plenty of material available to flesh him out!

My original plans had not included doing the other monsters (but not all of the gods!) from the Deities & Demigods cyclopedia, and I had been waffling on converting the Monster Manual II, but I think I’d like to have these done for my own reference, which means that you will get them for your reference as well. There are some unique monsters made for 2^nd and 3^rd Edition – I quite like the ethereal filcher and the grick, for instance – so it might be worthwhile to do those as well. Let me know what you think in the comments.

Dispater (Archdevil): Init +8; Atk rod +16 melee (4d6) or stare or spell; AC 22; HD 18d12 (144 hp); MV 40’; Act 2d20; SP devil traits, stare, spells; SV Fort +10, Ref +10, Will +16; AL L.

Spells (+20 to spell check): Charm person, comprehend languages, control fire, darkness, demon summoning, detect invisible, detect magic, dispel magic, invisibility, scorching ray, and weather control.

                Stare: Dispater’s stare can cause a chill (2d12 cold damage, Fort DC 24 for half) or fear (-2d on dice chain for all rolls, lasting 1d4 rounds, Will DC 24 negates) in a single opponent, as desired by the archdevil.

                Devil traits: Telepathy, immunities (weapons of less than +5 enchantment or natural attacks from creatures of 12 HD or less, fire, cold, electricity, gas, acid), projection (teleport at will to any location, as long as not bound or otherwise summoned; can project astrally and ethereally), crit range 15-20.

This archdevil rules Hell’s second plane from his infernally grand palace in the iron city of Dis. The city is filed with un-dead, damned from the lands of the living, which are often little more than zombie-like slaves. Erinyes are found there in abundance, as well as a sprinkling of barbed and horned devils. The entire plane is called Dis by mortals, after the iron city of its ruler, but it also has a secret name known only to the lords of Hell.

Dispater appears as an evilly handsome man, a full even feet tall, with only his small horns, tail, and cloven left hoof distinguish him from humanity. Some mortal cultists know him as Rex Infernus (King of Hell), believing Dispater to be superior to Asmodeus. Others know him as Dis Pater, Dis, Soranus, Taranis, Aericura, or even Śuri. He is considered by some to rival Orcus as Lord of the Dead. Sacrifices are made to propitiate Dispater on round marble alters by those venturing below the earth in search of buried treasures, including precious ores and gemstones, for Dispater is known to jealously protect that wealth which lies below the surface world. These offerings may be as simple as food or flowers, but also include sacrificial animals (particularly wolves and goats), and, in some places, even the sacrifice of humans and other sentient creatures.

Dispater is also associated with volcanoes, thunder, storms, and oracular visions – both through dreams and through breathing fumes which arise from deep underground. The ceremony to bond with Dispater must take place in a subterranean area where such fumes are present, and the caster spends the casting process weaving in and out of dreams and visions.

Invoke Patron check results:

12-13     The Father of Wealth is not impressed by the caster, but provides them with a gift. All the silver on their person is transformed into gold, and all the copper into silver. In some cases, as with silver weapons, this might make them less useful (as per judge). If the caster survives, this gift is theirs. If the caster should die, it is a gift to whoever loots the caster’s body.

14-17     Surely this has happened before, in a dream or in a vision. Instinctive knowledge of the future grants the caster a +2 bonus to all d20 rolls, which lasts for 1d6+CL rounds. During this time, the caster may choose to re-roll and one d20 roll, keeping the better of the two results, but doing so ends the bonus immediately. (The bonus still applies to the re-roll.)

18-19     A gout of lava and volcanic gas busts upward at any one target chosen by the caster within line of sight and 500 feet. The target takes 4d12 damage (Reflex DC 15 for half), and if it survives must succeed in a DC 15 Fort save or be overcome by the mephitic fumes, falling unconscious for 4d6 rounds, during which it cannot be awakened save by magic.

20-23     The Lord of the Dead keeps and protects you. If the caster is dropped to 0 hp or would otherwise be slain during the next 1d6+CL turns, they instead instantly disappear, being transported to the iron city of Dis. There they spend 1 subjective year per turn remaining (or portion thereof) of the original effect before reappearing at the end of the duration, healed and whole. If the caster did not know the Infernal tongue before, they know it now, and can speak no other language for 1 hour per year spent in Hell. At the judge’s discretion, the caster’s time in Hell may result in new spell knowledge or adventure hooks, and/or some service to be performed once returned to the mortal plane.

24-27     The Lord of the Dead guides and defends you. For the next 1d6+CL hours, any humanoid creature slain by the caster (through any means) arises as a zombie the following round. The caster can directly control CL zombies. The remainder become free-willed un-dead bent upon consuming the living, but they ignore the caster and any allies within 100 feet of the caster unless attacked by them. These zombies are persistent, and last until destroyed. Moreover, any zombies created by this result and controlled by the caster can cast second sight (+0 bonus to the spell check) on behalf of the caster, when asked a specific question, although doing so destroys the zombie immediately thereafter. So long as the caster is able to create new zombies with this result, they may transfer their control to any zombie(s) so created, if they are within 100 feet and they are currently controlling fewer than CL zombies. 

28-29     One foe within line of sight of the caster must succeed in a DC 25 Will save or be transformed into solid gold for the next 1d6+CL hours. A human-sized creature weighs nearly 3,000 pounds once so transformed, but chunks can be cut off the victim…potentially killing them once they revert to flesh and blood. Although the judge can rule otherwise, it is recommended that 100 gp weighs a pound, but minting increases the value of coinage, so that a pound of un-minted gold is worth only 10 gp. The entire statue, though, is potentially priceless as a work of art. Anyone who purchases this gold or accepts it in payment is in for a ghoulish surprise once the effect has worn off….

30-31     As 28-29, above, but with a DC 30 Will save and the effects are permanent. Dealing with a lump of gold this size, of course, leads to its own complications as it sparks infernal avarice in most who see or hear of it (as per judge).

32+         Dispater transports the caster before his jeweled throne in the iron city of Dis. There, the caster may rest, recuperate, regain spells, etc., as desired for as long the caster requires. As a guest in the palace of Dispater, the caster has an opportunity to receive the best advice regarding the situation awaiting their return to the mortal plane, and can bargain with the archdevil to gain needful favors or gifts. Although these come with a high price, and are only granted to those who show Dispator the utmost deference and respect, there are few limits to what the fiend can give or do, and a companion can even be returned from death (although that companion will now and forever be bound to Dispater). When the caster is ready to return to the mortal plane, they reappear exactly where they were, and no time has passed.

Let’s Convert the Monster Manual: Baalzebul

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!

Having already converted the demons from the original Monster Manual, I was required to consider how devils should be differentiated from demons in this conversion. I decided to retain the lawful nature of devils, although I otherwise treated them as demons. As before, some deviation from the strict order of presentation is required to allow for invoke patron results, with the archdevils being sone first (one per post), and then the other devils.

It becomes very clear to me that I underutilized extraplanar monsters, including demons and devils, back in my AD&D days, but to be fair that system didn’t encourage using the “cool” monsters at low levels. As a result, I don’t believe that I ever used Baalzebul. Hopefully, this version will see more use!

As a side note, although I am utilizing AD&D’s “nine hells” in this conversion, when using these devils in your home campaign, you should feel free to use whatever cosmology you like, and change them accordingly!

Baalzebul (Archdevil): Init +10; Atk bite +20 melee (2d12 plus venom) or glance or spell; AC 25; HD 20d12 (166 hp); MV 30’ or fly 60’; Act 2d20; SP devil traits, venom, spells; SV Fort +12, Ref +11, Will +15; AL L.

           Spells (+20 to spell check): Charm person, comprehend languages, control fire, darkness, demon summoning, detect invisible, detect magic, dispel magic, invisibility, paralysis, scare, and scorching ray.

            Devil traits: Telepathy, immunities (weapons of less than +5 enchantment or natural attacks from creatures of 12 HD or less, fire, cold, electricity, gas, acid), projection (teleport at will to any location, as long as not bound or otherwise summoned; can project astrally and ethereally), crit range 15-20.

The Lord of the Flies is second only to Asmodeus in the infernal hierarchy, and rules the sixth and seventh planes of Hell. The sixth plane, Malbolge, is a black stone plain, filled with stinking vapors, smokes, fire pits, foul rifts, and huge caverns. The seventh plane, Maladomini, is similar, and it is there that the lava-moated castles of the horned devils and the great fortress of Baalzebul are located.

Although sometimes known as the Lord of Lies, Baalzebul delights in speaking the truth, albeit in a deceptive manner intended to lead the unwary toward erroneous conclusions which lead the unwary astray down dark and dangerous paths. This archdevil appears as a 12-foot tall man of great strength, whose head is that of an enormous horned fly with sharp-toothed humanoid jaws. His bite is venomous, causing 2d6 Stamina damage and requiring a DC 24 Fort save to avoid an agonizing death in 1d6+3 rounds.

His glance (requiring an action die) causes fear and weakness (1d4 Strength damage and Will save DC 24 or collapse in trembling, unable to take any action, so long as the gaze is maintained (using an action die each round) plus 1d4 rounds.

Baalzebul may grant the wishes of mortal creatures, keeping to the letter whilst twisting the intent to create sorrow and strife. In any event, such a wish is not granted for free, and at the very least the mortal must sell their soul to the archfiend, with a very specific date by which it must be delivered.

The ceremony to bond with Baalzebul must take place in a location swarming with biting or stinging flies.

Invoke Patron check results:

12-13     Buzzing flies surround the caster, obscuring them from their foes and providing a +2 bonus to AC for 1d6 rounds.

14-17     The caster is surrounded by biting and stinging flies to a radius of 30 feet for 1d7+CL rounds. These flies irritate opponents in their radius enough to cause them to suffer a -2 penalty to all attack rolls, skill checks, and spell checks. Further, enemy figures are targeted with a single 1d20+CL swarming attack roll which, if it beats their AC, results in 1 damage plus a Fort save (DC 10+CL) to avoid another 1d3 damage.

18-19     The caster plus equipment transforms instantly into a swarm of biting flies, gaining a +CL bonus to Reflex saves and taking only half damage from non-area effects so long as the transformation lasts. The swarm takes up a 20’ x 20’ x 20’ space and flies at a speed of 40’. The caster’s voice can be heard in the insectile drone, allowing them to cast spells as normal. In addition, the caster gains a free swarming bite attack which affects all hostile targets within the swarm’s area, doing 1 damage and requiring a Fort save (DC 12+CL) to avoid an additional 1d4 damage. The transformation lasts 1d6 turns, or until the caster willingly chooses to end it.

20-23     Do you want flies with that? Any time anyone within 300’ of the caster attempts to speak, their mouth is filled with flies, which emerge as a torrent. To even speak intelligibly requires a DC 20 Will save. Attempts to cast spells with verbal components require that this save succeeds, and even then are cast at -2d on the dice chain. The caster can exempt creatures from this effect, but, once exempted, the caster cannot reinstate the effect for that creature. This effect lasts 1d3+CL turns.

24-27     The caster is able to transform into a swarm of flies (as 18-19, above), or a single fly (+15 AC, Reflex saves, and stealth; -5 to Fortitude saves; fly 40’), or their normal form by using an action die as often as they wish for the next 1d4+CL turns.

28-29     As 24-27, above, but the benefit lasts 1d5+CL hours.

30-31     Gaining the honeyed tongue of their patron, the caster is able to imply whatever falsehood they wish, so long as they are able to do so without actually speaking a falsehood. Listeners who fail a DC 30 Will save believe the caster implicitly, although they can be persuaded that their misconception is wrong, with difficulty, and only after 1d7 days have passed. The caster keeps this power for 1d7+CL hours, or until they tell an outright falsehood (per judge).

32+         As 30-31, above, but there is no Will save to disbelieve the caster’s misdirections, victims cannot be persuaded of the truth until a fortnight (14 days) has passed, and the caster retains the power for 1d8+CL days, or until they tell an outright falsehood (per judge).

Let’s Convert the Monster Manual: Asmodeus

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!

Having already converted the demons from the original Monster Manual, I was required to consider how devils should be differentiated from demons in this conversion. I decided to retain the lawful nature of devils, although I otherwise treated them as demons. As before, some deviation from the strict order of presentation is required to allow for invoke patron results, with the archdevils being sone first (one per post), and then the other devils.

I used Asmodeus in a game once when I was in high school, shortly after reading Lord Foul’s Bane. I wanted to recreate the temptation scene from the novel, but flubbed it badly. When the devil comes to call on you out of the blue, no one in their right mind is even remotely tempted. The DCC way, which offers power but makes reaching for it the player’s job, offers greater incentives in my opinion. Certainly I have seen more PCs accept fool’s bargains – nay, seek them out! – in this system than in my AD&D days….having grown as a judge may account for some of that, but not all.

Asmodeus (Archdevil and King of the Shedim): Init +14; Atk ruby rod +25 melee (1d10+6) or ray or gaze or spell; AC 27; HD 25d12 (199 hp); MV 30’ or fly 60’; Act 2d20; SP demon traits, rays, gaze, fulfill wish, spells; SV Fort +14, Ref +13, Will +17; AL L.

           Spells (+20 to spell check): Charm person, control ice, control fire, darkness, demon summoning, detect invisible, detect magic, dispel magic, invisibility, magic missile, paralysis, phantasm, ray of enfeeblement, scare, and scorching ray.

            Devil traits: Telepathy, immunities (weapons of less than +5 enchantment or natural attacks from creatures of 12 HD or less, fire, cold, electricity, gas, acid), projection (teleport at will to any location, as long as not bound or otherwise summoned; can project astrally and ethereally), crit range 15-20.

The arch-fiend Asmodeus is the Overlord of all the dukes of Hell and the King of the Shedim, demons who are worshipped as gods by the unwary. His cunning and strength are legendary, as is his ruthlessness and charm. He rules from a mighty iron palace rests upon the floor of the lowest rift in Hell, served by pit fiends and other devils at all times. Once per year he commands the other archdevils to attend his court and pay homage, and woe to the mortal who disturbs Asmodeus at such a time.

Thirteen feet tall, Asmodeus is handsome and charming, so long as he does not forget himself and fly into a rage. His gaze can cast charm person, scare, or slow without any additional action, once per round, without using an action die (+20 to spell check). He wields a giant-sized ruby rod with an opaline tip which can shoot forth a cone of frost (30’ base), a line of acid, or a bolt of lightning on command (all effects are 120’ long, and do 4d12 damage with a DC 24 Reflex save for half). Asmodeus may grant the wishes of mortal creatures, but it delights his evil genius to keep to the letter of the wish while twisting the intent to create sorrow and strife. In any event, such a wish is not granted for free, and at the very least the mortal must sell their soul to the archfiend, with a very specific date by which it must be delivered.

Bonding with Asmodeus is a matter of hammering out a contract which must be signed in blood. Such a contract is never in the best interests of the mortal caster, although they may be granted an exceedingly long life so long as they continue to act in the interest of the Overlord of Hell, obey him in all things, and do not themselves become so proud as to forget their place.

Invoke Patron check results:

12-13     The barest hint of Asmodeus’ vast charisma surrounds the caster like an aura. Anything seeking to target the caster with a hostile spell or attack must succeed in a DC 13 Will save or lose their action. This condition lasts 13 rounds.

14-17     A faint reek of sulfur emanates from the caster as Asmodeus offers them infernal protection. For the next 13 minutes, the caster gains a +3 bonus to AC and all saves.

18-19     The caster gains a +3 bonus to AC and all saves. In addition, anything seeking to target the caster with a hostile spell or attack against the caster must succeed in a DC 13 Will save or lose their action. These benefits last for 13 turns, during which the caster smell strongly of brimstone.

20-23     Asmodeus sends an imp to aid the caster, which remains loyal for 13 days. If the caster does not already have a familiar, the caster may bond with the imp to extend the connection indefinitely. In this case, the caster need not know or cast the find familiar spell. The imp uses its own statistics (as per the upcoming imp conversion), but is otherwise treated as a demonic familiar. The caster can have no other familiar while the imp lives, and permanently loses twice the imp’s hit points and suffers a -5 spell check penalty until the next full moon should the imp die, just as if find familiar had been cast.

24-27     An erinyes devil immediately appears. Sent by Asmodeus, it serves the caster faithfully for 13 weeks, or until Asmodeus withdraws his favor due to some ill-advised action on the caster’s part. If Asmodeus withdraws his favor, the erinyes seeks to bring the caster to Hell in order to face the archfiend’s justice. So long as the devil serves the caster, the caster is considered unholy to any cleric or religion which considered devils unholy. The caster may dismiss the devil prematurely, but there is a 5% chance that this merely releases the creature onto the caster’s own plane, where it may use the remaining time to perform evil deeds in Asmodeus’ name.

28-29     A barbed devil immediately appears. Sent by Asmodeus, it serves the caster faithfully for 13 months, or until Asmodeus withdraws his favor due to some ill-advised action on the caster’s part. If Asmodeus withdraws his favor, the barbed devil seeks to bring the caster to Hell in order to face the archfiend’s justice. So long as the devil serves the caster, the caster is considered unholy to any cleric or religion which considered devils unholy. The caster may dismiss the devil prematurely, but there is a 10% chance that this merely releases the creature onto the caster’s own plane, where it may use the remaining time to perform evil deeds in Asmodeus’ name.

30-31     A horned devil immediately appears. Sent by Asmodeus, it serves the caster faithfully for 13 years, or until Asmodeus withdraws his favor due to some ill-advised action on the caster’s part. If Asmodeus withdraws his favor, the devil seeks to destroy the caster and then spend the rest of its time on the caster’s plane performing evil deeds in Asmodeus’ name. So long as the devil serves the caster, the caster is considered unholy to any cleric or religion which considered devils unholy. The caster may dismiss the devil prematurely, but there is a 40% chance that this merely releases the creature onto the caster’s own plane until the 13 years are completed.

32+         A pit fiend immediately appears. Sent by Asmodeus, it serves the caster for 13 years, or until Asmodeus withdraws his favor due to some ill-advised action on the caster’s part. If Asmodeus withdraws his favor, the devil seeks to destroy the caster and then spend the rest of its time on the caster’s plane performing evil deeds in Asmodeus’ name. So long as the devil serves the caster, the caster is considered unholy to any cleric or religion which considered devils unholy. Such a potent devil has its own interests and desires, and will seek to bend the caster to its service at every opportunity. Worse, once the initial incident which provoked the caster to invoke Asmodeus is resolved (as determined by the judge), the pit fiend is free to negotiate recompense of its own for each additional favor the caster requests of it.

The caster may dismiss the devil prematurely, but there is a 90% chance that this merely releases the creature onto the caster’s own plane until the 13 years are completed.

Let’s Convert the Monster Manual: Type V (Marilith, etc.) and Type IV (Balor, etc.) Demons

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!

This post concludes the demon the original Monster Manual, and the astute among us will note that DCC demons are more powerful in general than their AD&D 1e counterparts. You will also note that, in converting the various demons, I have not bothered to include magic resistance. In part this is because DCC demons tend to have better resistance to mundane weapons, and in part because DCC uses spell checks and allows for spell duels, furthering the chance that spells will not go off, or will be less powerful when they do.

In the original Monster Manual, these demons all have individual names and identities. “Balor” is a specific individual demon, not the generic name for all demons of his type. Knowing these demon’s names makes it likely that they will listen to you should you meet one, and if you offer it a great enough reward, it just might choose to grant you some small favor in return. They also might even be able to aid mortal spellcasters, having their own spellburn tables as the judge sees fit. Seeking the advice of a Type V demon in order to gain spell knowledge also seems like a cool campaign element to me.

The next “Let’s Convert the Monster Manual” post starts the devils. I will be doing archdevils (one per post), then other devils. In the original, devils were Lawful Evil, and there are examples in DCC adventures of both chaotic and lawful devils, but I think when I do these entries I will use law because it better matches the source material.

Marilith (Type V Demon): Init +7; Atk sword +12 melee (1d8+2) or battleaxe +10 melee (1d10+2) or constriction +8 melee (2d4 plus constriction); AC 24; HD 13d12; MV 50’; Act 4d20; SP demon traits, constrict (DC 23 Strength to escape), spellcasting (+20 spell check): Charm person, comprehend languages, control fire, darkness, detect invisible, levitation, and scare; SV Fort +11, Ref +14, Will +15; AL C.

            Demon traits: Telepathy, immunities (weapons of less than +4 enchantment or natural attacks from creatures of 9 HD or less, fire, cold, electricity, gas, and acid), projection (teleport at will to any location, as long as not bound or otherwise summoned; can project astrally and ethereally), crit range 16-20.

Appearing as six-armed, seven-foot tall women whose torsos end in long snake tails, these demons are hated and feared by those who serve their cruel majesty. They are highly intelligent and multi-dexterous, wielding weapons in each hand with equal facility. They can use their tails to constrict victims, and any being so held takes damage each round at the demon’s initiative count until they succeed on a DC 23 Strength check (which requires an action die), they are freed by a successful Mighty Deed (6+), the demon is slain, or the demon willingly lets her victim go. If forced to retreat, the demon can take any victim still being constricted with her when she projects, unless they succeed in a DC 23 Will save.

Winning the favor of such a demon is not easy. They delight in causing suffering and in dominating others, so that whosoever would bargain with or gain control over such a creature more often than not finds themselves the object of the demon’s own vindictive amusements. They have a strange relationship with strong warriors, particularly men, being both drawn to them and filled with loathing in their presence. Sacrificing such a one to these demons may elicit at least temporary favor.

Balor (Type IV Demon): Init +12; Atk flaming sword +20 melee (1d8+6 plus flames) or whip +21 melee (1d6+6 plus trip); AC 28; HD 18d12; MV 20’ or fly 50’; Act 4d20; SP demon traits, flames, trip, spellcasting (+20 spell check): Charm person, control fire, darkness, detect invisible, detect magic, dispel magic, levitate, phantasm, and scare; SV Fort +13, Ref +12, Will +13; AL C.

            Demon traits: Telepathy, immunities (weapons of less than +4 enchantment or natural attacks from creatures of 9 HD or less, fire, cold, electricity, gas, and acid), projection (teleport at will to any location, as long as not bound or otherwise summoned; can project astrally and ethereally), crit range 16-20.

There are six of these 12-foot-tall demons known to exist, appearing as dark humanoids with demonic heads and bat-like wings. Balor is the name of the strongest, and there is another as large as he. There are two which are the weakest, and two in the middle. In game terms, the two strongest have 216 and 200 hp respectively, the two in the middle have 112 hp each, and the weakest two have a mere 88 hp each.

Each wields a flaming sword capable of striking creatures only hit by magical weapons and a braided whip with six or more blade-lined tails. A creature hit by the sword must succeed in a DC 10 Reflex save or be set alight, taking 1d6 damage each round until a save succeeds. A target hit with the whip must succeed on a DC 23 Reflex save or be tripped and prone.

There is a 1-2 on 1d3 chance each round that the demon will immolate, its body and wings surrounded by flames, doing damage to any within melee range of it. Once a demon of this type has wreathed itself in flame, the flames remain for 2d6 rounds before the chance to immolate must be checked again. Balor and his strongest brother does 4d6 damage per round when immolated to any within melee range, the middle-powered demons do 3d6, and the smallest do 2d6 (in all cases, DC 23 Fort for half).

These darkly charismatic Type VI demons often bend other evil creatures to their will. Although they can be propitiated to aid mortals, demons of this type always seek to gain command rather than serve. Mortals who seek such creatures as servants, or who seek to deal with them as equals, often discover that they themselves gain a new master instead.

The Type VI (Balor) Demon was clearly inspired by the Balrog from The Fellowship of the Ring. I did a conversion of the MERP version of the creature in this blog post. Those who are interested are invited to compare and contrast. To facilitate this, my conversion is reproduced below:

Balrog (Type VI Demon of Morgoth): Init +8; Atk two-handed sword +21 melee (1d10+6) or whip +21 melee (1d6+6 plus entwine), or claw +18 melee (1d6+6); AC 24; HD 15d12; MV 40’ or fly 60’ (special); Act 2d20; SP Demon traits, entwine, presence, immolation, counterspell, clumsy flight; SV Fort +16, Ref +14, Will +17; AL C; Crit DN/1d20.

Demon Traits: Telepathy, infravision, cast darkness (+20 to spell check). Immunities (weapons of less than +4 enchantment,natural attacks from creatures of 9 HD or less, fire, cold, electricity, gas, and acid), crit range 16-20.

Entwine: When he hits with his whip, the balrog may entwine the lashes around a foe, pulling him up to 10’ each round unless they succeed in an opposed Strength check vs. +6. An opponent may escape with a DC 20 Agility check (requiring an action) or a Mighty Deed of 6+.

Presence: Upon sighting the balrog, all creatures must succeed in a DC 20 Will save or lose their next action. If they fail by 5 or more, they are unable to act for 1d6 rounds.

Immolation: The balrog can sheath himself and his weapons in fire at will, doing +1d6 damage per attack, and doing an automatic 1d6 damage per round to any creature engaged in melee with him. Complete submersion ends and prevents further use of this ability for 3d6 hours.

Counterspell: The balrog can engage in spell duels with a +15 bonus to his spell check, but is limited to casting dispel magic for this purpose, which has no effect other than cancelling an opposing spell.

Clumsy Flight: The balrog can only move 10’ on his first round of flight, 20’ on his second, 30’ on the third, and only reaches full flight speed on the fourth round.

Let’s Convert the Monster Manual: Type II (Hezrou), Type III (Glabrezu), and Type IV (Nalfeshnee, etc.) Demons

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.

In the original Monster Manual, some demons of Type IV or better have individual names and identities. “Nalfeshnee” is a specific individual demon, not the generic name for all demons of his type. Thus, although I am creating a statblock for “Nalfeshnee”, the judge should remember that each demon represented by these stats has a name and identity. Knowing these demon’s names makes it likely that they will listen to you should you meet one, and if you offer it a great enough reward, it just might choose to grant you some small favor in return. Just be aware that this more likely than not to be like a ham sandwich petitioning a hungry patron in a deli….success is certainly not guaranteed!

Demons are a big part of folklore, and of the foundational works that inspired the game. I have used them more often with DCC than with AD&D, because they never really seemed “fair” in the earlier game until PCs reached at least mid-levels. These demons have fewer powers than demons of similar types in DCC, but weapons immunity alone makes them considerable foes. Demons of Type IV and above might even be able to aid mortal spellcasters, having their own spellburn tables as the judge sees fit.

Hezrou (Type II Demon): Init +5; Atk claw +5 melee (1d6) or bite +3 melee (4d4); AC 18; HD 8d12; MV 20’ or swim 40’; Act 2d20; SP demon traits, spellcasting (+8 spell check): Darkness, detect invisible, levitation, and scare; SV Fort +5, Ref +4, Will +8; 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 appear as seven-foot tall grotesque humanoid toads.  They have a great hatred for vrock-type demons, and the two demon types will fight each other for almost any reason.

Glabrezu (Type III Demon): Init +3; Atk claw +9 melee (2d6+4) or claw +7 melee (1d3+4) or bite +4 melee (1d5+4); AC 19; HD 12d12; MV 30’; Act 5d20; SP demon traits, spellcasting (+12 spell check): control fire, darkness, levitate, and scare; SV Fort +8, Ref +8, Will +7; AL C.

           Demon traits: Telepathy, immunities (weapons of less than +2 enchantment or natural attacks from creatures of 5 HD or less), half damage (fire, cold, electricity, gas and acid), projection (teleport at will to any location, as long as not bound or otherwise summoned; can project astrally and ethereally), crit range 18-20.

These broad demons are over nine feet tall, with a dog-like head crowned with goat horns, pincers, and a small set of clawed humanoid arms growing from their chests. They can attack with pincers, claws, and bite, but to cast spells they must give up two action dice (one claw and bite).

Nalfeshnee (Type IV Demon): Init +6; Atk claw +12 melee (1d8) or bite +8 melee (2d4+4); AC 22; HD 16d12; MV 30’ or fly 30’; Act 2d20; SP demon traits, ungainly flight, spellcasting (+16 spell check): darkness, detect magic, dispel magic, levitate, phantasm, and scare; SV Fort +10, Ref +10, Will +13; 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.

At a height of ten feet, with the upper torsos of apes and the pelvis, legs, and cloven hooves of boars, these demons have faces in which ape and pig are unhandsomely combined. Their feathered wings are too small for sustained flight (1d6+4 rounds at the most, with a like number of minutes needing to pass before they can fly again).

Free RPG Day Revisited

On June 5th, I posted that I would be running the new DCC adventure for Free RPG Day at TistaMinis Hobby Shop.  Sadly, it is now Wednesday before the event, and the store hasn't made prepping the aventure possible. 

When I first contacted the store owner, after moving out of Toronto, this really seemed like a slam dunk. After all, from a store's perspective, the whole idea of events like Free RPG Day or DCC Day are to get new people into the store. 

I have never asked a store for anything other than early access to materials to run these events, and, frankly, the stores I have run for in the past - Hairy Tarantula, 401 Games, Noble Knight, the sadly defunct Wizard's Cache, and my one-time home away from home, the Sword & Board, were all proactive in helping make these events a success. And they were successful, sometimes with enough players to stretch my GMing skills to new levels.

In this case, however, no real effort seems to have been made, and I am tired of chasing the owner for updates. Chalk this one up to experience, I guess.

Apologies to any and all I have disappointed.

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!