I'm currently running an Eberron campaign in which aberrations play a big role (the PCs accidentally helped release a daelkyr from imprisonment, and now they're trying to figure out how to put him back). My players seem to enjoy it, but as a DM this is slightly unsatisfying - because aberrations are, as a creature type, pretty anemic (only one good save, middling BAB, bad skills).
So, I got to thinking. What about making a template that would make aberrations a little better? Since most aberrations in Eberron are connected to the outer plane Xoriat (aka the Far Realm), I figured I'd upgrade some of them to outsiders with this template:
[Smallcaps]Aberrant outsider[/smallcaps]
Aberrant outsider is an inherited template that can be added to any aberration (referred to hereafter as the base creature). An aberrant outsider uses all the base creature's statistics and special abilities except as noted here.
Size and Type: The creature's type changes to outsider with the Aberrant subtype. Size is unchanged.
Base Attack/Grapple: The creature gains good base attack bonus (BAB=HD). This also affects the creature's grapple bonus and his attack bonuses.
Special Qualities: The creature gains the Aberrant blood special quality. If it does not already possess damage reduction, it gains DR 5/magic or byeshk.
Saves: All saves are good. In most cases, this means you recalculate the creature's Fortitude and Reflex saves.
Challenge Rating: Increase by 1.
Aberrant Blood (Ex): For all effects related to creature type, an aberrant outsider is considered an aberration.
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So, what do people think? I'm a little fuzzy on the challenge rating modifier, and I'm considering making the DR HD-dependent (like a half-celestial or half-fiend).
That will certainly beef them up. I think it's totally appropriate for Eberron in a lot of cases, particularly when the beasties came through with the Daelkyr. What about creatures that were created after the invasion, like the Dolgaunts?
As an alternative source of nastier aberrations, there is always Cthulhu D20. A Shoggoth should humble the PCs pretty rapidly. :deviousgrin:
Quote from: Vermicious KnidWhat about creatures that were created after the invasion, like the Dolgaunts?
I'm thinking that some of them will probably acquire the template, due to the proximity to an actual free daelkyr.
QuoteAs an alternative source of nastier aberrations, there is always Cthulhu D20. A Shoggoth should humble the PCs pretty rapidly. :deviousgrin:
I'm told CoCd20 can be pretty hard to find, though.
Quote from: DackeI'm told CoCd20 can be pretty hard to find, though.
This is true, I think they stopped printing that book. Your best bet would be to check out Borders, Barnes & Noble, etc. Bookstores that have a small gaming section. I wouldn't suggest E-Bay as the books are going for exorbitant prices.
Quote from: DackeI'm told CoCd20 can be pretty hard to find, though.
That makes me glad I picked it up early. I've gotten tons of use out of it.
The problem with checking out B&N or similar places is that I live in Sweden, which is a bit of a third-world country these days regarding RPGs. They're pretty much only found in specialty stores. Though it is possible that my FLGS has a copy. Anyway, that's going to have to wait for next month, I already bought one expensive game book this month (Tome of Magic).
Better living through Alchemy?
"Remember kids, winners don't use drugs. Or turn their neighbours into horrific mutations. Just say NO to mad scientists".
Look into the Pseudonatural Template, you may find what you are looking for.
Nah. The "weak" pseudonatural template is just on par with celestial/fiendish, and is more for turning regular critters into aberrations, not for making aberrations better. And the "epic" pseudonatural template... well, I'm not getting anywhere near running a game of high enough level to start using it.
Quote from: DackeNah. The "weak" pseudonatural template is just on par with celestial/fiendish, and is more for turning regular critters into aberrations, not for making aberrations better. And the "epic" pseudonatural template... well, I'm not getting anywhere near running a game of high enough level to start using it.
I think I might have what you're looking for. :heh:
Hmm. Interesting. Not quite what I was going for, but I could use it for something else.