Applying the skeleton template - natural armor?

[Wolf Munroe]

I'm applying the skeleton template to a cyclops.

The cyclops has +7 natural armor by default.

The skeleton template says "Natural armor bonus changes as follows:"
And lists +2 for medium or large creatures.

So does that mean the value I should use is +9 or +2?

[Joex The Pale]

I'd say +9 would be right.

[Are]

It will be +2. The template changes the bonus, it doesn't add to it.

Edit: This also matches what Paizo statblocks do. For instance, in one AP there's a huge skeleton of a creature that normally has +14 natural armor. The skeleton has +3, which is exactly what the template says to use for a huge creature.

[Joex The Pale]

I See your Point, But everywhere else In The Template it Specified dropping The original And Gaining The New ability When It Replaced Instead Of Added. I Stand By My original Response. :)

I'd Like To Know Why My phone Insists On Capitalizing Every Word...

*Edit* Sure, ninja Edit Me With Facts! I Withdraw My Case, Your Honour. :P

[DM_Blake]

It doesn't say "Natural armor bonus increases as follows", it actually says "Natural armor bonus changes as follows".

So change the existing bonus to the listed bonus.

[Bizbag]

The skeleton template doesn't add or subtract to a creature's CR - it replaces it based on their HD; that suggests that they replace the creature's stats, not modify.

Also, natural armor is a tough hide or scales or such. What is a skeleton defined as lacking? :P

[Wolf Munroe]

Alright. Thanks, guys. I looked over the template and that was the only thing I saw a problem with, so statting this guy up later today. Looks like he's getting +2 Natural AC.