paizo.com Recent Posts in Favorite templates...paizo.com Recent Posts in Favorite templates...2022-07-09T02:46:26Z2022-07-09T02:46:26ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Favorite templates...Reksew_Treblahttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43n43?Favorite-templates#342022-07-28T10:51:06Z2022-07-27T16:51:46Z<p>Hey VoodistMonk, if you're willing to advance the Wolverine to 4 HD like I previously said, and it turns out too weak for a CR 4, here is an idea:</p>
<p>Replace the two feats with Endurance and Diehard, and give it, as a bonus feat, <a href="https://www.aonprd.com/FeatDisplay.aspx?ItemName=Fast%20Healer" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Fast Healer</a>. Make sure the +1 to an Ability Score from gaining its 4th HD goes to Con, so its mod goes up by one. This will lower its hp by 4 (from losing Toughness), but its hp also rose by 4 from the Con increase, so it pans out.</p>
<p>This will result in it adding half its Con mod (minimum 1) to any magical healing it gets, as well as healing from bed rest. However, I personally allow it to work with Fast Healing and Regeneration, because there is no logical reason it wouldn't if it also worked on bed rest healing.</p>
<p>This means, assuming you gave a +4 to Con from the Mutant template, it will heal 2 extra hp every turn, at the cost of its Skill Focus (Perception) and Toughness.</p>Hey VoodistMonk, if you're willing to advance the Wolverine to 4 HD like I previously said, and it turns out too weak for a CR 4, here is an idea:
Replace the two feats with Endurance and Diehard, and give it, as a bonus feat, Fast Healer. Make sure the +1 to an Ability Score from gaining its 4th HD goes to Con, so its mod goes up by one. This will lower its hp by 4 (from losing Toughness), but its hp also rose by 4 from the Con increase, so it pans out.
This will result in it adding half...Reksew_Trebla2022-07-27T16:51:46ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Favorite templates...Mark Hoover 330https://paizo.com/threads/rzs43n43?Favorite-templates#332022-07-28T10:50:56Z2022-07-23T23:20:01Z<p>Can we talk about the disparity of a "CR +1" power level between templates?</p>
<p>Spore Zombie takes a vermin, makes it undead, and gives it some minor stat and defensive boosts as well as a 1/day attack causing Nauseated. It also delivers Int 10, makes the base vermin's Con score its new Cha score and removes Con. All of that for CR +1.</p>
<p>Demonic Vermin is the same CR +1. It gives similar defensive boosts, better stat boosts, fiendish resistances/immunities, changes the creature to magical beast, hands off a demonic ability like a breath weapon and immunity to the BW's energy or a Drone attack capable of Sickened. It ALSO gives the monster SLA's depending on HD. </p>
<p>Both take a vermin, remove mindless and give it an Int score as well as change its monster type. The Demonic Vermin though seems LEAGUES more powerful than Spore Zombie, yet both are only a CR +1 increase. Seems to me that there are some templates that are either wildly UNDER or OVER powered for their respective CR increases.</p>Can we talk about the disparity of a "CR +1" power level between templates?
Spore Zombie takes a vermin, makes it undead, and gives it some minor stat and defensive boosts as well as a 1/day attack causing Nauseated. It also delivers Int 10, makes the base vermin's Con score its new Cha score and removes Con. All of that for CR +1.
Demonic Vermin is the same CR +1. It gives similar defensive boosts, better stat boosts, fiendish resistances/immunities, changes the creature to magical beast,...Mark Hoover 3302022-07-23T23:20:01ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Favorite templates...Reksew_Treblahttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43n43?Favorite-templates#322022-07-28T10:50:52Z2022-07-21T23:04:36Z<p>Wolverine (Marvel), recently (sort of) got a fire ability where he super heats his claws. I'd say increase the HD of the mutant wolverine by 1 (so it gets an extra mutation), select heat metal, and have its natural attacks count as both fire-forged steel and adamantine, and as a result, increase the CR by +1. Depending on where it lands powerwise, you might need to increase its HD by more to balance it, possibly increasing its CR by a further +1. Though since it'll be taking fire damage, maybe have its fur count as fire-forged steel (armor version), to give it fire resistance, and to increase the fire damage on the natural attacks.</p>Wolverine (Marvel), recently (sort of) got a fire ability where he super heats his claws. I'd say increase the HD of the mutant wolverine by 1 (so it gets an extra mutation), select heat metal, and have its natural attacks count as both fire-forged steel and adamantine, and as a result, increase the CR by +1. Depending on where it lands powerwise, you might need to increase its HD by more to balance it, possibly increasing its CR by a further +1. Though since it'll be taking fire damage,...Reksew_Trebla2022-07-21T23:04:36ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Favorite templates...Mark Hoover 330https://paizo.com/threads/rzs43n43?Favorite-templates#312022-07-28T10:50:50Z2022-07-21T14:28:18Z<p>I've added 2 Simple templates before, usually Advanced and Giant. I've also done Advanced/Fiendish. For "dire" animals I sometimes combine Giant and Primordial. This combo adds one size increase to the base animal, with accompanying stat and weapon changes and such, but then ALSO has one of the animal's natural attacks increase another step in damage as well.</p>I've added 2 Simple templates before, usually Advanced and Giant. I've also done Advanced/Fiendish. For "dire" animals I sometimes combine Giant and Primordial. This combo adds one size increase to the base animal, with accompanying stat and weapon changes and such, but then ALSO has one of the animal's natural attacks increase another step in damage as well.Mark Hoover 3302022-07-21T14:28:18ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Favorite templates...VoodistMonkhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43n43?Favorite-templates#302022-07-21T09:41:10Z2022-07-21T05:50:38Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Today is a good day to... halp wrote:</div><blockquote> So would it be fair to say that templates have unlimited 'stacking' potential- unlike class archetypes- when put together since there might not be any explicit limits written out to put upon the templates themselves? </blockquote><p>For the most part, yes.
<p>Some templates may change one's type [or alignment], thus making them not qualify for another... but other than that, stack away. </p>
<p>I do try not add more than two templates, though. In fact, the Implacable Stalker Nightmare Lord Boogieman might be my only creation using two templates... it is not something I do often. One is usually enough for a simple rewrite, boost to Challenge Rating, or add some flavor. If I need more than that, I am adding class levels to monsters or making entirely new custom monsters.</p>Today is a good day to... halp wrote:So would it be fair to say that templates have unlimited 'stacking' potential- unlike class archetypes- when put together since there might not be any explicit limits written out to put upon the templates themselves?
For the most part, yes. Some templates may change one's type [or alignment], thus making them not qualify for another... but other than that, stack away.
I do try not add more than two templates, though. In fact, the Implacable Stalker...VoodistMonk2022-07-21T05:50:38ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Favorite templates...Today is a good day to... halp (alias of c c)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs43n43?Favorite-templates#292022-07-21T04:52:49Z2022-07-21T04:52:49Z<p>So would it be fair to say that templates have unlimited 'stacking' potential- unlike class archetypes- when put together since there might not be any explicit limits written out to put upon the templates themselves?</p>So would it be fair to say that templates have unlimited 'stacking' potential- unlike class archetypes- when put together since there might not be any explicit limits written out to put upon the templates themselves?Today is a good day to... halp (alias of c c)2022-07-21T04:52:49ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Favorite templates...VoodistMonkhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43n43?Favorite-templates#282022-07-21T02:03:59Z2022-07-17T03:40:49Z<p>Man, I had been meaning to actually do the work on adding those simple class templates to the Drider for quite some time now... and having just completed the Cleric version, I don't know how or why I ever ran these creatures without these templates. </p>
<p>Their innate spellcasting is that of a "6th-level cleric, sorcerer, or wizard"... and you still have all that, separate from the handful of spells the template provides. The template boosts your Wisdom up +4, which gives you bonus spells per day in all your available spell levels. By my calculations, this gives our Drider Cleric Creature 4(DC 18) 3rd-level spells, 6(DC 17) 2nd-level spells, 7(DC 16) 1st-level spells, and 4 orisons. I doubt a CR 9 (with template) creature will survive long enough to cast even half of their available spells. Lol. But the save DC's are right on the money for a CR9 creature, so everything seems to check out. </p>
<p>She also can Channel Negative Energy 6/day (DC 16, 4D6) to make her a little more like a "real" Cleric. </p>
<p>I do find it funny that they say Driders cast as Clerics, then fill their list of "Sorcerer Spells Known" with a bunch of spells Clerics don't have access to. They could have at least chosen spells that are on both the Cleric list and Sorcerer/Wizard list, or at least spells available to specific Cleric Domains... from what I see, though, they have spells listed that Clerics just can't get, and that is funny to me. Or, provided examples of Driders with Cleric Spells Prepared...</p>Man, I had been meaning to actually do the work on adding those simple class templates to the Drider for quite some time now... and having just completed the Cleric version, I don't know how or why I ever ran these creatures without these templates.
Their innate spellcasting is that of a "6th-level cleric, sorcerer, or wizard"... and you still have all that, separate from the handful of spells the template provides. The template boosts your Wisdom up +4, which gives you bonus spells per day...VoodistMonk2022-07-17T03:40:49ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Favorite templates...VoodistMonkhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43n43?Favorite-templates#272022-07-21T02:03:56Z2022-07-16T23:17:30Z<p>What a fun way to make mutants... I was unaware, so thank you. The new choices offered by the Spellscar Fever table are nice. I like having options... </p>
<p>Living with Spellscar Fever for a week without dying could be a rite of passage, and the mutation(s) gained are a sign of maturity within the community... a whole tribe of whatever you want, all of them with the Mutant or Manna Waste Mutant template.</p>What a fun way to make mutants... I was unaware, so thank you. The new choices offered by the Spellscar Fever table are nice. I like having options...
Living with Spellscar Fever for a week without dying could be a rite of passage, and the mutation(s) gained are a sign of maturity within the community... a whole tribe of whatever you want, all of them with the Mutant or Manna Waste Mutant template.VoodistMonk2022-07-16T23:17:30ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Favorite templates...Reksew_Treblahttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43n43?Favorite-templates#262022-07-21T02:03:52Z2022-07-16T22:53:47Z<p>Don't know if you know this already VoodistMonk, but the <a href="https://www.aonprd.com/Diseases.aspx?ItemName=Spellscar%20Fever" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Spellscar Fever</a> is an interesting change for the Mutant and Mana Waste Mutant templates.</p>
<p>Anyone who survives the disease for a week becomes immune to it, gains one of those templates, and can gain one of the new deformities in the disease in place of a deformity of the MWM template, or in place of one deformity and one mutation on the Mutant template.</p>
<p>So it offers 4 new mutations (one of them is Echolocation, but both better and worse than the Mutant template version, as it gives Blindsight instead of Blindsense, but at a shorter range, and you can't cast spells with verbal components, and take a penalty on stealth checks).</p>Don't know if you know this already VoodistMonk, but the Spellscar Fever is an interesting change for the Mutant and Mana Waste Mutant templates.
Anyone who survives the disease for a week becomes immune to it, gains one of those templates, and can gain one of the new deformities in the disease in place of a deformity of the MWM template, or in place of one deformity and one mutation on the Mutant template.
So it offers 4 new mutations (one of them is Echolocation, but both better and worse...Reksew_Trebla2022-07-16T22:53:47ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Favorite templates...Reksew_Treblahttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43n43?Favorite-templates#252022-07-21T02:03:47Z2022-07-16T15:16:43Z<p>The Mutant template on an <a href="https://www.aonprd.com/MonsterDisplay.aspx?ItemName=Eidolon,%20Unfettered" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Unfettered Eidolon</a>.</p>
<p>Very fitting thematically.</p>The Mutant template on an Unfettered Eidolon.
Very fitting thematically.Reksew_Trebla2022-07-16T15:16:43ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Favorite templates...VoodistMonkhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43n43?Favorite-templates#242022-07-21T02:03:43Z2022-07-15T07:19:03Z<p>Speaking of Driders... adding any of the cleric, sorcerer, or wizard simple class templates can really round out the Driders' innate spellcasting. And it offers you ample opportunity to fine-tune each Drider for flavor and/or effectiveness. </p>
<p>Just like adding the Sorcerer simple class template really helps the Faerie Dragon... the Druid simple class template is a natural fit for a Nymph. She gets Wild Shape as a 5th-level Druid, and Woodland Stride to go with the Wild Empathy she already had. This aforementioned Druid Creature Nymph can select anything from the Summon Nature's Ally IV list as a quasi Animal Companion... our Nymph will select the Satyr. The Satyr is also a Fey, so it makes sense. And the Satyr is intelligent enough to receive the Nymph's Inspiration. Just a Nymph and a Satyr palling around together, like it's the most natural thing in the world. Great combination of creature and template, me-thinks.</p>Speaking of Driders... adding any of the cleric, sorcerer, or wizard simple class templates can really round out the Driders' innate spellcasting. And it offers you ample opportunity to fine-tune each Drider for flavor and/or effectiveness.
Just like adding the Sorcerer simple class template really helps the Faerie Dragon... the Druid simple class template is a natural fit for a Nymph. She gets Wild Shape as a 5th-level Druid, and Woodland Stride to go with the Wild Empathy she already had....VoodistMonk2022-07-15T07:19:03ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Favorite templates...VoodistMonkhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43n43?Favorite-templates#232022-07-21T02:03:38Z2022-07-15T00:16:20Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Mark Hoover 330 wrote:</div><blockquote><p> Umm... <a href="https://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/monster-listings/templates/drider-cr-2/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Drider?</a> Yes please!</p>
<p>It comes as no surprise to anyone that has seen me on these boards, I love using Mites as my go-to horde type. Unlike goblins or kobolds I don't need to justify huge lairs containing hundreds per lair being close to civilization, they are physically weak but have lots of fun skills and Prestidigitation at will, and best of all they can command ANY Vermin they can manage to tame and train through Vermin Empathy.</p>
<p>With all that focus on vermin, why not make mite-driders? Using the variant rules at the bottom of the page I'm linking to, you could make drider types for mites with spiders, beetles, giant ticks, centipedes and so on. Obviously you wouldn't have an entire "tribe" of driders, but maybe one or two elite types guarding the lair. </p>
<p>The fact that Mites start with a 13 Wis, get a +6 from the template, then the driders could also pick up the spellcasting of a level 6 Cleric? Are you KIDDING me? Instead of the standard Mite ability to cast Doom 1/day, how about Visions of H E double hockey sticks 3/day with a DC 17 Will save on it?</p>
<p>Yeah, this feels right... </blockquote><p>Drider Mites are epic. Thank you for this. I love all of it.Mark Hoover 330 wrote:Umm... Drider? Yes please!
It comes as no surprise to anyone that has seen me on these boards, I love using Mites as my go-to horde type. Unlike goblins or kobolds I don't need to justify huge lairs containing hundreds per lair being close to civilization, they are physically weak but have lots of fun skills and Prestidigitation at will, and best of all they can command ANY Vermin they can manage to tame and train through Vermin Empathy.
With all that focus on vermin,...VoodistMonk2022-07-15T00:16:20ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Favorite templates...Reksew_Treblahttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43n43?Favorite-templates#222022-07-21T02:03:36Z2022-07-14T01:10:00Z<p>Haven't done this yet (just thought up of the idea), but the <a href="https://www.aonprd.com/MonsterTemplates.aspx?ItemName=Haunted%20One" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Haunted One</a> template, but instead of a random spirit, it is yourself, because your soul split in two or something.</p>
<p>Add in something that would allow your other half to take control, like the <a href="https://www.aonprd.com/MonsterTemplates.aspx?ItemName=Possessed%20Creature" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Possessed Creature</a> template.</p>
<p>Alternativly, if the creature will have class levels, you could add in levels of <a href="https://www.aonprd.com/ArchetypeDisplay.aspx?FixedName=Vigilante%20Splintersoul" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Splintersoul Vigilante</a>. This, combined with the thematic change to the Haunted One template, would allow you to make Moon Knight from Marvel Comics, or something similar.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that the weakness of the Haunted One template doesn't have to be used, as it says the rider only "typically" punishes the Haunted One for acting out of line, not that they always do so.</p>Haven't done this yet (just thought up of the idea), but the Haunted One template, but instead of a random spirit, it is yourself, because your soul split in two or something.
Add in something that would allow your other half to take control, like the Possessed Creature template.
Alternativly, if the creature will have class levels, you could add in levels of Splintersoul Vigilante. This, combined with the thematic change to the Haunted One template, would allow you to make Moon Knight from...Reksew_Trebla2022-07-14T01:10:00ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Favorite templates...Java Manhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43n43?Favorite-templates#212022-07-21T02:03:33Z2022-07-13T23:07:32Z<p>The couple that pop to mind were both modified swarms, the first a skeletal rat swarm (to model every rodent, lizard, frog etc skeleton being animated by a place of "bad mojo"). The second fiendish spider and wasp swarms. The addition of even a little fire resist to a swarm can make them much trickier to fight.</p>The couple that pop to mind were both modified swarms, the first a skeletal rat swarm (to model every rodent, lizard, frog etc skeleton being animated by a place of "bad mojo"). The second fiendish spider and wasp swarms. The addition of even a little fire resist to a swarm can make them much trickier to fight.Java Man2022-07-13T23:07:32ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Favorite templates...Reksew_Treblahttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43n43?Favorite-templates#202022-07-21T02:03:31Z2022-07-13T20:26:11Z<p>Not exactly legal, but I like giving the Energized (Golem) template to non Constructs.</p>
<p>It's just a fun template, and I find it odd it is not only limited to constructs, but even further limited to just golems.</p>Not exactly legal, but I like giving the Energized (Golem) template to non Constructs.
It's just a fun template, and I find it odd it is not only limited to constructs, but even further limited to just golems.Reksew_Trebla2022-07-13T20:26:11ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Favorite templates...Mark Hoover 330https://paizo.com/threads/rzs43n43?Favorite-templates#192022-07-21T02:03:28Z2022-07-13T19:25:52Z<p>Umm... <a href="https://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/monster-listings/templates/drider-cr-2/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Drider?</a> Yes please!</p>
<p>It comes as no surprise to anyone that has seen me on these boards, I love using Mites as my go-to horde type. Unlike goblins or kobolds I don't need to justify huge lairs containing hundreds per lair being close to civilization, they are physically weak but have lots of fun skills and Prestidigitation at will, and best of all they can command ANY Vermin they can manage to tame and train through Vermin Empathy.</p>
<p>With all that focus on vermin, why not make mite-driders? Using the variant rules at the bottom of the page I'm linking to, you could make drider types for mites with spiders, beetles, giant ticks, centipedes and so on. Obviously you wouldn't have an entire "tribe" of driders, but maybe one or two elite types guarding the lair. </p>
<p>The fact that Mites start with a 13 Wis, get a +6 from the template, then the driders could also pick up the spellcasting of a level 6 Cleric? Are you KIDDING me? Instead of the standard Mite ability to cast Doom 1/day, how about Visions of H E double hockey sticks 3/day with a DC 17 Will save on it?</p>
<p>Yeah, this feels right...</p>Umm... Drider? Yes please!
It comes as no surprise to anyone that has seen me on these boards, I love using Mites as my go-to horde type. Unlike goblins or kobolds I don't need to justify huge lairs containing hundreds per lair being close to civilization, they are physically weak but have lots of fun skills and Prestidigitation at will, and best of all they can command ANY Vermin they can manage to tame and train through Vermin Empathy.
With all that focus on vermin, why not make...Mark Hoover 3302022-07-13T19:25:52ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Favorite templates...Mark Hoover 330https://paizo.com/threads/rzs43n43?Favorite-templates#182022-07-21T02:03:24Z2022-07-12T14:02:39Z<p>How about an outdoor encounter? Take a Constrictor Snake, give it Element-Infused (Earth), then hand it Resist Energy (Acid)10, Burrowing and Breath Weapon (Acid). Replace Skill Focus (Perception) with Noxious Bite above. Now you've got a snake that pops up out of the ground (DC 25 to detect a creature burrowing under you), bites, attempts Nauseated on their victim, starts a grapple and potentially constricts in one round. Not TOO OP since its the rest of the party vs the snake, but sure to deliver some damage and a potential jump-scare.</p>How about an outdoor encounter? Take a Constrictor Snake, give it Element-Infused (Earth), then hand it Resist Energy (Acid)10, Burrowing and Breath Weapon (Acid). Replace Skill Focus (Perception) with Noxious Bite above. Now you've got a snake that pops up out of the ground (DC 25 to detect a creature burrowing under you), bites, attempts Nauseated on their victim, starts a grapple and potentially constricts in one round. Not TOO OP since its the rest of the party vs the snake, but sure to...Mark Hoover 3302022-07-12T14:02:39ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Favorite templates...VoodistMonkhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43n43?Favorite-templates#172022-07-21T02:03:17Z2022-07-12T09:20:25Z<p>Back to the Mutant Goblins... it honestly blows my mind that it's a Paizo template... they can start with an acidic Breath Weapon, and a Venomous Bite... thus qualifying for the Noxious Bite feat!!! </p>
<p>So you have a primary bite attack that does 1D4 + 1 acid + poison + nauseated... wyvern poison does 1D4 Con damage, and requires 2 saves... the poison and the nauseated condition each have their own saving throw, so saving against one in no way guarantees success against the other... all the saving throws for the Breath Weapon, poison, and nauseated condition are Con-based (perfect for a Feral Gnasher Barbarian). </p>
<p>Breath Weapon (Su) The goblin can spew a line of foul acidic blood from its mouth (20-foot line, Reflex DC = 10 + 1/2 Hit Die + its Constitution modifier for half damage, 1d4 points of acid damage per HD, usable every 1d4 rounds). If it has 5 or more HD, the range increases to 30 feet and the damage increases to 1d6 points of acid damage per HD.</p>
<p>Venomous Bite (Ex) The mutant goblin grows large fangs, gaining a poisonous bite as a natural attack that deals damage appropriate to its size. The poison functions like wyvern poison•, except its DC is 10 + 1/2 HD + its Constitution modifier.</p>
<p>•Poison (Ex)
<br />
Sting—injury; save DC 17; frequency 1/round for 6 rounds; effect 1d4 Constitution damage; cure 2 consecutive saves. The save DC is Constitution-based. [Copied from Wyvern]</p>
<p>Noxious Bite
<br />
Source Dragons Revisited pg. 9
<br />
Your acid-dripping breath causes those you bite to become ill.</p>
<p>Prerequisites: Acidic breath weapon, bite attack.</p>
<p>Benefit: Your bite attack deals 1 point of acid damage in addition to its normal damage. Living creatures you bite must make a Fort save (DC equal to your breath weapon's DC) or be nauseated for a number of rounds equal to 1 + your Constitution modifier (minimum 1 round).</p>
<p>And, just a reminder... "Nauseated creatures are unable to attack, cast spells, concentrate on spells, or do anything else requiring attention. The only action such a character can take is a single move action per turn." </p>
<p>I am having a lot of fun adding this Mutant Goblin template to me Feral Gnasher Barbarian... it just keeps getting better and better. Since the template ALSO allows claws with grab, I'm thinking about skipping Pounce [Beast Totem] in favor of Swallow Whole [Tyrant Totem]... I know Goblins are little, and thus cannot eat big things but d@mmit there is something hilarious about a Goblin with the Swallow Whole ability. Lol. </p>
<p>We mustn't forget about THIS to go with his 6 Intelligence: </p>
<p>Letter Fury (Goblin)
<br />
You go wild when someone tries to steal the words from your head.</p>
<p>Prerequisite: Goblin, rage class feature.</p>
<p>Benefit: If someone reads or writes in your presence (including casting spells like glyph of warding or symbol) you can, as an immediate action, choose to activate your rage class ability for 1 round. This round of rage does not count toward the total number of rounds which you can rage each day, but if you wish to continue your rage beyond that single round you must expend rounds from your daily rage allotment as normal. Once you use this feat you must wait at least 1 minute after you cease raging before you can use it again.</p>Back to the Mutant Goblins... it honestly blows my mind that it's a Paizo template... they can start with an acidic Breath Weapon, and a Venomous Bite... thus qualifying for the Noxious Bite feat!!!
So you have a primary bite attack that does 1D4 + 1 acid + poison + nauseated... wyvern poison does 1D4 Con damage, and requires 2 saves... the poison and the nauseated condition each have their own saving throw, so saving against one in no way guarantees success against the other... all the...VoodistMonk2022-07-12T09:20:25ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Favorite templates...VoodistMonkhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43n43?Favorite-templates#162022-07-21T02:02:56Z2022-07-12T05:03:29Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Mark Hoover 330 wrote:</div><blockquote><p> I don't have a fave template right now. Fact is, I'm kind of a curmudgeon on these boards. Until recently I pretty rigidly stuck to the CR guidelines designing fights and only used the Simple templates b/c those were all I understood. My reality though is that my players have advanced their system mastery far beyond these minor tweaks. </p>
<p>For creativity-challenged GMs like myself its nice to get threads like this that help make those connections on synergies provided by templates aligning to monsters. I hope this thread keeps going and I appreciate everyone's contributions so far!</p>
<p></blockquote><p>I tried to stick to the CR guidelines, I really did. But as a GM, I was being outclassed. The difficult terrain and by-the-book traps and all the strategy/tactics I could possibly plan, simply weren't enough to keep CR-appropriate encounters interesting for the party. I was CONSTANTLY adjusting to APL +2/+3... which means the base CR system is not accurate [for these players].
<p>But there were enemies I actually WANTED to use. There were encounters in the AP I was running, where it wouldn't make sense it greatly increase the number of enemies, and the enemies that ARE there are SUPPOSED to mean something... part of the story, and intended to be difficult. I didn't want to have to rewrite the entire encounter, but I actually enjoy building/modifying characters/monsters... so templates became a way to make ordinary monsters bring something unexpected to the table. </p>
<p>Sure, you may have fought Ceratioidi before... but have you fought Ceratioidi with the Wizard-creature template before? I give all Ceratioidi the Wizard-creature template, and all their Familiars get the Parasite Familiar archetype. The male Ceratioidi are little eel parasites that attach to the females' spine, and form a weird symbiotic relationship with their host female. It makes further sense, because Ceratioidi have a glowing appendage on their face like an anglerfish, and I give them the Illusion School for its Blinding Ray ability. Now this aforementioned glowing orb can act as a lure to make everyone within 20ft fascinated, or shoot a ray that makes one person blind. </p>
<p>And, honestly, the party still stomps all over them... but it was more interesting, after the fight there was whispers around the table, "I don't remember them doing THAT."</p>Mark Hoover 330 wrote:I don't have a fave template right now. Fact is, I'm kind of a curmudgeon on these boards. Until recently I pretty rigidly stuck to the CR guidelines designing fights and only used the Simple templates b/c those were all I understood. My reality though is that my players have advanced their system mastery far beyond these minor tweaks.
For creativity-challenged GMs like myself its nice to get threads like this that help make those connections on synergies provided by...VoodistMonk2022-07-12T05:03:29ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Favorite templates...Tim Emrickhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43n43?Favorite-templates#152022-07-21T02:02:50Z2022-07-11T22:27:38Z<p>The Advanced Bestiary was my single favorite 3.5 book, and the Pathfinder version ranks nearly as high. I've used quite a few of its templates in my PF games. </p>
<p>One of my favorites was <a href="https://studdedplate.blogspot.com/2016/06/advanced-bestiary-baregara-possessed.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">a homebrew variant of the demon-possessed template that was adapted for baregaras</a>. Putting that on a "high girallon" with class levels made for one of the most memorable battles I've ever GMed: the PCs had to take down a tough solo brute boss first, then immediately deal with the fiend inside it while seriously wounded and running low on spells.</p>The Advanced Bestiary was my single favorite 3.5 book, and the Pathfinder version ranks nearly as high. I've used quite a few of its templates in my PF games.
One of my favorites was a homebrew variant of the demon-possessed template that was adapted for baregaras. Putting that on a "high girallon" with class levels made for one of the most memorable battles I've ever GMed: the PCs had to take down a tough solo brute boss first, then immediately deal with the fiend inside it while seriously...Tim Emrick2022-07-11T22:27:38ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Favorite templates...Mark Hoover 330https://paizo.com/threads/rzs43n43?Favorite-templates#142022-07-21T02:02:48Z2022-07-11T15:27:26Z<p>I don't have a fave template right now. Fact is, I'm kind of a curmudgeon on these boards. Until recently I pretty rigidly stuck to the CR guidelines designing fights and only used the Simple templates b/c those were all I understood. My reality though is that my players have advanced their system mastery far beyond these minor tweaks. </p>
<p>For creativity-challenged GMs like myself its nice to get threads like this that help make those connections on synergies provided by templates aligning to monsters. I hope this thread keeps going and I appreciate everyone's contributions so far!</p>I don't have a fave template right now. Fact is, I'm kind of a curmudgeon on these boards. Until recently I pretty rigidly stuck to the CR guidelines designing fights and only used the Simple templates b/c those were all I understood. My reality though is that my players have advanced their system mastery far beyond these minor tweaks.
For creativity-challenged GMs like myself its nice to get threads like this that help make those connections on synergies provided by templates aligning to...Mark Hoover 3302022-07-11T15:27:26ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Favorite templates...VoodistMonkhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43n43?Favorite-templates#132022-07-21T02:02:39Z2022-07-10T21:58:29Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">The Purity of Violence wrote:</div><blockquote><br />
<br />
...There were 5 19th level Mythic tier 3 PCs... </p>
<p>...the cleric reduced to a -150hp or so red mist from multiple chain gun criticals... </blockquote><p>This made me smile, probably way too much.The Purity of Violence wrote:...There were 5 19th level Mythic tier 3 PCs... ...the cleric reduced to a -150hp or so red mist from multiple chain gun criticals...
This made me smile, probably way too much.VoodistMonk2022-07-10T21:58:29ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Favorite templates...The Purity of Violencehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43n43?Favorite-templates#122022-07-21T02:02:31Z2022-07-10T07:00:47Z<p>I applied the Commando Construct template to a mythic Annihilator Robot from Legendary's Games Mythic Monster Manuel, which worked out as a CR22. </p>
<p>There were 5 19th level Mythic tier 3 PCs and as it was the first encounter of the day it should have been a walkover/resource drain. </p>
<p>With the special attacks from Commando Construct of Brutal Attacks, Extra Attack and Retaliatory Strike by the end of the 2nd round the party was in deep trouble with the cleric reduced to a -150hp or so red mist from multiple chain gun criticals and the fighter down to about 40hp. I had to tome it down to avoid a smart characters teleporting away never to return/TPK. </p>
<p>I have also applied Implacable Stalker and the Nightmare Lord to a Bogeyman. </p>
<p>The most feared/memorial villain I ever did was a awakened, agile (mythic) vampire cat witch 13. Of course it had a cat familiar which was one of its descendants and physically identical. </p>
<p>Also remember for negative energy charged creature, Advanced Bestiary has a 6th level spell that gives it out...</p>I applied the Commando Construct template to a mythic Annihilator Robot from Legendary's Games Mythic Monster Manuel, which worked out as a CR22.
There were 5 19th level Mythic tier 3 PCs and as it was the first encounter of the day it should have been a walkover/resource drain.
With the special attacks from Commando Construct of Brutal Attacks, Extra Attack and Retaliatory Strike by the end of the 2nd round the party was in deep trouble with the cleric reduced to a -150hp or so red mist...The Purity of Violence2022-07-10T07:00:47ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Favorite templates...Reksew_Treblahttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43n43?Favorite-templates#112022-07-21T02:02:24Z2022-07-10T02:25:13Z<p>Speaking of Goblins, this is my favorite abomination:</p>
<p>Oversized Goblin (Alternate Racial Trait/Subrace from Monster Codex, that makes them Medium) with the following templates:</p>
<p><a href="https://www.aonprd.com/MonsterDisplay.aspx?ItemName=Ogrekin" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Ogrekin</a> (can be applied to any Medium Humanoid; makes them part Ogre)</p>
<p><a href="https://www.aonprd.com/MonsterTemplates.aspx?ItemName=Giantkin%20Ogre" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Giantkin Ogre</a> (since they are an Ogre now)</p>
<p><a href="https://www.aonprd.com/MonsterTemplates.aspx?ItemName=Mongrel%20Giant" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Mongrel Giant</a> (since they are a non Ogre Giant now)</p>
<p>You already know Mutant Goblin template</p>
<p>You already know about the Mutant template</p>
<p><a href="https://www.aonprd.com/MonsterTemplates.aspx?ItemName=Mana%20Wastes%20Mutant" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Mana Wastes Mutant</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.aonprd.com/MonsterTemplates.aspx?ItemName=Id%20Mutant" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Id Mutant</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/monster-listings/templates/two-headed-cr-1-or-2/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Two-Headed</a></p>
<p>and then any CR +1 template. With PC Wealth at level 20, this is a CR 30 Goblin abomination.</p>
<p>If it is a Mythic game, remove the standing CR +1 template, Two-Headed, Id Mutant, and Mana Wastes Mutant. This makes them only CR 25, thus allowing a full Mythic Tier 10 to be added to them.</p>Speaking of Goblins, this is my favorite abomination:
Oversized Goblin (Alternate Racial Trait/Subrace from Monster Codex, that makes them Medium) with the following templates:
Ogrekin (can be applied to any Medium Humanoid; makes them part Ogre)
Giantkin Ogre (since they are an Ogre now)
Mongrel Giant (since they are a non Ogre Giant now)
You already know Mutant Goblin template
You already know about the Mutant template
Mana Wastes Mutant
Id Mutant
Two-Headed
and then any CR +1...Reksew_Trebla2022-07-10T02:25:13ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Favorite templates...VoodistMonkhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43n43?Favorite-templates#102022-07-21T02:02:21Z2022-07-10T00:24:49Z<p>Yes, a PC is going to have a tough time as a Goblin, and better have both a good roleplaying game, as well as a solid backstory (why this Goblin character exists, and why they are here, etc). Goblin is not just a block of stats sort of race one can choose all willy-nilly.</p>
<p>But that Feral Gnasher, though... even with a 20pt buy, a wee Goblin can afford to start with a 19,13,15,6,14,6 (w/ racials & template)... by level 10 their Venomous Bite is doing 1D8/×3+poison (DC 18+), said bite has the grab ability with a scaling bonus to size you can grab, they don't gain the grappled condition/can move with you in their mouth when using their bite's grab ability, the Raging Grappler Rage Power can make it so they could knock you prone as a free action, the template can also give them claws with grab to further play off Raging Grappler knocking people prone, they can have Pounce... AND THEY HAVE A FREAKING BREATH WEAPON usable every 1D4 rounds that deals 10D6 acid damage in a 30-ft line (DC 18+ for half). What a little monster. Lol.</p>Yes, a PC is going to have a tough time as a Goblin, and better have both a good roleplaying game, as well as a solid backstory (why this Goblin character exists, and why they are here, etc). Goblin is not just a block of stats sort of race one can choose all willy-nilly.
But that Feral Gnasher, though... even with a 20pt buy, a wee Goblin can afford to start with a 19,13,15,6,14,6 (w/ racials & template)... by level 10 their Venomous Bite is doing 1D8/×3+poison (DC 18+), said bite has the...VoodistMonk2022-07-10T00:24:49Z