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I'm seriously considering converting I1 Dwellers of the Forbidden City to Pathfinder (with Serpent folk in place of the Yuan-Ti)....but here is the twist...
I want to take the lost city out of the jungle, slap a 1000 ft. ceiling on it and place it firmly in the Darklands.
Just think about it! It has serpentmen, an Aboleth, Mongrelmen and other beasties that would fit well in the Darklands.
What I need to know is if someone has already done some of the conversion work on this module on their own. It would save me a lot of effort.
I'm also looking for any ideas or opinions on how to make this work.
Corpus levitas Diablo daminium mondo vicium!
I quite like the AD&D adventure I1: Dwellers of the Forbidden City, so I am going to pick up this long forgotten thread and start a conversion.
Corpus levitas Diablo daminium mondo vicium!
I quite like the AD&D adventure I1: Dwellers of the Forbidden City, so I am going to pick up this long forgotten thread and start a conversion.
I have played and run the module a few times when it was 1st Addition. I did a conversion on the run a few years ago and it turned out well. A few things I did was convert the Yuan-Ti over from the 3.5 to PF. If you run the Aboleth like they should be ran with Sanity/Madness in effect it becomes a very dark module (Deep Old Ones). It also becomes a higher level adventure..upwards of 10th level.
AllenDm.
I have played and run the module a few times when it was 1st Addition. I did a conversion on the run a few years ago and it turned out well. A few things I did was convert the Yuan-Ti over from the 3.5 to PF. If you run the Aboleth like they should be ran with Sanity/Madness in effect it becomes a very dark module (Deep Old Ones). It also becomes a higher level adventure..upwards of 10th level.
That's actually a good question.
Is it better to ...
- Convert the Yuan-Ti to Pathfinder (despite the Yuan-Ti being "product identity")?
- Substitute Serpentfolk (which are far less interested in physical combat then the Yuan-Ti), and then deal with the plot changes that result?
Beyond the above question, there are three other obstacles to converting this AD&D 1st Edition adventure to Pathfinder.
- The adventure was written for 6-8 characters of levels 4-7. Pathfinder Adventures tend to be for smaller parties with a tighter level range. For the purpose of my conversion, I am aiming for a party of 4-5 characters of levels 5-6 using the standard attribute array (or about 24 total levels among the party).
- Related to the above, this also means that the size of many encounters will need to be scaled down if not rewritten entirely. When creature swapping is necessary, I will attempt to preserve the intended difficulty of the encounter.
- The third issue (related to the above question about the Yuan-Ti, is whether to "Golarion-ize" the adventure as part of converting to Pathinder.
Now let us take a look at the meta-plot of this “setting/adventure.”
The adventure begins when the player characters hear reports of bandits waylaying and attacking caravans in a jungle region. Most of the ambushed merchants and guards have been killed, but the few who have returned alive tell fantastic stories about deformed plants and deadly beasts in the jungle. The stolen goods taken from the caravans provide an impetus for the characters to enter the jungles in search of this lost treasure.
After a long and perilous journey, the player characters encounter some friendly native people and are invited to stay in their village. The characters learn from the village's chief about the dangers of creatures called the yuan-ti and their servants, the tasloi, and that these creatures recently kidnapped the chief's son, taking him into the jungle. The chief and village shaman tell the player characters about a "forbidden city" in the jungle which they believe houses the ghosts of their dead enemies, and they supply the characters with guides to show the party the way to this Forbidden City.
The adventuring environment in this module allows for both action and intrigue. The player characters can recruit allies from the various power groups and factions within the city, namely the bugbears, mongrelmen, and bullywugs, or else help pit these factions against each other for their own benefit.
As one can see, due to some of these creatures being “product identity” to WoTC, this will require monster substitutions to make this adventure work.
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IMHO, it is best not to “Golarion-ize” the adventure, as it is redundant the the Serpent’s Skull AP. One advantage of not doing so is that this approach allows it be more easily used in other world settings that have already been converted to Pathfinder (including oddly, Golarion).
Therefore, I am switching the D&D Yuan-Ti to Pathfinder Serpentfolk, again to aid in adventure portability. So let’s look at some global monster replacements, in alphabetical order.
Bugbears – The way that Paizo has rewritten the Bugbear on page 38 of the Pathfinder Bestiary, makes them unsuitable for this role. Actually, a good choice for this would be “Orcs” (Pathfinder Bestiary, p. 222) as they are both strong and thuggish, but easily dominated enough to be useful for the Serpentfolk. They would need to be buffed up a bit to properly replace the bugbears. I suggest this build:
Orc Cannibal (CR 1)
Male Orc Barbarain 2
CE Medium Humanoid (Orc)
Init +1; Senses Darkvision 60ft, Perception +5, Light Sensitivity
DEFENSE
AC 13, touch 9, flat-footed 12 (+1 dex, +4 armor, & -2 rage)
hp 26 (2d12+8)
Saves Fort +7, Ref +1, Will +2;
Special Uncanny Dodge (never flat footed, keep dex to AC vs invisible), Ferocity (continue fighting as staggered at negative hit points)
Weakness Light Sensitivity (dazzled in bright light or in a daylight spell)
OFFENSE
Speed 30 ft (40ft base)
Melee Falchion +8 (2d4+9 shashing, 18-20/x2) and bite +3 (1d4+3 slashing, 20/x2)
- or w/Power Attack: Falchion +6 (2d4+12 piercing, 20/x2) and bite +2 (1d4+5 slashing, 20/x2)
Ranged throwing axe +3 (1d6+6 slashing, 20/x2, 10ft)
Special Attacks Rage (8 rounds/day), rage power (animal fury)
TACTICS
Before Combat per encounter description, or the Orc Cannibal will rage upon entering combat.
During Combat per encounter description, or he will power attack against unarmed foes, or until he misses twice in a row. Otherwise he will fight until his oponent is slain or he must flee.
Morale per encounter description, or the Orc will flee when half-hit points suffered (raging or otherwise). If cornered, will fight to the death.
Base Statistics When not raging, the Orc Cannibal’s statistics are AC 15, touch 11, flat-footed 14; hp 22; Saves Fort +5, Will +0; Melee falchion +6 (1d10+4), no bite; Ranged throwing axe +3 (1d6+4); Str 18 (+4), Con 15 (+2); CMB +6 (+8 grapple); Climb +6, Swim +6
STATISTICS
Str 22 (+6), Dex 13 (+1), Con 19 (+4), Int 8 (-1), Wis 10 (+0), Cha 6 (-2)
Base Atk +2; CMB +8; CMD 19
Feats power attack
Skills Climb +8, Perception +5, Survival +5, Swim +8; Armor Check Penalty -3 (figured in)
Languages Common & Orc
SQ fast movement
Gear hide armor, falchion, 2 throwing axes, and per encounter description.
Bullywugs - Despite the change in challenge rating, the best replacement for these are a “tropical” variant of Boggards (Pathfinder Bestiary, p. 37).
Mongrelmen (PF Bestiary 2, p. 191) - Mongrelmen can almost be used as is, save for some minor cultural changes.
Tasloi - you can either use Aaron Bitman’s excellent conversion or treat them as goblins (Pathfinder Bestiary, p. 156 – swapping their Swim skill for Climb). I will use Bitman’s conversion.
Yuan-Ti I prefer swapping them for Serpentfolk (Pathfinder Bestiary 2, p 242) as follows.
- Pureblood Yuan-Ti become Degenerate Serpentfolk being the “weakest” of their kind.
- Half-Blood Yuan-Ti should be treated as normal Serpentfolk, their spells and intelligence do make slightly more powerful.
- Yuan-Ti Abominations would be replaced by mixed groups of one normal Serpentfolk and two Degenerates. Players will likely find them more difficult than a single creature.
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Have you considered using nagas for yuan-ti abominations?
Have you considered using nagas for yuan-ti abominations?
I had not, but it is a very interest idea. Spirit Naga would fit well into the setting.
Another role that could work, would be using a Spirit Naga to replace the Wizard, Horan (Area H of the Module).
I am liking this thread. I would be very interested in seeing the final product
I'm pretty sure my 5E campaign is going to deal with a yuan-ti heavy dungeon in the future.
I'm pretty sure my 5E campaign is going to deal with a yuan-ti heavy dungeon in the future.
Yes, but D&D 5E already has Yuan-Ti, this conversion doesn't really do much for you.
Good ideas are good ideas. I can use them for inspiration. Especially for good combos.
I generally don't put a monster in a big square room. I have a party of 6, primarily ranged, PCs, so I like to use 2 or more monsters, often 2 or more monster types, combined with fun environmental hazards and interesting terrain features. Even a couple crumbling pillars can create line of effect issues and difficult terrain from the rubble.
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Section “A” of the adventure (pages 3-6 of the module) was written as a tournament adventure for the 1980 Origins Convention, so it may be a little odd, compared to the rest of the module.
This section uses the global monster changes from above. There are no wandering encounters in this area.
Encounter Re-key
A1 – Cave Entrance
This is pure description, so needs no changes.
A2 – Sacrificial Pool
The description need not be changed.
The three canoes can be paddled with a Dex DC of 10 (characters with an appropriate skill may use that roll instead).
Replacement Encounter (CR 5) – Use 3 Crocodiles (CR 2 each) from the page 51 of the Bestiary, except as modified below.
These crocodiles have been breed to be far more vicious then normal, and will attack as soon any any character enters the water or attempts to cross the pool in one of the canoes.
TACTICS
Before Combat The crocodiles are hidden just below the surface of the water, so characters must succeed in a DC 23 perception check to avoid being surprised (The unchained rogue’s danger sense ability does apply).
During Combat Two crocodiles will attempt to come up beneath the second canoe, and attempt capsize it. Characters in that canoe may attempt a Reflex (DC 16) save to avoid being thrown into the water (evasion would apply). If all the character’s fail, the canoe is overturned (dumping any supplies). The other two crocodiles will immediately attack any character thrown into the water (with surprise if not spotted). DMs should review the rules for fighting in the water on pages 432-433 of the Pathfinder Core Rulebook. (Remember that the Crocodiles have a natural swim speed so will have a significant advantage.)
Morale The remaining crocodile will retreat if two of their number are killed. A Druid or Ranger can attempt wild empathy on the creatures (using their full round action), the crocodiles start as hostile, but raising their reaction to even unfriendly will also cause the crocodiles to withdraw.
A3 – The Barren Beach
This is pure description, so needs no changes.
A4 – Sentry Post (EL 5)
This description needs to be updated: ”There is a large pile of furs in the corner of this small room, and the remains of a fire smolders near the room’s center. From around the fire, four heavily muscled, green skinned humanoids glare at you will beady black eyes.”
Neither door into this room is locked or trapped.
Replacement Encounter: Use four Orc Cannibals. In addition to their normal gear, each cannibal has 3d6 gold pieces, and one carries a large sack of raw meat (though the source of the meat is best not discussed).
TACTICS
Before Combat These orcs will not enter rage – at least until the next room. If they heard the heroes (unlikely, but possible), they will have surprise on the heroes, and use that action to leave the room.
During Combat On their first action, those cannibals who are nearest to the PCs will draw their falchions. The others will throw one of the axes – not caring that they are throwing the weapons into a possible melee. Their next actions after this will be to try to withdraw into the larger guard room.
Morale If the orcs cannot escape, they will fight to the death, hoping to enter the underworld with an honor guard.
A5 – Guard Room (EL 5 or up to EL 7 if the guards from area A4 could join them.)
The description need not be changed.
Replacement Encounter: Use 4 Orc Cannibals (like the ones from A4, each cannibal has 3d6 gold pieces in addition to their normal equipment).
TACTICS
Before Combat: As noted in the encounter text, they will flip over the furniture in the room to create a barricade. The rules for fighting behind cover are on page 195 of the Pathfinder Core Rulebook.
During Combat Unlike the previous encounter, the orc here (including any survivors from the previous room), will Rage at the start of combat.
Morale Unable to flee, these orcs will fight to the death, but if captured, they will show no loyalty to the Serpentfolk, and answer whatever questions the PCs may have in the hopes of being allowed to escape.
A6 Hall of Mediation (EL 7 for trap)
The description need not be changed.
The reversed gravity can be run as written (in effect only one 10ft cube is effected),
The climb DC would be 25 to get to the rings, but this rises to DC 30 to use the rungs to get to the reverse gravity area – remember that the third rung is unsafe.
The chest itself is trapped as follows.
Type mechanical and poison; Perception DC 25; Disable Device DC 20. Effect: Fear Gas (Fort DC 16, all characters in 10 foot radius around the chest). Characters who run out of the 10ft cube of course will fall 30 feet.
A7 The Smithy (EL 6.)
The description need not be changed.
Replacement Encounter: There are four Tasloi hiding (Perception DC 24) in the vine canopy. On the ground, a male Serpentfolk is escorted by five more Tasloi.
TACTICS
During Combat At the start of the combat, the Serpentman will order the Tasloi to attack, he will then cast blur on himself. The tasloi in the canopy will use the nets to try to separate the heroes; hopefully making easy targets for their compatriots on the ground. If an opportunity presents itself, the male Serpentfolk will attempt a suggestion on the toughest looking character (“You cannot win. Flee!”)
Morale As long as the Serpentfolk is still leading them, the Tasloi will fight to the death. The male Serpentfolk, however, will attempt to flee to area A9, once most of the Tasloi are dead.
A8 The Swinging Bridge (EL 7 due to positions)
Replacement Encounter: Chained to the walls of the “east” entrance are two Monitor Lizards (Pathfinder Bestiary p 194 – CR 2 each).
On the ledge above are six Tasloi ready to drop boulders on the bridge. The boulders attack with a +4 to hit and do 2d6 bludgeoning damage (20/x2). Those that miss the characters are likely to hit the bridge (AC 10). Damage to the bridge is handled as described in the encounter.
A9 The Amphitheatre of the Serpentfolk (EL 8+)
This area is a large natural amphitheater which slopes down from the cliff walls to a small semi-circular stage. The back of the amphitheater appears to be solid trees and underbrush, except for a small path that winds its way between the massive trunks. At one side of the stage, in a position that overlooks both the path and the tunnel mouth is a large throne made of bone and skulls. On it rests a serpentine humanoid with scarlet robes. A winding staircase leads from cave mouth to the stage area. Thirty feet from the cave mouth on the stairs, are a pair of muscular serpentine humanoids.
On the throne is a female Serpentfolk cleric 2
NE Medium Monstrous Humanoid (female serpentfolk)
Init +9; Senses Darkvision 60ft, Scent, Perception -1
DEFENSE
AC 19, touch 16, flat-footed 15 (+5 Dex, +3 natural, +1 deflection)
hp 64 (5d10+2d8+28)
Saves: Fort +10, Ref +9, Will +11
OFFENSE
Speed 30 ft.
Melee masterwork dagger +12 (1d4 piercing, 19-20/x2), bite +6 (1d6 plus poison)
Special Attacks Channel Negative Energy (1d6, Will DC 16) 8/day; Touch of Evil (sickened for 1rd) 7/day; Inspiring Word (+2 attack, skill, ability and saves for 1 rd) 7/day
SPELLS
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 4th; concentration +9/+13*) *- Combat Casting
At will—disguise self (DC 16), ventriloquism
1/day—blur, mirror image, suggestion (DC 18)
Cleric Spells (CL 2nd; concentration +6/+10) *- Combat Casting
Orisons-Bleed, Detect Magic, Purify Food and Drink, & Stabilize
1st-Command, Shield of Faith, & (Protection from Good)
Domains: Evil, Nobility
MORALE
Before Combat The Serpentfolk cleric prepairs for combat by casting Shield of Faith
During Combat She will open combat with her Suggestion ability (“Your cause is hopeless, leave.”), and then use her wand of Hold Person to support her Degenerate Serpentfolk guards. She saves her other abilities to protect herself should one or more of the heroes successfully attack her. (If the Serpentfolk from A7 is there, she will also order him to join the attack on the party.)
Morale If her allies are defeated, she will attempt to escape into the trees using secret paths, not noted on the map.
STATISTICS
Str 10 (+1), Dex 21 (+5), Con 19 (+4), Int 16 (+3), Wis 19 (+4), Cha 20 (+5)
Base Atk +6; CMB +6; CMD 21
Feats Combat Casting, Great Fortitude, Improved Initiative, Weapon Finesse
Skills Acrobatics +8, Diplomacy +10, Disguise +10, Escape Artist +17, Intimidate +10, Knowledge (arcana) +8, Knowledge (planes, religion) +7, Perception +12, Sense Motive +9, Spellcraft +8, & Use Magic Device +11; Racial Modifiers +4 Use Magic Device, +8 Escape Artist
Languages Common
Gear +1 ring of protection, Wand of Hold Person (20 charges), Masterwork Studded Leather (under robes), Masterwork Dagger, Gold Unholy Symbol, Noble’s Outfit, & a purse (20 platinum).
At the base of the stairs are two Degenerate Serpentfolk
A10 Hall of the Serpent God (EL 5)
The description need not be changed. The treasure can also be left unchanged.
Replacement Encounter: 3 Constrictor Snakes (Pathfinder Bestiary, p. 255) As described, one will be menacing the Chief’s Son, the other two will be hiding in the rafters.
This is proving to be way harder then I thought it would be.
Section C - the Main Tunnel Entrance has no logic to it, and will have quite a few balance problems.
B – Vines of Danger (EL 7) This location is in the north east corner of the map.
This encounter can be pretty much run as written .
Replacement Encounter: use 4 Giant Wasps (Pathfinder Bestiary p. 275)
Nice work Thread Necromancer!
I always thought that area A7 needed fleshed out more. Who is the blacksmith? Is he a Bugbear or a Yuan ti? any chance of hims showing up?
Also I would use Charau-Ka in place of the Tasloi.
Well, I ran into two problems.Nice work Thread Necromancer!
I always thought that area A7 needed fleshed out more. Who is the blacksmith? Is he a Bugbear or a Yuan ti? any chance of hims showing up?Also I would use Charau-Ka in place of the Tasloi.
- I got a job.
- Almost every encounter needs rebalanced because of the differences between 3.0/3.5/PF and AD&D.