[3.5] ...Does Whatever a Spider Ghoul Can

[Thurbane]

Hey all,

Just need some advice on a monster/NPC for my game.

Advanced (9HD) Hivenest Gravetouched Ghoul Ettercap (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/ettercap.htm)

Large Undead

Str 24 Dex 18 Con -- Int 8 Wis 19 Cha 10

...main advice I'm looking for is two things:

1.) What's the best spider-themed swarm to have him infested with?

2.) What are some good thematic or general feats for this dude? Gets Multiattack as a bonus feat, so he has 4 feats open.

Cheers - T

http://bogleech.com/dnd/ettercap3.jpg

[EndocrineBandit]

Ability Focus Paralysis might not be a bad way to go. Otherwise it really depends on the route you wanna go. Flavor or oomph? Power attack? Improved grapple? Maybe something to enhance the web?

[Mr Adventurer]

Surely a swarm of spiders...?

[Tiri]

Sadly, as the template restricts you to vermin swarms, you'll have to stick with a regular spider swarm if you want something spider-themed.

[ExLibrisMortis]

You can template the spider swarm in question, but most templates won't carry over to the hivenest monster. One template that does is the Guardian template, which turns the swarm into a really bright source of light (also adds darkvision, blindsense, and +6 spot/listen), creating cool patterns around the host as a side effect. Other templates (http://www.minmaxboards.com/index.php?topic=12219.0) that are vermin-to-vermin for spider swarms: Mineral Warrior, Chameleon Creature, Acidborn Creature, Ba'traa Creature. Not the best selection, in my opinion. If you want to make the spider swarm count post-hivedeath, advance it by HD (despite the advancement entry of --).

[Thurbane]

Surely a swarm of spiders...?

Sadly, as the template restricts you to vermin swarms, you'll have to stick with a regular spider swarm if you want something spider-themed.

You can template the spider swarm in question, but most templates won't carry over to the hivenest monster. One template that does is the Guardian template, which turns the swarm into a really bright source of light (also adds darkvision, blindsense, and +6 spot/listen), creating cool patterns around the host as a side effect. Other templates (http://www.minmaxboards.com/index.php?topic=12219.0) that are vermin-to-vermin for spider swarms: Mineral Warrior, Chameleon Creature, Acidborn Creature, Ba'traa Creature. Not the best selection, in my opinion. If you want to make the spider swarm count post-hivedeath, advance it by HD (despite the advancement entry of --).

Good points, all...

[The Viscount]

I'm going to mention improved web if only because this is one of the rare monsters that can actually take it.

I really like contagious paralysis for ghouls so you can indirectly nab whoever comes to help a downed character.

[Thurbane]

1 Improved Web
3 Ability Focus (poison)
6 Improved Toughness
9 Contagious Paralysis
B Multiattack

[The Viscount]

If you want to add in some extra tough problems for your PCs, spit poison will make a good addition for ranged options.

I'm a big fan of Lifesense for anti-stealth purposes, if your party does that sort of thing.