PDA

View Full Version : Optimization That Which Returns


JNAProductions
2017-09-11, 06:53 PM
That Which Returns is a monster. It has the following statline:

That Which Returns
Size/Type Medium Eldritch Abomination
Hit Die 1d12+3 (10 HP)
Initiative +0
Speed 30'
Armor Class 10, Touch 10, Flat Footed 10
Base Attack/Grapple +1/+1
Attack Slam +1 Melee (1d8)
Space/Reach 5'/5'
Special Qualities Returning Better
Saves Fort +2, Ref +2, Will +2
Abilities Str 10, Dex 10, Con 10, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 10
Feats Toughness
Alignment Neutral Destructive (Treat as whichever alignment is worst for it)
Advancement By Returning Better

Returning Better (Ex): That Which Returns always comes back, just a little stronger and tougher than before. Each time That Which Returns dies, is imprisoned, or otherwise unable to operate, it enters an improvement state. When the stars next align (AKA whenever the DM says so) it returns, gaining 1 HD and resistance (eventual immunity) to whatever killed it or stopped it before. Absolutely nothing can stop this ability, steal it, or otherwise prevent it happening-it's powered by DM Fiat.

For example-it starts off pretty weak, so some random adventurers find it, are grossed out by it, and kill it. The finishing blow is struck with a greatsword, so it's new statline (on its return) is as follows:

That Which Returns
Size/Type Medium Eldritch Abomination
Hit Die 2d12+3 (16 HP)
Initiative +0
Speed 30'
Armor Class 10, Touch 10, Flat Footed 10
Base Attack/Grapple +2/+2
Attack Slam +2 Melee (1d8)
Space/Reach 5'/5'
Special Qualities Returning Better, Regeneration 10 (Bypassed by everything EXCEPT Slashing damage)
Saves Fort +3, Ref +3, Will +3
Abilities Str 10, Dex 10, Con 10, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 10
Feats Toughness
Alignment Neutral Destructive (Treat as whichever alignment is worst for it)
Advancement By Returning Better

Returning Better (Ex): That Which Returns always comes back, just a little stronger and tougher than before. Each time That Which Returns dies, is imprisoned, or otherwise unable to operate, it enters an improvement state. When the stars next align (AKA whenever the DM says so) it returns, gaining 1 HD and resistance (eventual immunity) to whatever killed it or stopped it before. Absolutely nothing can stop this ability, steal it, or otherwise prevent it happening-it's powered by DM Fiat.

I'm curious how many times this thing can be killed before it's just impossible.
Mike Miller
2017-09-11, 07:00 PM
Interesting, but I think it should have a much lower INT. It doesn't have very definitive advancement rules either. Did you want to standardize it's increases more?
JNAProductions
2017-09-11, 07:02 PM
Interesting, but I think it should have a much lower INT. It doesn't have very definitive advancement rules either. Did you want to standardize it's increases more?

No. It's powered by DM Fiat, not a set of rules.

And why would it have lower Int?
Zaq
2017-09-11, 07:18 PM
Check out this old piece of glorious optimization hivemindery: http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?462619-If-it-has-stats-we-can-kill-it-Adaptive-Evolution
Mike Miller
2017-09-11, 07:24 PM
No. It's powered by DM Fiat, not a set of rules.

And why would it have lower Int?

So it can learn!
JNAProductions
2017-09-11, 07:26 PM
Check out this old piece of glorious optimization hivemindery: http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?462619-If-it-has-stats-we-can-kill-it-Adaptive-Evolution

Neat! Thanks for that, Zaq.
JustIgnoreMe
2017-09-12, 07:17 AM
Check out this old piece of glorious optimization hivemindery: http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?462619-If-it-has-stats-we-can-kill-it-Adaptive-Evolution

And this one: Stuffy Doll (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?256950-3-5-The-Stuffy-Doll-Vs-the-Playground-(V-1-V-28))

And this one: Amkii (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?360693-Amkii-the-Ineffable-%283-5-Deity-If-I-stat-it-you-CAN-T-kill-it!%29)

And this one: Challenge (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?370527-If-it-has-stats-(Challenge-to-the-playground))

Every so often, the idea resurfaces. In actual play, this concept would be a massive red flag for me. Too much need for GM adjudication.
JNAProductions
2017-09-12, 08:23 AM
Would flinging That Which Returns into orbit, after it gains immunity to scorching heat, cold, vacuum, and suffocation, be considered a form of making it "imprisoned, or otherwise unable to operate"?

Well, it'd gain flight first off, so that it can return from orbit.

And JustIgnoreMe, I don't think this would ever make for a good NORMAL campaign. But it seems, to me, a fun test of optimization skills. Focus less on story and character, and more on how many times you can kill the thing.
JNAProductions
2017-09-12, 08:48 AM
And if it was transported to intergalactic space via Greater Teleport or Wish?

FTL Flight and/or Greater Teleportation of its own. As well as immunity to stuff like radiation and vacuum, of course.