Looking for a template

[Amphetryon]

Specifically, I'm trying to find a template or similar to give Animals (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/typesSubtypes.htm#animalType) that grants some defense specifically against Ranged attacks without increasing their mental stats. Does such a thing exist, outside of homebrew? Thanks in advance.

[HunterColt22]

Specifically, I'm trying to find a template or similar to give Animals (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/typesSubtypes.htm#animalType) that grants some defense specifically against Ranged attacks without increasing their mental stats. Does such a thing exist, outside of homebrew? Thanks in advance.

Wouldn't Mineral warrior work in this case, it drops all mental capacity by two but it might be what you are looking for. Specifically against arrows sounds like Air elemental territory and that is something that sounds like you want to avoid.

[karkus]

Sorry, but you may have to homebrew this for yourself. Try making a Magical Beast (http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/Magical_beast) template that gives them a Protection from Arrows (http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/Protection_from_arrows)-like effect.

[TuggyNE]

Specifically, I'm trying to find a template or similar to give Animals (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/typesSubtypes.htm#animalType) that grants some defense specifically against Ranged attacks without increasing their mental stats. Does such a thing exist, outside of homebrew? Thanks in advance.

Well, what sort of effect do you want? Feats can give you some of this with Ex stuff (Snatch Arrows, Deflect Arrows, the various epic feats, etc), but anything more overtly magical is probably going to have to change type to Magical Beast, at which point you can just stack another template on it to reduce mental stats if needed.

[Amphetryon]

Well, what sort of effect do you want? Feats can give you some of this with Ex stuff (Snatch Arrows, Deflect Arrows, the various epic feats, etc), but anything more overtly magical is probably going to have to change type to Magical Beast, at which point you can just stack another template on it to reduce mental stats if needed.

Initially, I was looking for some sort of blur effect (even just 1/day), but I think that's probably too magical and/or template-intensive for what I had in mind. Deflect Arrows might work, but I'd prefer an effect that the animals don't have to intentionally activate.

[animewatcha]

There a way for animals to make use of shield crystals?

[Boci]

Radiant creature gets blur as a spell like ability if they have 3 or more hitdie, but the creature type becomes outsider and their CHa is increased by +6.

[Feralventas]

Dark creature template, +8 racial bonus to Hide, hide in plain sight, +10ft movement speed. Pick up the hit-on-the-run feat, charge in and out of cover. Martial study wall of blades 1/combat.

[BowStreetRunner]

While it is not specifically tailored against ranged attacks, the pseudonatural creature template in Complete Arcane grants some defensive abilities that could also thwart certain ranged attack types. Specifically, it grants acid and electricity resistance, DR 5 or 10/magic, and spell resistance.

[Biffoniacus_Furiou]

Two flaws (Shaky and Bestial Instinct (http://alt.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=258440#30)), Improved Unarmed Strike, Deflect Arrows. Done.

[Boci]

Dark creature template, +8 racial bonus to Hide, hide in plain sight, +10ft movement speed. Pick up the hit-on-the-run feat, charge in and out of cover. Martial study wall of blades 1/combat.

Wall of blades is a stance, not a strike and thus can be active all the time. It helps with flanking. Child of shadows seems more themtically apropriate since it grants concealment when you move 10ft or more.

[Amphetryon]

I don't generally allow multiple Flaws, or Dragon magazine, so I'll have to discount that option as ill-suited for my campaign.

[nedz]

Most of the relevant templates require Int 4.

Earth Elemental Creature from MotP can get DR 5, if HD between 8 and 11 or DR 10 if 12+. Mind you Celestial, Fiendish or Pseudonatural can get this much more easily.

Shadow Creature from MotP gets total concealment in shadows and can get Fast Healing 2 (or DR 5); so if it gets hit, it hides and fast heals.

Natural Lycanthropes get DR 10/Silver - which may be good since who fires silver arrows at animals ?

Or Skeleton, which might not be what you were after :smallsmile:

Half-Golem, Clay MM2 Immune to Piercing and Slashing.
(Several other Half-Golems also, but I'm guessing that this is not what you are looking for)

[The-Mage-King]

Wall of blades is a stance, not a strike and thus can be active all the time. It helps with flanking.


... :smallconfused:

It's neither. It's a Counter.

[dextercorvia]

It isn't specific to ranged attacks, but making it Magebred (Thick Skinned) will get an extra +4 NA, and won't raise Int above 2.

[Boci]

... :smallconfused:

It's neither. It's a Counter.

What's with the confused face? I clearly mixed that manoeuvre up with island of blades (since the fluff of dark creature gave me tunnel vision reguarding shadow hand).