I think that you have a lot of voters who just weren't using the exit polls.
I'm sure. But then, so does everyone, I'm more than willing to bet. I mean, I'm not trying to be overly pessimistic and I'll leave my major despairing for this afternoon if such is the case.
However, in the event that you do advance I still want stats for these, because they belong in my game. I thought that the Rictus and the Liesinger could really only be compared in terms of imagery (they're very different creatures); nevertheless, at the risk of sounding self-depreciating, I felt that (as written) you brought the better monster this round.
Best of luck, and I hope we're both still here in eight hours.
Oh, I think there's definitely room in the top sixteen for both mouthy monsters. I already gushed over on the Liesinger thread on day one about how much I loved them, but yes, as far as concept they're two totally different animals. That said, I've envied them all week for not being something I came up with. :-) At least partly because, for all the talk of Vashta Nerada and Cheshire Cats, the main image I drew on when trying to imagine these guys came from a more... esoteric source. And, as was pointed out over in the liesinger's thread, you come much closer to that image. Why? Lips. Why didn't I think to put little zombie lips on! And then a really strange necromancer could put lipstick on them and...
Huh. Probably not doing that much to discourage the 'Sean's mind is limited to the comedic and wacky' train of thought here, am I?
Okay, I'll stop talking now.
I hope you'll be entering next year!
Seriously, I thought you had some good ideas here.
Oh, well, it's only 332 days till the next contest starts, right?
Once again thanks to everyone.
To the voters, whether you voted for me or not- this contest works only because a big group of people get excited and passionate about it every year.
To the fans of the monkey or rictus- thank you for your votes, and thank you even more for letting me know that I managed to create something that resonated with you. On the offhand chance either ever sees use in someone's home game, I hope you'll let me know about it. I want to hear all the juicy details. :-)
And to the judges- well, there's little to say that hasn't been said. You guys are fantastic and I truly hope that none of you get burned out on doing this year after year because I fully intend to submit next year as well. Already debating new wondrous items...
And that's (almost) all from me. I'll be posting the stats on the rictus here in a few days time, just to get it out of my system; I'd love to get feedback, positive or negative, on that. I've actually never DONE a 3.0/3.5/PF monster entry before, so I'm sure I'll have a lot of room for improvement. (Yeah, I'd probably have bombed out of this round if I'd made the top 16...)
And I'll be seeing you folks around and arguing over the merits of various entries for the next couple rounds as well. There's a lot to be said for not having contest pressure held over your head any longer and getting to be a pure spectator and voter again.
(Not that I wouldn't still rather be in the running, but...)
Take care.
Yeah, congrats on MAKING these guys, I look forward to see the stats.
...I was sad that it didn't make it thru... (You were my only vote that didn't)
Quandary, a belated thanks. Your support was noted and extremely appreciated by me during the voting week.
So, my idea of these guys stat block is completed and will be my next post. In drafting it up, I tried to incorporate various comment suggestions, and needed clarifications. Still, like I said before, it's the first time I've ever done a custom monster stat block, so I'm sure there are gaping flaws throughout. If anyone is bored and waiting for a chance to pick apart one of the top 16's entries and Tuesday afternoon seems like it will never come, feel free to practice your shredding skills on this. Just a few notes up front:
-The name: I went Golarion specific for this; other names for the swarm I was playing around with were Rictustorm or Chatterstorm, if you're looking to use it somewhere lacking in a demon queen of cannibalism.
-No, I didn't even try to structure it as a round 3 entry. It's above the maximum CR and insanely far above word count. While there is a lot to be said for the self-discipline I could learn by continuing to play along with the contest at home, this is more or less what was in my head (and partly written) during the past week, and I figure being eliminated has to be good for something, right?
-when I was originally writing this, I figured there would be a chance of using the 'new rules element' twist they had last year, so I drafted up a new feat to go along with it. It's not necessary, really, and the power the feat adds could easily be folded back into the monster's special abilities without altering anything, but I figured I'd just present what was originally in my head.
Also worth noting for rictus fans is the version Azmahel was cool enough to stat up over on the 'If I were in the top 16' thread here, which does play along with the round 3 rules. I'm strongly considering ripping a few things off his version to give this one. :-)
And now, presenting the monster formerly known as the rictus:
XP 4,800
NE Tiny undead (swarm)
Init +9; Senses blindsight 100 ft; Perception +14
Aura frightful presence (10 ft, DC 19), darkness (10' ft)
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Defense
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AC 22, touch 18, flat-footed 16 (+5 Dex, +4 natural, +2 size, +1 dodge)
hp 90 (12d8+36)
Fort +7, Ref +11, Will +9
Defensive Abilities channel resistance +2, swarm traits, umbral maw, undead traits
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Offense
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Speed fly 60 ft. (perfect)
Melee swarm (3d6 + 1d8 negative)
Ranged up to 20 bites +14 (1d4-3) (special; see flying fangs ability)
Space 10 ft.; Reach 0 ft.
Special Attacks create spawn, distraction (DC 18), flying fangs, umbral maw
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Statistics
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Str 4, Dex 20, Con -, Int 6, Wis 12, Cha 16
Base Atk +9; CMB +12; CMD 19
Feats Dodge, Impede Channeling, Improved Initiative, Improved Lightning Reflexes, Lightning Reflexes, Weapon Finesse
Skills Fly 21, Perception 14, Stealth 14, Survival 7)
Languages common (see description)
SQ jaws of oblivion
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Ecology
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Environment any
Organization solitary, feast (2-3 swarms), or banquet (3-6 swarms)
Treasure incidental
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Special Abilities
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Create Spawn (Su) When a zuratanden kills an opponent, it may then consume that opponent completely. Consuming a small or medium body takes a full round action. Smaller bodies may be consumed as a standard action, larger bodies require an additional round for each size category larger than medium. Upon consuming a body, all that remains are the jaws and teeth of that opponent. On the zuratanden's action the round after consumption is finished, these jaws fly into the air and join the swarm. The zuratanden is treated as though an inflict serious wounds spell cast by a cleric of the consumed victims hit dice had been cast upon it.
Flying Fangs (Su)As a standard action, a zuratanden may cause up to four mouths per round to separate from the swarm and act independently. A zuratanden may not have more than twenty mouths separated from it at a time. These are treated as having the same statistics as the zuratanden itself, except they lack swarm traits, swarm damage, and have no aura or umbral maw. They have one hit point each and only deal one point of damage on a successful bite attack. Each mouth moves and act independently on the zuratanden's initiative count. A zuratanden takes one point of damage for each mouth it detaches; it can command them to return to it at any time and regains the lost hit points when they do. Mouths cannot move more than five hundred feet from the zuratanden. Anything a mouth senses or experiences is instantly relayed back to the main swarm.
Jaws of Oblivion(Su)The teeth of a zuratanden are preternaturally hard and durable; they are able to bite through almost any solid matter with ease. Both the swarm damage and flying fang damage are treated as magic and adamantine for purposes of overcoming damage resistance. In addition, all biting damage dealt by a zuratanden to objects ignores hardness.
Umbral Maw(Su)A zuratanden is constantly surrounded by a visible cloud of negative energy. This has several effects, both defensive and offensive, that are continuously active. Defensively, the cloud diffuses positive energy area effects; for purposes of these effects, a zuratanden does not take 150% damage as a swarm normally would, instead taking normal damage. Also, it grants channel resistance +2. Offensively, the cloud causes anyone within ten feet of the zuratanden's space to be affected by its frightful presence. In addition, anyone within the zuratanden's space itself takes an additional 1d8 negative damage each round, as well as the regular swarm damage. Finally, the umbral maw absorbs ambient light; the area within a ten foot radius of a zuratanden is treated as being under a darkness spell, while the interior of a swarm is treated as being under deeper darkness.
Zuratanden (the term is both singular and plural) are undead born of cannibalism. Not just any cannibalism, but cannibalism formed of the greatest desperation. Merchant caravans stranded in high mountain passes during winter storms; survivors of a shipwreck tossed onto deserted islands; cities starving under the shadow of a siege. Anywhere the threat of hunger becomes so overwhelming that not just individuals, but whole mobs turn to feasting upon friends and neighbors as a temporary preservation of life before they too are either fed upon or die of starvation. Given enough time and death, the souls of victims and devourers alike will be pressed together in continuing torment and rage, just as surely as their remains scatter among one another in charnel pits. Months or even years after the atrocities of hunger have taken place, a zuratanden may be born.
A zuratanden is a mass of undead barely capable of recalling their former lives, fused into one swarm. They appear as a cluster of toothy smiles unattached to any bodies, floating in the air. Wisps of negative energy curl around their teeth and jaws, combining into a pillar of absolute darkness that seems to suck the light from the vicinity; a darkness broken only by the bone-white teeth inside, grinning and gnashing. While they are corporeal, they have a slight ethereal presence as well; the only sound most can hear from a zuratanden is that of teeth snapping and clacking, but those who go ethereal or incorporeal in the presence of one hear a chorus of high-pitched voices babbling amongst themselves and discussing the taste of their latest meal. They cannot otherwise interact with ehtereal or incorporeal beings outside of speech. The teeth of a zuratanden are supernaturally strong and seem able to bite through almost anything; those who have observed a zuratanden consuming someone describe it as being a 'piecemeal disintegration', with the bits of flesh seeming to vanish into a void as they are torn off of the bone.
Zuratanden tend to haunt the areas where they were spawned, though as time passes and local wildlife learns to avoid the area, they will roam miles afield daily in search of food. Zuratanden do not eat to fulfil any sense of hunger, but rather to inflict on the living the same suffering and horror of being consumed that they experienced at the end of their lives. While not brilliant, a zuratended posesses a keen hunters instinct. A zuratanden's preferred prey is any sentient humanoid, but when meat that begs for mercy is not available they are happy to avail themselves of animal life.
A zuratanden usually hides and stalks prey with a few detached mouths, observing their weaknesses for a short while before attacking. In combat, it attempts to stay on top of as many people as it can from round to round, dealing swarm damage. If positive energy is channeled against it, it will blunt the impact with its Impede Channeling feat, and prioritize the channeler as the most important one to cover with its swarm. other spellcasters come second in priority. It detaches mouths as needed and sends them to harry foes outside of the swarm, attempting to sunder weapons or force spellcasters to cast on the defensive, as appropriate. If reduced below a quarter of its hit points, a zuratanden recalls all remaining mouths and either makes a quick kill on a badly wounded opponent, or else a familiar, mount, or other convenient animal. If neither of these attempts to heal itself are options, it attempts to flee and stalk the party at a later time.
New feat:
Impede ChannelingYou are so attuned to positive or negative energy that you can instinctively blunt opposed energy in the vicinity.
Prerequisite: Improved Channel or channel resistance
Benefit: If you are in an area affected by channeled energy opposite to the type that you channel, whether used to harm you or heal others, you may as a swift action spend one of your own channeling attempts to grant all creatures in a 30-foot radius resistance against that energy type equal to 5 + your charisma modifier. This resistance affects both creatures who would be harmed or healed by the energy, and lasts until the beginning of your next action. Undead without channeling uses may also select this feat if they meet the prerequisite, but may only use it a number of times per day equal to their charisma modifier.
Hey Sean,
I thought the Rictus swarm was a close competitor, not sure if having two mouth creatures helped you. Your comments on feedback shows a real professional and friendly approach that I admire. Glad to hear you are going to compete next year. As you say, only ~300 days left to create a Wondrous Item :-)
Hey Sean,
I thought the Rictus swarm was a close competitor, not sure if having two mouth creatures helped you. Your comments on feedback shows a real professional and friendly approach that I admire. Glad to hear you are going to compete next year. As you say, only ~300 days left to create a Wondrous Item :-)
Thanks, Matt. Best of luck to you moving forward.
Hey Sean, nice to see what you were thinking, and also interesting to compare to Azmahel's.
I agree with you that CR4 is too low for Azmahel's swarm, but interestingly I think CR6 would have been just about perfect for this type of swarm though you seemed to want to aim for higher (Azmahel'ls version might need a BIT upgrading to match CR6). Honestly, I over-all would have to say I prefer Azmahel's stat-block, I think the 'shooting fangs' in yours was just a bit extraneous and un-needed, as well as not particarly effective AFAICT (I don't think it contributes much towards the higher CR you wanted, esp. given the swarm isn't particarly intelligent to use them as scouts, etc). The concept does seem very amenable to also statting up individual Rictuses as well as stats for Small and Extra Large size Swarms (perhaps linked directly to HP of Swarm, so feeding increases the Swarm Size, while enough damage reduces it's power), with extra attention to special powers/ immunities for the variant size swarms (not just damage/HPs).
Even with Charles' criticism of the amount of HPs gained vis-a-vis "size of the meal", I would have to give you points for actually dealing with that subject, while Azmahel seemed to shrug it off just saying "it creates a Rictus" without statting an individual example or explaining how an additional member affects the swarm's stats - or at least I didn't notice if he did ;-).
Over all though, between both of yours' stat-blocks, it re-enforces my view from the previous round that Rictus was a solid monster concept, certainly not a "BBEG" but a PERFECT dipping-it's-toes in horror-flavor encounter monster, with great hooks for other abominable sins. I wish you luck in future RPG design success, you're certainly capable of it!
Hmm. I started to skim the stat block and stopped at Create Spawn. So 'eating' a quasit with 5 levels of cleric heals a zuratanden as much as 'eating' a 5 headed hydra?
And what about plant creatures which may not have heads or jaws at all, as such?
Second question first, I think that's a technical detail I wasn't overly concerned about. First of all, as a concept the intent is that these go up against a party of characters who theoretically will all have mouths. There's something to be said for thinking ahead to every contingency, but for something that is essentially prose fluff/theming like this, I'd say it's irrelevant. You die, they eat you. They heal, you become harder to bring back from the dead. That's the intended mechanic; I don't want to overcomplicate it by wondering if there's a huge difference if they eat a hangman tree or something.
First question: yes, they heal equally. There could be soemthing to the notion of having them heal more if they eat a multi headed creature, which I assume was what you were asking, but that's again a hugely situational rule which would be unlikely to ever come into play with a party fighting them. The way I see it, it isn't really the addition of a single mouth that heals them that much; the mouths theoretically have only one hp each, after all. It's the consumption of a creature's essence/life force/ into the void behind those jaws that give them additional unlife energy; the addition of a nice new shiny set of choppers to the swarm is just fun coloration.
Hey Sean, nice to see what you were thinking, and also interesting to compare to Azmahel's.
I agree with you that CR4 is too low for Azmahel's swarm, but interestingly I think CR6 would have been just about perfect for this type of swarm though you seemed to want to aim for higher (Azmahel'ls version might need a BIT upgrading to match CR6). Honestly, I over-all would have to say I prefer Azmahel's stat-block, I think the 'shooting fangs' in yours was just a bit extraneous and un-needed, as well as not particarly effective AFAICT (I don't think it contributes much towards the higher CR you wanted, esp. given the swarm isn't particarly intelligent to use them as scouts, etc). The concept does seem very amenable to also statting up individual Rictuses as well as stats for Small and Extra Large size Swarms (perhaps linked directly to HP of Swarm, so feeding increases the Swarm Size, while enough damage reduces it's power), with extra attention to special powers/ immunities for the variant size swarms (not just damage/HPs).
Even with Charles' criticism of the amount of HPs gained vis-a-vis "size of the meal", I would have to give you points for actually dealing with that subject, while Azmahel seemed to shrug it off just saying "it creates a Rictus" without statting an individual example or explaining how an additional member affects the swarm's stats - or at least I didn't notice if he did ;-).
Over all though, between both of yours' stat-blocks, it re-enforces my view from the previous round that Rictus was a solid monster concept, certainly not a "BBEG" but a PERFECT dipping-it's-toes in horror-flavor encounter monster, with great hooks for other abominable sins. I wish you luck in future RPG design success, you're certainly capable of it!
Thanks again. I do agree Azmahel had a much more solid/playable version of this (and I'm thrilled to see he actually went ahead and used it on his players! Whee!) Mine is weird all over. Which, again, ties into my weaknesses with mechanics.
What I wanted to do was make a swarm that does stuff a swarm doesn't normally do; because, no matter how you dress them, swarms tend to be boring. Scary, yes, but boring. They move, they stop on top of one or more characters, they do damage, apply distraction and any other effects that might be tacked on, and they don't do anything else. I had thought maybe the flying fangs approach would give them actions to take besides just 'the swarm moves. the swarm moves. the swarm moves.' Not much damage, no, and they get smashed right quick, but I wanted to do soemthing with that 'bite through anything' ability, and using them as weapon breakers seemed like it could be fun. Plus leading to the dilemma of a character deciding if he should spend his actions for the round making a full attack and smashing down the fangs that are chomping at his weapons or armor or just take the risk and make another attack against the swarm itself. That said, there's probably a much more elegant (and effective) way to do it that escapes me. Maybe giving the individual jaws effective access to improved sunder even though they don't meet the prereqs would make them a more credible hand to hand (or mouth to hand) threat.
If were to redo this, I'd definitely riff a few things from Az's version; not a fan of ability damage in general so don't know that I'd use that, but bleed damage should be a must for these guys. Beating myself up for not considering that. :-) Your ideas about using individual stats and variant sized swarm stats are definitely worth looking into incorporating as well.