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Zeta Kai
2008-10-30, 07:42 AM
Vote Up a Monster (3.X) #4: The Quest for Votes
Links to previous VUA contests, & the resulting creations:
Vote Up a Monster (3.X) #1 by Zeta Kai
Result: the Gatekeeper

Vote Up a Monster (3.X) #2 by Zeta Kai
Result: the Deus ex Machina

Vote Up a Monster (4E) #1 by Shadow_Elf
Result: the Songbird Spirit

Vote Up a Monster (3.X) #3 by Zeta Kai
Result: the Ectoplasmic Swarm

Vote Up a Villain (3.X) #1 by afroakuma
Result: Pending

Vote Up a Monster (3.X) #4 by Zeta Kai
Result: Pending

Vote Up a Monster (4E) #2 by Shadow_Elf
Result: Pending

I have new rules for voting. Please read these, as a violation may result in your vote not being counted:
Please only vote for the options provided. Write-in options are largely discouraged. In exchange, I will offer a wide variety of options, including a few that would normally be impossible, given the previously-chosen aspects. The only exception to this would be for Special Abilities. I do encourage people to write in any Special Abilities that they find appropriate (either from published monsters or homebrewed), & people are free to vote for those, if they so choose.
Please do not criticize or disparage the votes of other forum members. Let the votes fall where they may. A later VUAM may go your way instead, so just be patient, & allow other voters to voice their own opinions.
Please do not offer suggestions on the monster’s concept, behavior, appearance, etc. That is all part of my creative process, & it is stifling to consider write-ins. It is also unfair to other voters, as many do not make suggestions, & suggestions are not voted upon anyway.
If you must change your vote, please let me know that you are doing so, & what your original vote was. I tally votes often, to keep post #1 up to date, & it’s hard enough to keep track of which posts haven’t been tallied yet. If your vote cannot be tallied due to violation of any of these rules, I will post to inform you of that before voting ends. I will also ask you to modify your vote, so that it may be changed.

I am, again, soliciting votes on a number of aspects on this next creature. Here are the aspects, in order:

Type: Elemental

{table=head]Type|Votes
Aberration|0
Animal|0
Construct|1
Dragon|0
Elemental|13
Fey|1
Giant|9
Humanoid|1
Magical Beast|0
Monstrous Humanoid|0
Ooze|0
Outsider|0
Plant|0
Undead|0
Vermin|0
[/table]
Subtype: Evil & Shapechanger

{table=head]Subtype|Votes
Air|2
Angel|0
Aquatic|0
Archon|0
Augmented|2
Chaotic|1
Cold|0
Earth|0
Evil|6
Extraplanar|0
Fire|3
Goblinoid|2
Good|0
Incorporeal|0
Lawful|0
Native|0
Reptilian|1
Shapechanger|6
Water|1
NONE|0
[/table]
Size: Huge

{table=head]Size|Votes
Fine|1
Diminutive|0
Tiny|0
Small|1
Medium|1
Large|0
Huge|13
Gargantuan|0
Colossal|4[/table]
Alignment: Neutral Evil

{table=head]Alignment|Votes|Alignment|Votes|Alignment|Votes
Lawful Evil|1|Neutral Evil|16|Chaotic Evil|2
[/table]
Challenge Rating: 8

{table=head]CR|Votes
4|0
5|0
6|0
7|0
8|10
9|1
10|0
11|8
12|0
13|0
14|0
15|1
16|0
17|3
18|1
19|0
20|0
[/table]
Special Abilities: Change Shape, Compulsion, & Hearts of Men

{table=head]Special Ability|Votes
Ability Damage|1
Ability Drain|0
Alternate Form|0
Antimagic|2
Blindsight/Blindsense|0
Breath Weapon|0
Change Shape|8
Charm/Compulsion|7
Cold Immunity|0
Constrict|0
Damage Reduction|0
Darkvision|0
Death Attacks|0
Disease|2
Energy Drain/Negative Levels|1
Etherealness|0
Evasion/Improved Evasion|0
Fast Healing|0
Fear Aura (Su)|5
Fear Cones (Sp)/Rays (Su)|0
Frightful Presence (Ex)|0
Fire Immunity|0
Gaseous Form|0
Gaze Attacks|0
Improved Grab|0
Incorporeality|1
Invisibility|2
Level Loss|0
Low-Light Vision|0
Manufactured Weapons|0
Movement Modes (Burrow/Climb/Fly/Swim)|0
Natural Weapons (Bite/Claw/Gore/etc)|0
Nonabilities|0
Paralysis|0
Poison|0
Polymorph|0
Pounce|0
Powerful Charge|0
Psionics|0
Rake|0
Rays|0
Regeneration|0
Resistance To Energy|0
Scent|0
Sonic Attacks|0
Spell Immunity|0
Spell Resistance|2
Spells/SLAs|0
Summon|0
Swallow Whole|2
Telepathy|0
Trample|0
Tremorsense|0
Turn Resistance|0
Vulnerability to Energy|0
Hearts of Men (NEW!)|8
Stare Into the Abyss (NEW!)|1[/table]

All votes have been tallied. Voting is concluded at this point. The resultant creature, the Polymental has been posted. Thanks to everyone who voted.

Xallace
2008-10-30, 07:46 AM
Those rules are sound. Let it be a Giant this time!

Reverent-One
2008-10-30, 09:49 AM
I'll say Construct.

arguskos
2008-10-30, 09:51 AM
We don't have enough Elementals in the playground. :smallbiggrin:

-argus

Mr.Bookworm
2008-10-30, 09:59 AM
Hm...

Giant.

afroakuma
2008-10-30, 10:48 AM
The rules are agreed and just.

Giant is my vote.

Johel
2008-10-30, 11:08 AM
I vote Fey

Luean
2008-10-30, 01:02 PM
I vote for Elemental

MammonAzrael
2008-10-30, 01:08 PM
I'm going to go with Elemental. I think we could get something really interesting outta this. :smallsmile:

RTGoodman
2008-10-30, 01:14 PM
How 'bout Humanoid?

Fako
2008-10-30, 01:30 PM
I vote Elemental.

My group says I use too many of them... but I just can't get enough :smallamused:

Lyndworm
2008-10-30, 01:35 PM
The rules a great addition.

I'll vote for... Giant.

Zack

Pronounceable
2008-10-30, 01:42 PM
You can't stop Zeta, can you?

I haven't seen an elemental before.

streakster
2008-10-30, 01:48 PM
Elemental, if you'd be so kind.

Great rules, btw.

Adumbration
2008-10-30, 01:49 PM
We need a Giant in the playground.

Zeta Kai
2008-10-30, 02:34 PM
I'm glad that everyone likes the new rules for voting. I think it just clarifies what I've been asking people to do already, which isn't much. I've added a 5th rule, but it's really a rule for me, not the voters.

BTW, all votes are currently tallied.

Zuki
2008-10-30, 02:58 PM
I've always dug Elementals, let's see if you can do something innovative.

(I woulda voted for Magical Beast, but it's got no chance of winning.)

Shadow_Elf
2008-10-30, 04:14 PM
Well, we are being hosted by Giant in the playground, so I would find that appropriate.

Nice rules, btw.

Also, VUAM 4e #2 should be up sometime soon - maybe this weekend. I wish I could use all the great monsters these threads generate!

Owrtho
2008-10-30, 04:49 PM
Elemental. because enough is never enough.

Owrtho

Knaight
2008-10-30, 05:04 PM
Elemental.

insecure
2008-10-30, 05:22 PM
I'll vote for Elemental.

Tuataralad
2008-10-30, 05:30 PM
I think I'll also go with Elemental

ForzaFiori
2008-10-30, 05:53 PM
I'll vote for Giant

Kellus
2008-10-30, 06:42 PM
Another vote for Giant.

Keler
2008-10-30, 08:23 PM
My vote goes for Giant

pondshadow
2008-10-31, 05:59 AM
I'll vote for Elemental

vegetalss4
2008-10-31, 06:04 AM
i vote for Elemental

Zeta Kai
2008-10-31, 07:41 AM
Alright, the votes are completely tallied, & the winner is:
Elemental!

So, the creature is going to be an Elemental. I guess you guys don't think I did enough elementals in my Elemental Plane of Flesh. Giant put up a valiant fight, but tough luck; maybe next time. So next, I need you guys (& girls) to vote on the creature's Subtype (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/typesSubtypes.htm#subtypes). Votes will be tallied regularly. As always, please only vote for 1 subtype, & please peruse the voting rules. Thank you for voting.

afroakuma
2008-10-31, 07:52 AM
Air is my vote.

Heliomance
2008-10-31, 08:30 AM
Reptilian gets mine.

Johel
2008-10-31, 08:34 AM
Water Elemental

streakster
2008-10-31, 08:53 AM
It's time for the Evil Elemental of Evil!

Luean
2008-10-31, 09:06 AM
Hmm...my vote goes to Shapechanger because they can change shape...

Pronounceable
2008-10-31, 09:18 AM
I want a chaotic evil elemental. When forced to pick one, I'll vote for Evil.

Lord_Gareth
2008-10-31, 09:24 AM
I'm going to vote for Shapechanger

Reverent-One
2008-10-31, 09:58 AM
Fire, burning is always good.

Owrtho
2008-10-31, 11:16 AM
I'll vote for augmented

Owrtho

Xallace
2008-10-31, 12:44 PM
Shapechanger. A morphic elemental sounds neat.

arguskos
2008-10-31, 01:01 PM
Gotta toss my vote to the EVIL side of life! :smallbiggrin:

-argus

RTGoodman
2008-10-31, 01:14 PM
I agree with Reverent-One - things are always better with FIRE!

Lochar
2008-10-31, 01:31 PM
Shapechanger

Lyndworm
2008-10-31, 02:21 PM
I vote Augmented.

Zack

Mr.Bookworm
2008-10-31, 03:34 PM
Shapechanger.

A shapeshifting elemental sounds neat.

Kellus
2008-10-31, 05:32 PM
Elementals should be, you know, based on an element (reaction?). My vote's for Fire.

Juhn
2008-10-31, 06:38 PM
People here seem to like shapechangers. How many VUAM threads have ended up with them? To be (mildly, I suppose) different, I'll vote Chaos.

Keler
2008-10-31, 07:54 PM
Go team Evil.

kopout
2008-10-31, 08:10 PM
Goblinoid Elemental? Sure, why not?

Shadow_Elf
2008-10-31, 10:33 PM
@^ - I like the way you think!

Goblinoids!

Zeta Kai
2008-10-31, 10:39 PM
Goblinoids!

All I'm saying is what goes around, comes around. I'll see you at the VUAM2 (4E). :smallamused:

Shadow_Elf
2008-10-31, 11:03 PM
All I'm saying is what goes around, comes around. I'll see you at the VUAM2 (4E). :smallamused:

Fair enough, but I still think the Deus Ex Machina was your best so far, and it was the only one to have incompatible Type + Subtype. I'm trying to bring out the creativity! (I mean, how much room to maneuver was there with the incorporeal ooze swarm? The monster was basically decided upon, which was unfortunate, as your flavour is what makes the monster complete)

puppyavenger
2008-10-31, 11:53 PM
Shape-changer.

Knaight
2008-10-31, 11:58 PM
Air. Again, an elemental subtype for an elemental is just natural. And the incorporeal ooze swarm was awesome.

Shadow_Elf
2008-10-31, 11:59 PM
Shape-changer.

The following message contains a rant. Voter discretion is advised.

We've already had 50% of the existing 4 VUAMs be shapechangers. If this one is too (which now seems likely) we'll have 60% VUAM shapechangers. There's other interesting subtypes out there people! Actually, shapechanger is not even a very entertaining subtype at all. Now Elemental subtypes, those are cool. Or hot. Or mildly breezy. Depends.
Undead, they're cool too. So are Goblinoids.
Think of all the Rangers who didn't take Favoured Enemy Shapechanger!

puppyavenger
2008-11-01, 12:03 AM
The following message contains a rant. Voter discretion is advised.

rangers are supposed to get my sympathy? THINK OF THE MONKS MAN!

besides, what, I like the idea of an elemental that can actually create non-mindlessly destructive bits of its element

we do get more then one sub-type for this, right? because I wouldn't want it to end up with no element.

Tuataralad
2008-11-01, 06:22 AM
I'll go with evil shapechanger.

Fako
2008-11-01, 07:19 AM
Evil...we have enough elementals based on...well...elements...

vegetalss4
2008-11-01, 09:55 AM
EVIL we don't need more shapechangers and evil is the only other one with a winning chance right now

Zeta Kai
2008-11-01, 10:19 AM
I'll go with evil shapechanger.

Unfortunately, you cannot vote for 2 subtypes, so I cannot count either vote. Please pick one & resubmit. Thank you.

All other votes currently tallied.

afroakuma
2008-11-01, 10:23 AM
All I'm saying is what goes around, comes around. I'll see you at the VUAM2 (4E). :smallamused:

See, Shadow_Elf, this is why I vote nice. And Angel wasn't really incompatible with Construct, there was just one user who felt we weren't playing kosher.

kopout
2008-11-01, 12:00 PM
Come on people pick goblinode. Please, what are you afraid of.

Zeta Kai
2008-11-01, 12:45 PM
Alright, the votes are completely tallied, & it's a tie! The winners are:
Evil & Shapechanger!

So, the creature is going to be an Elemental, with the Evil & Shapechanger subtypes. Yeah, next time, Shapechanger is going to join the temporarily-banned subtypes, right next to Swarm. So next, I need you guys (& girls) to vote on the creature's Size (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/combat/movementPositionAndDistance.htm#bigandLittleCreatu resInCombat). Votes will be tallied regularly. As always, please only vote for 1 size, & please peruse the voting rules. Thank you for voting.

kopout
2008-11-01, 12:49 PM
Fine We have done big and medium but not relay small.

RTGoodman
2008-11-01, 12:50 PM
Going with Huge on this one.

afroakuma
2008-11-01, 12:52 PM
I think I like Huge for a shapechanger. Certainly makes the shapechange ability easier.

streakster
2008-11-01, 01:02 PM
Huge Going with the flow...

Keler
2008-11-01, 01:10 PM
My vote goes to small

Eleven
2008-11-01, 01:39 PM
I just got the idea of a vast section of morphing and entrapping landscape. Cliche, but delightful.

So i guess i'm going Colossal

Owrtho
2008-11-01, 01:41 PM
Colossal.

Owrtho

Juhn
2008-11-01, 01:42 PM
I was already going to vote Huge, because this is reminding me of Nightwalkers and those things are pretty awesome.

vegetalss4
2008-11-01, 01:48 PM
i vote Huge

Shadow_Elf
2008-11-01, 01:55 PM
Hmmm.

I'll vote Medium (although Fine would be interesting...)

arguskos
2008-11-01, 03:15 PM
COLOSSAL!!! Sorry, but I just love massive stuff....

-argus

Pronounceable
2008-11-01, 03:42 PM
I'd go for large, but seems huge is gonna make it.

Luean
2008-11-01, 03:44 PM
I want it to be a HUGE evil...thing!

Tuataralad
2008-11-01, 04:02 PM
Wow, tis has to be some kind of record for most people agreeing on one thing. I was actually gonna go huge anyway, lol

Dracomortis
2008-11-01, 04:26 PM
Add my vote to Huge.

DracoDei
2008-11-01, 04:45 PM
I vote for Colossal.

Reverent-One
2008-11-01, 04:51 PM
voting for Huge

Fako
2008-11-01, 08:48 PM
I'm voting for Huge as well...

Evil Shapechanger Elemental... *pictures kitten transforming into a black cloud of death* :smallamused:

Lord_Gareth
2008-11-02, 11:59 AM
Huge is the way to be!

puppyavenger
2008-11-02, 12:40 PM
Huge is the way to be.

Zeta Kai
2008-11-02, 12:44 PM
Alright, the votes for Size are tallied, & the winner is (by a landslide): Huge!

So, the creature is going to be an Elemental, with the Evil & Shapechanger subtypes. It's Size is going to be Huge. Sorry Colossal, better luck next time. So next, I need you guys (& girls) to vote on the creature's Alignment (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/description.htm#theNineAlignments). Votes will be tallied regularly. Votes will be tallied regularly. As always, please only vote for 1 alignment, & please peruse the voting rules. Thank you for voting.

RTGoodman
2008-11-02, 12:53 PM
Chaotic Evil sounds good to me.

Lord_Gareth
2008-11-02, 12:56 PM
Nuetral Evil - murderous apathy FTW!

Reverent-One
2008-11-02, 01:00 PM
Lawful evil

afroakuma
2008-11-02, 01:15 PM
Returning the Neutral Evil favor, Zeta. Especially since it only has the Evil subtype :smalltongue:

Juhn
2008-11-02, 01:37 PM
If it's a thing made of pure elemental evil (and apparently not law or chaos) then this decision is simple: Neutral Evil.

streakster
2008-11-02, 01:40 PM
Neutral Evil.

Because I'm nice that way.

puppyavenger
2008-11-02, 01:40 PM
If it's a thing made of pure elemental evil (and apparently not law or chaos) then this decision is simple: Neutral Evil.

I agree Neutral Evil

Xallace
2008-11-02, 01:45 PM
Yeah, Neural Evil's makin' the most sense here.

pondshadow
2008-11-02, 03:07 PM
Definatly neutral evil

Lyndworm
2008-11-02, 03:28 PM
I agree that the only logical solution is Neutral Evil.

Zack

Fako
2008-11-02, 03:34 PM
I agree with Neutral Evil...it's the only one that really makes sense...

Tempest Fennac
2008-11-02, 03:50 PM
I'd say Neutral Evil.

Pronounceable
2008-11-02, 04:33 PM
What else can an evil elemental be?

afroakuma
2008-11-02, 04:41 PM
I think this one's kind of swept. :smallbiggrin:

Shadow_Elf
2008-11-02, 05:28 PM
I think this one's kind of swept. :smallbiggrin:

[muffled sounds] Chaotic Neutral! [/muffled sounds]

[mindless drone] Neutral Evil! [/mindless drone]

Dracomortis
2008-11-02, 05:33 PM
Neutral and Evil.

Colt
2008-11-02, 05:53 PM
Chaotic Evil, because it looks fun.

Mr.Bookworm
2008-11-02, 07:03 PM
Lawful Good.

Because I hate Zeta. (And because the idea of a race of creatures made of literal evil that are actually good intrigues me.)

arguskos
2008-11-02, 07:15 PM
Neutral Evil, please.

-argus

LucyHarris
2008-11-02, 07:31 PM
*Is swept up in the flow*

Neutral Evil.

Zeta Kai
2008-11-03, 12:44 AM
Lawful Good.

Because I hate Zeta. (And because the idea of a race of creatures made of literal evil that are actually good intrigues me.)

I hate me too, for birthing a monster that threatens to consume the Homebrew Forum in its entirety. But, I guess it keeps you guys busy 'brewing during the slow season, so I'll live with it.

As for your vote, Mr. Bookworm, I'm sorry, but it's not a legal vote. Please vote for something else. Thank you.

RTGoodman
2008-11-03, 12:56 AM
Lawful Good.

Because I hate Zeta. (And because the idea of a race of creatures made of literal evil that are actually good intrigues me.)

See also: Hellbred PC Race, Fiendish Codex II.

Mr.Bookworm
2008-11-03, 07:06 AM
I'll just throw my hat into the Neutral Evil bin then.

And I don't have the Fiendish Codex, but everyone is always saying that it's good, so I'll have to check it out.

Luean
2008-11-03, 08:37 AM
Uhm, Neutral Evil, please.

Zeta Kai
2008-11-03, 09:43 AM
Alright, the votes for Alignment are tallied, & the winner is (by an unusual concensus): Neutral Evil!

So, the creature is going to be an Elemental, with the Evil & Shapechanger subtypes. It's Size is going to be Huge. It's Alignment is good to be Neutral Evil. This sounds like it's going to be a very, very interesting critter. So next, I need you guys (& girls) to vote on the creature's Challenge Rating (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/intro.htm#challengeRating). Votes will be tallied regularly. As always, please only vote for 1 CR, & please peruse the voting rules. Thank you for voting.

afroakuma
2008-11-03, 09:49 AM
CR 8. Nice middle of the road, scalable baddie.

streakster
2008-11-03, 09:57 AM
CR 17.

Come on, mean seventeen!

Lord_Gareth
2008-11-03, 10:22 AM
CR 9, because even numbers bug me.

Mr.Bookworm
2008-11-03, 10:48 AM
CR 11


Prime numbers are fun, and ECL 11 is right around the sweet spot of D&D.

Fako
2008-11-03, 11:08 AM
I vote CR 8. We've gotten a good amount of higher-end monsters from Zeta out of this...and I want to use this against my current party :xykon:

Drakefall
2008-11-03, 11:09 AM
CR 11 for me.. because 11 is my favourite number.:smalltongue:

puppyavenger
2008-11-03, 11:31 AM
eleven because......because

Owrtho
2008-11-03, 11:32 AM
17. Just because.

Owrtho

Human Paragon 3
2008-11-03, 11:46 AM
A huge, evil, shapechanging elemental... sounds like Aku! Anyway, I think something like that should be tougher than a typical elemental. 11 sounds right.

Reverent-One
2008-11-03, 11:52 AM
Throwing my vote in for CR 8.

Xallace
2008-11-03, 01:10 PM
Pop in another CR8.

RTGoodman
2008-11-03, 01:15 PM
Huh, I've been planning on voting CR 8 since this thing started. Guess great minds DO think alike... :smallwink:

LucyHarris
2008-11-03, 03:33 PM
I would say CR 11 is more my flavor.

pondshadow
2008-11-03, 05:00 PM
17 as i just like big things

Shadow_Elf
2008-11-03, 05:33 PM
CR 8 (as if I even know what I'm voting for :smalltongue:)

Lyndworm
2008-11-03, 05:59 PM
I vote CR 8.

Zack

Pronounceable
2008-11-03, 06:25 PM
Much as 666 is such a good number it's rather unfeasible for a CR. Can you fix it somehow to have 666 hp?

Whatever the case, I vote 6+6+6=18.

arguskos
2008-11-03, 06:45 PM
I'll toss a CR 11 at it!

-argus

MammonAzrael
2008-11-03, 06:56 PM
I'll toss in another for CR 11.

Keler
2008-11-03, 07:16 PM
My vote goes to CR 8

Lochar
2008-11-03, 08:19 PM
For great justice! CR 11

Luean
2008-11-04, 04:17 AM
I'll vote for 15

vegetalss4
2008-11-04, 05:47 AM
i vote for 8

Zeta Kai
2008-11-04, 08:29 AM
I'll give this contest a few more hours, to see if anyone else wants to weigh in. This one's been so close, I'd hate to disappoint those who rooted for the losing side. I'll wrap it up around lunchtime (EST) & declare a winner.

Vadin
2008-11-04, 08:30 AM
My vote- CR 8

Zeta Kai
2008-11-04, 12:34 PM
Alright, the votes for Challenge Rating are tallied, & the winner is (by a narrow margin): 8!

So, the creature is going to be an Elemental, with the Evil & Shapechanger subtypes. It's Size is going to be Huge. It's Alignment is going to be Neutral Evil. It's CR is going to be 8. This sounds like it's going to be a crazy interesting critter. So lastly, I need you guys (& girls) to vote on the creature's Special Abilities (http://www.d20srd.org/indexes/specialAbilities.htm). Votes will be tallied regularly. Please only vote for 2 Special Abilities maximum, & please peruse the voting rules. Thank you for voting.

streakster
2008-11-04, 12:49 PM
You know what doesn't get enough love? ToB. And, heck, since write-ins are allowed now, that's my vote.

Martial Maneuvers and Change Shape.

Thane of Fife
2008-11-04, 01:28 PM
How about Charm/Compulsion and Invisibility.

Those seem fitting for something made of Evil.

Lord_Gareth
2008-11-04, 01:28 PM
I'm gonna say Change Shape and Fear Aura.

puppyavenger
2008-11-04, 01:35 PM
Change Shape and Charm/Compulsion

Fako
2008-11-04, 02:42 PM
Well...you said you encouraged special ability suggestions, so here's my attempt. I vote for Ability Damage and Hearts of Men.

Hearts of Men(Su)
It is said that evil lurks in the heart of every being, and nothing knows the truth of that more than the <name>. As a standard action, the <name> can attempt to activate and enhance the inherent evil in all creatures in a 60ft. radius. All living creatures must make a Will Save (DC 10 + ˝ HD + Cha), or fall victim to Hearts of Men. While under the effect, the creature gains the Evil subtype and will attempt to defend the <name>, even to the point of fighting his own (former) allies. The effect is automatically broken if the <name> takes an offensive action agains the creature.
This is a Mind-Affecting Effect, and is completely blocked by Protection from Evil.

------

My wording might be off, and this also might fall under Charm/Compulsion...but I though I might as well try :smallsmile:

BooNL
2008-11-04, 02:48 PM
My vote goes for Change shape and Swallow whole.

afroakuma
2008-11-04, 02:56 PM
Charm/Compulsion and Change Shape.

Owrtho
2008-11-04, 03:40 PM
Antimagic and Fear Rays.

Owrtho

Pronounceable
2008-11-04, 04:01 PM
Fear aura and charm/compulsion.

Reverent-One
2008-11-04, 04:17 PM
Fear Aura and Change Shape.

Owrtho
2008-11-04, 04:25 PM
I want to change my voote from antimagic and fear ray to Antimagic and Hearts of Men. Not sure how I missed that.

Owrtho

horngeek
2008-11-04, 04:26 PM
Incorperability

Mr.Bookworm
2008-11-04, 04:42 PM
Change Shape, and I might as well do a write-up:

Stare Into The Abyss (Su): The (Insert Monster Name Here) is a creature of such pure evil that any attempts to study or change the creature's mind, or morph it's body fail automatically. Instead, the person attempting to change it becomes corrupted by the elemental.

If a creature attempts to observe the elementals thoughts through magical means, they must succeed on a DC (BLANK) Will save, or have their alignment changed to Neutral Evil. If the creature attempting to observe the elemental's thoughts is already of any Evil alignment, the creature becomes a (IENH) immediately. Only a wish or a miracle can restore former alignment, and the affected individual does not make any attempt to return to the former alignment. (In fact, he views the prospect with horror and avoids it in any way possible.) If a character of a class with an alignment requirement is affected, an atonement spell is needed as well if the curse is to be obliterated.

If a creature attempts to change the elemental's form or mind, they must succeed on a DC (BLANK) Will save, or immediately become a (IENH). Even if they succeed on their save, they are affected by a baleful polymorph spell.

Shadow_Elf
2008-11-04, 04:49 PM
I vote for Hearts of Men and Antimagic (if I knew a thing about 3.Xe, I'd do a write-in, but...)

RTGoodman
2008-11-04, 05:06 PM
Hearts of Men and Energy Drain seem like they'd be cool.

Lyndworm
2008-11-04, 07:08 PM
I'll vote for Fear Aura and Invisibility.

Zack

LucyHarris
2008-11-04, 07:15 PM
Change Shape and Spell Resistance.

afroakuma
2008-11-04, 07:30 PM
I've sworn not to do a write-in except on request.

Fako
2008-11-04, 07:32 PM
I've sworn not to do a write-in except on request.

But that's because you're made of 100% awesome...we lowly beings must try to aspire to greatness somehow... :smallwink:

Zeta Kai
2008-11-04, 08:14 PM
You know what doesn't get enough love? ToB. And, heck, since write-ins are allowed now, that's my vote.

Martial Maneuvers and Change Shape.

I'm sorry, but Martial Maneuvers is not going to be accepted at this time. Please vote for something else, if you wish. And ToB gets plenty of love.

Keler
2008-11-04, 08:20 PM
I think Disease and Hearts of Men would make for good Abilities.

kopout
2008-11-04, 08:39 PM
Harts of men

Dracomortis
2008-11-04, 09:17 PM
Disease is always fun. Hearts of men seems to be popular, and I'm not one to ruin a new social trend before it becomes chic.

streakster
2008-11-04, 11:24 PM
I'm sorry, but Martial Maneuvers is not going to be accepted at this time. Please vote for something else, if you wish. And ToB gets plenty of love.

I disagree, but solely because I think that the ToB can never have enough love.:smallbiggrin:

Anywho, if I can't write that in, can I change from Martial Maneuvers to Charm/Compulsion?

Mewtarthio
2008-11-04, 11:52 PM
Charm/Compulsion and Fear Aura.

Zeta Kai
2008-11-04, 11:54 PM
I disagree, but solely because I think that the ToB can never have enough love.:smallbiggrin:

Anywho, if I can't write that in, can I change from Martial Maneuvers to Charm/Compulsion?

Then I would remiss if I neglected to direct you the works of Krimm Blackleaf & the Vorpal Tribble. Their ToB work (well, all their work, really) is par excellence.

Your vote has been tallied, as have all others.

UnChosenOne
2008-11-04, 11:54 PM
Hearts of Men and Spell Resistance.

streakster
2008-11-05, 01:08 AM
Then I would remiss if I neglected to direct you the works of Krimm Blackleaf & the Vorpal Tribble. Their ToB work (well, all their work, really) is par excellence.

Your vote has been tallied, as have all others.

Oh, I've seen, I've seen! 'Twas beautiful, really - Krimm's Bleach-inspired classes were wonderful! There's so much more too - Fax's Falling Star, the Lesser Disciplines, and on, and on, and on...

And it will never be enough! It's like books!

Human Paragon 3
2008-11-05, 01:54 PM
Swallow Whole! Definately! It'll be amazing when this shapechanging evil elemetnal just engulfs a PC. And, to aid with the swallowing whole, I'll recomend Charm/Compulsion effects, too. I will assume that shapechange is a given since a lot of people are supporting it, and it has the subtype. Fear Aura, on the other hand, would work contrary to Swallow Whole, since it causes people to flea, not approach. Maybe it feets that way.

Zeta Kai
2008-11-05, 03:03 PM
Alright, the votes for Special Abilities are tallied, & the winners are: Change Shape, Compulsion, & Hearts of Men!

So, the creature is going to be an Elemental, with the Evil & Shapechanger subtypes. It's Size is going to be Huge. It's Alignment is going to be Neutral Evil. It's CR is going to be 8. It's Special Abilities are going to be Change Shape, Compulsion, & Hearts of Men. This sounds like it's going to be an insanely interesting critter. I hope that I am up to the task.

Voting is concluded at this point. The resultant creature is being crafted, & will be posted on Monday, November 10th. Thanks to everyone who voted.

Heliomance
2008-11-05, 06:43 PM
/me notices that Zeta's spiels for each stage tend to be standardised, with the relevant voted-for results substituted in where appropriate :P

afroakuma
2008-11-05, 06:46 PM
I at least employ alliterative allusions aimed at amusing ambulatory attention-deprived awesome associated artificially-communicating acquaintances.

LucyHarris
2008-11-05, 07:23 PM
Lol, afro.

And Zeta, can't wait to see what the end result will be.

afroakuma
2008-11-05, 08:16 PM
This will be a good one... bad one, I mean - cause bad means good to elemental evil!

/Care Bears reference

Shadow_Elf
2008-11-05, 09:16 PM
Alright, the votes for Special Abilities are tallied, & the winners are: Change Shape, Compulsion, & Hearts of Men!

So, the creature is going to be an Elemental, with the Evil & Shapechanger subtypes. It's Size is going to be Huge. It's Alignment is going to be Neutral Evil. It's CR is going to be 8. It's Special Abilities are going to be Change Shape, Compulsion, & Hearts of Men. This sounds like it's going to be an insanely interesting critter. I hope that I am up to the task.

Voting is concluded at this point. The resultant creature is being crafted, & will be posted on Monday, November 10th. Thanks to everyone who voted.

I will be in France...

Perhaps your Creative-fu vibes are high this week? Perhaps you shall post it early? [/hopes dearly]

Well, this sucks.

afroakuma
2008-11-05, 09:19 PM
Will you really not be able to check the site while in France?

What about your email? One of us could deformat it and send it to you.

Shadow_Elf
2008-11-05, 10:04 PM
Will you really not be able to check the site while in France?

What about your email? One of us could deformat it and send it to you.

I might not be able to see it. I might.
I know nothing whatsoever about my exchange partner. For all I know he frequents these forums. For all I know he hasn't the attention span to play a video game, let alone tabletop. I truly know nothing.

And if I can check e-mail, I can check the forums, so the email proposal wont help me out much.

afroakuma
2008-11-05, 10:27 PM
Very true, sad to say. Still, the mind boggles at the thought of a family in a first-world nation able to participate in an exchange program that would not have Internet access.

Zeta Kai
2008-11-08, 07:49 PM
Yeah, so I said that I'd have the new monster ready by Monday. Well, my plans changed a little, so...

It's ready right now. Here it is, complete with 2 bonus monsters. Thanks to everyone who voted. Enjoy.

Zeta Kai
2008-11-08, 07:50 PM
“Dreams are not without meaning wherever they may come from; from fantasy, from the elements, or from other inspiration.”
- Paracelsus (1493-1541)

Polymental

http://draconusdictum.files.wordpress.com/2007/04/fire_elemental.jpg
A polymental in Fire Shift shape.

Huge Elemental (Evil, Shapechanger)
Hit Dice: 16d8+80 (152HP)
Initiative: +10
Speed: 40’ (8 squares)
Armor Class: 21 (-2 size, +6 Dex, +7 natural); touch 14; flat-footed 15
Base Attack/Grapple: +12/+28
Attack: Slam +18 melee (2d8+8)
Full Attack: 2 Slams +18 melee (2d8+8)
Space/Reach: 15’/15’
Special Attacks: Elemental Shift, Hearts of Men, Shriek
Special Qualities: Darkvision 60’, Elemental traits, Evil traits, Shapechanger traits
Saves: Fort +15, Ref +16, Will +7
Abilities: Str 26 (+8), Dex 22 (+6), Con 21 (+5), Int 18 (+4), Wis 11 (+0), Cha 13 (+1)
Skills: Bluff +12, Diplomacy +13, Hide +10, Intimidate +13, Jump +19, Listen +11, Move Silently +17, Sense Motive +12, Spot +11, Tumble +17
Feats: Dodge, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Mobility, Power Attack, Spring Attack
Environment: Any
Organization: solitary
Challenge Rating: 8
Treasure: N/A
Alignment: always Neutral Evil
Advancement: 17-20 (Huge), 21-23 (Gargantuan)
Level Adjustment: N/A

Coming towards you like a (mounting storm/spreading inferno/slow avalanche/cresting wave), a roughly humanoid figure made of (translucent winds/crackling fire/rocky soil/congealed water) appears. Its body is nearly faceless, but two eyes glow with malice from within its (windy/blazing/stony/sodden) head. It moves with deliberate prudence & measured grace, displaying a malevolent cunning that is unlike other elementals.

Origins
Untold eons ago, when the planes were first being formed by the nascent deities, the Outer Planes were made first. Next the Transitive Planes were wrought into being, followed by the Inner Planes. When the time came to create the original Material Plane, it was decided by the gods to be fashioned from an even mix of elements from the Inner Planes. The Elemental Princes of Evil (Yan-C-Bin, Imix, Ogrémoch, & Olhydra) were able to corrupt this plane, ruining it with their foul will.

The many gods & goddesses, horrified by the tainted Material Plane, unmade this plane & reformed it with the help of the Elemental Princes of Good (Chan, Zaaman Rul, Entemoch, & Ben-Hadar). With the Material Plane cleansed & evil princes chastened, the deities continued on to other tasks.

But the evil princes were not idle in their censure. They were able to claim the cast-off, infected remains of the first Material Plane, breaking it up & reconstituting it into a veritable army of monstrous humanoid beings. These wicked creatures were all composed of a thick blend of each element, suffused with malice & hatred. They became much feared in the early multiverse, & although they are much rarer then they were in ages past, many mortals still fear their singular malevolence. In fact, songs are still sung of the terror that is now known as the Polymentals.

Description
Since time immemorial, the polymentals (also known as Elemental Terrors) have been a scourge on the Material Plane, sowing fear & discord wherever they roam. They are the enemies of all living beings, even other elementals (which are given a bad name by the polymentals’ predations). A polymental can be found almost anywhere on the Material Plane, from the deepest reaches of the Underdark to the highest sanctuaries of the storm giants. They are almost invariably disguised as a pure elemental or a genasi, almost never appearing in their true form, which is described (by the rare folk who have lived to tell the tale) as a horrific mélange of dissonant elemental components, seething with hatred for itself & others.

It is nearly impossible to guess exactly what a polymental’s motivations might be, for the truth is apparently anathema to them. They rarely speak a truthful word about anything, it seems, & what few utterances that can be trusted are full of venom & spite. It is often surmised that they seek to tear apart the Material Plane through conflict among the many races. They are theorized to be actively spreading lies & deceit, tricking the different races of the Material realms into waging war upon one another, all the while pinning the bulk of the blame on the natives of the Inner Planes. A few scholars researching such matter posit that many of the recent hostilities among the Material races can be traced to polymental deceptions.

Polymentals are usually about 32’ tall, & weigh around 9 tons. They can speak Aquan, Auran, Common, Ignan, & Terran.

Combat
A polymental would usually rather avoid a fair fight if it can, preferring instead to arrange the situation in such a way as to encourage parties to battle amongst themselves. They most often do this through simple lies (backed up by Bluff & Diplomacy checks), but they can also employ their Hearts of Men ability to turn enemies against one another, if necessary. If pressed into a clash, a polymental will use its Elemental Shift to assume the form of an elemental that is the most advantageous to it, maneuvering around the combat zone & slamming opponents when it can. A shrewd adversary, a polymental will use its Shriek ability to knock foes down, giving it time to either land a killing blow or make its escape.

Elemental Shift (Su): A polymental can change its shape to emulate the form of a pure elemental or a genasi (either of the Air, Earth, Fire, or Water varieties), but retains most of its own physical qualities. A polymental is effectively camouflaged as a pure elemental/genasi, & therefore gains a +10 bonus on Disguise checks to be identified as such. A true seeing spell or ability reveals the polymental’s natural form. Spells &/or abilities that detect alignments still read a polymental as Evil. Changing shape in this manner is a standard action that does not provoke attacks of opportunity. A polymental can change into any of the following shapes, gaining the corresponding traits & abilities:

Air: Fly 60’ (12 squares, perfect maneuverability); +2 Dex; Air traits
Earth: Burrow 20’ (4 squares); Damage Reduction 8/--; +2 Str; Earth traits
Fire: +2d6 fire damage with every successful Slam attack; +4 Str; Fire traits
Water: Swim 60’ (12 squares); +4 Dex; Water traits

“O tyrant love, to what do you not drive the hearts of men?”
-Virgil (70-19BC)
Hearts of Men (Su): It is said that evil lurks in the heart of every being, & no creature knows the truth of that more than a polymental. The polymental can attempt to awaken & enhance the inherent evil in all creatures within 60’. All living creatures must make a Will save (DC19), or fall victim to their darker natures. While under this effect, a creature gains the Evil subtype, & will attempt to defend the polymental, even to the point of fighting its own (former) allies. The effect is automatically broken if the polymental takes an offensive action against the affected creature, or if the polymental dies. This is a mind-affecting compulsion effect, & is completely blocked by Protection from Evil. Creatures with the Good subtype are immune to this ability, as they have no inherent evil in their beings. The save DC is Charisma-based. This is a standard action that does not provoke attacks of opportunity.

Shriek (Su): Once per minute, a polymental can emit a deafening screech that forces opponents to drop to the ground in pain & fear (Paladins included). All creatures that can hear within 60’ of the polymental must make a Will save (DC22) or be rendered prone for 2d4+1 rounds, even if they are attacked. However, if attacked or violently shaken (a full-round action), a victim is allowed another saving throw. This is a sonic mind-affecting compulsion effect. Creatures that successfully save cannot be affected by the same polymental’s shriek for 24 hours. All creatures within range are deafened for 1 minute, regardless of whether or not they made their saving throw. Polymentals are immune to each other’s shrieks. The save DC is Intelligence-based. This is a standard action that does not provoke attacks of opportunity.

Elemental traits: All creatures with the Elemental type possess the following traits:

Darkvision out to 60’.
Immunity to poison, sleep effects, paralysis, & stunning.
Not subject to critical hits or flanking.
Unlike most other living creatures, an elemental does not have a dual nature—its soul and body form one unit. When an elemental is slain, no soul is set loose. Spells that restore souls to their bodies, such as raise dead, reincarnate, and resurrection, don’t work on an elemental. It takes a different magical effect, such as limited wish, wish, miracle, or true resurrection, to restore it to life.
Proficient with natural weapons only, unless generally humanoid in form, in which case proficient with all simple weapons and any weapons mentioned in its entry.
Elementals not indicated as wearing armor are not proficient with armor. Elementals are proficient with shields if they are proficient with any form of armor.
Elementals do not eat, sleep, or breathe.
Polymental Lore
Characters that have ranks in Knowledge (Dungeoneering) or Knowledge (Religion) can learn more about Polymentals. When a character makes a successful skill check, the following lore is revealed, including the information from lower DC’s.

DC17: “There exists a malicious sort of elemental, with powers unlike its kin.” A character making this check recalls all elemental traits.
DC22: “These creatures are called polymentals, & their elemental shape is merely a disguise.” A character making this check knows the workings of the Shriek ability.
DC27: “Polymentals can turn even your staunch allies into bitter enemies.” A character making this check remembers the mechanics of the Elemental Shift ability.
DC32: “They seem to enjoy fomenting conflict & hatred among the natives of the Material Plane.” A character making this check is familiar with the mechanics of the Hearts of Men ability.


http://images.elfwood.com/art/o/m/omarmorsy/earth_elemental.jpg
A polymental in Earth Shift shape, burrowing up from the ground.

http://images.elfwood.com/art/e/s/esstwo/water_elemental.jpg.rZd.138841.jpg
A sketch of a polymental in Water Shift shape (drawing taken from the scene of the Beach Point village massacre).

http://draconusdictum.files.wordpress.com/2007/04/air_elemental.jpg
A polymental in Air Shift shape, poised to strike.

Bonus Monster: Polymental, Lesser
Medium Elemental (Evil, Shapechanger)
Hit Dice: 8d8+16 (52HP)
Initiative: +7
Speed: 40’ (8 squares)
Armor Class: 17 (+3 Dex, +4 natural); touch 13; flat-footed 14
Base Attack/Grapple: +6/+10
Attack: Slam +10 melee (1d8+4)
Full Attack: 2 Slams +10 melee (1d8+4)
Space/Reach: 5’/5’
Special Attacks: Elemental Shift, Hearts of Men, Shriek
Special Qualities: Darkvision 60’, Elemental traits, Evil traits, Shapechanger traits
Saves: Fort +8, Ref +9, Will +4
Abilities: Str 19 (+4), Dex 16 (+3), Con 15 (+2), Int 18 (+4), Wis 11 (+0), Cha 13 (+1)
Skills: Bluff +8, Diplomacy +8, Hide +9, Intimidate +8, Jump +10, Listen +7, Move Silently +9, Sense Motive +7, Spot +7, Tumble +9
Feats: Dodge, Improved Initiative, Iron Will
Environment: Any
Organization: solitary
Challenge Rating: 4
Treasure: N/A
Alignment: always Neutral Evil
Advancement: 9-11 (Medium), 12-15 (Large)
Level Adjustment: N/A

Lesser polymentals are usually about 8’ tall, & weigh around 300 pounds.

Hearts of Men (Su): Same as a polymental, but with Will save (DC15).
Shriek (Su): Same as a polymental, but with Will save (DC18).

Bonus Monster: Polymental, Greater
Colossal Elemental (Evil, Shapechanger)
Hit Dice: 24d8+192 (300HP)
Initiative: +14
Speed: 40’ (8 squares)
Armor Class: 25 (-8 size, +10 Dex, +13 natural); touch 12; flat-footed 15
Base Attack/Grapple: +18/+47
Attack: Slam +23 melee (4d8+13)
Full Attack: 2 Slams +23 melee (4d8+13)
Space/Reach: 15’/15’
Special Attacks: Elemental Shift, Hearts of Men, Shriek
Special Qualities: Darkvision 60’, Elemental traits, Evil traits, Shapechanger traits
Saves: Fort +22, Ref +24, Will +10
Abilities: Str 37 (+13), Dex 30 (+10), Con 27 (+8), Int 21 (+5), Wis 11 (+0), Cha 18 (+4)
Skills: Bluff +22, Diplomacy +23, Hide +18, Intimidate +24, Jump +31, Listen +18, Move Silently +28, Sense Motive +19, Spot +20, Tumble +28
Feats: Awesome Blow, Cleave, Dodge, Improved Bull Rush, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Mobility, Power Attack, Spring Attack
Environment: Any
Organization: solitary
Challenge Rating: 14
Treasure: N/A
Alignment: always Neutral Evil
Advancement: 25-32 (Colossal)
Level Adjustment: N/A

Greater polymentals are usually about 64’ tall, & weigh around 36 tons.

Hearts of Men (Su): Same as a polymental, but with Will save (DC26).
Shriek (Su): Same as a polymental, but with Will save (DC27).

afroakuma
2008-11-08, 08:06 PM
Excellent work, as always, Zeta. Props for the unusual Charm/Compulsion integration, although I cringe at paladins experiencing fear. Perhaps just the pain part for them, or somesuch. Love how you worked in the Elemental Princes, as well.

Lyndworm
2008-11-08, 09:01 PM
Very good work, Zeta. I'm impressed at how you brought the maelstrom of votes into a maelstrom of elemental evil.

Zack

Pronounceable
2008-11-08, 09:46 PM
Quite awesome. One of these is certainly the real reason behind the existence of ToEE.

Shadow_Elf
2008-11-09, 09:56 AM
Very good job. This thing should be hard to manage!

UnChosenOne
2008-11-09, 10:28 AM
Look's like a moster that eat's the high level PC's on it's breakfast.

Zeta Kai
2008-11-09, 01:36 PM
/me notices that Zeta's spiels for each stage tend to be standardised, with the relevant voted-for results substituted in where appropriate :P

I just noticed your comment, & you're right. You caught me. I'm far too busy/lazy to customize my comments, & so I created a template for the VUAM contests as a way to ensure that all the relevant data was included.

And I'll do it again, I swear. I'm above the law. :smallwink:

Also, I'm glad that everyone likes this monster. I wasn't sure if you guys would like the origins, or even care about the Elemental Princes (who I feel need more love). I tried to give it an interesting motivation, one based on deception & warmongering.

streakster
2008-11-09, 01:42 PM
Have I posted that I like this yet?

No?

I like this, Zeta. Very nice, and the backstory is great.

Pantler
2008-11-09, 05:43 PM
Very nice! So, when is the next project going to start?


Vote Up a Campaign Setting will begin shortly after the next VUAM (3.X) is finished.

You promised! :smallwink:

afroakuma
2008-11-09, 05:45 PM
It's coming soon, Pantler. Very, very soon.

paddyfool
2008-11-09, 06:08 PM
Very nice indeed, although I second AfroAkuma that Paladins should get at least some protection against the Shriek attack. Also, would a Paladin's allies get a +4 bonus to their save against this?

Heliomance
2008-11-09, 06:11 PM
Where did the Elemental Princes come from? Are they also homebrew?

Magnor Criol
2008-11-09, 06:14 PM
Holy cow, this is pretty much awesome sauce, Zeta. I love the feel of these guys.