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2021-02-19, 10:49 AM (ISO 8601)
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- Mar 2013
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Monster that can split and merge as an Ex ability?
It's a pretty common trope in elsewhere, but I don't think I've ever seen in D&D.
Usually it's a slime or clay-monster of sorts that can split into two or more identical parts that all act independant of each other but are weaker than the monster as a whole. Usually the monster also has the ability to merge back to regain its power.
A couple examples I can think off the top of my head would be Melzargard from One-punch man or the Slimes from Secret of Mana (the SNES JRPG)
I know Black Puddings can split. But is there a creature that can merge back together?
Thanks!Last edited by heavyfuel; 2021-02-19 at 10:53 AM.
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2021-02-19, 11:04 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Aug 2017
Re: Monster that can split and merge as an Ex ability?
The Protean Scourge, kind of? It's Su not Ex, and not exactly what you're looking for I don't think, but it does have the ability to merge back together, although it takes 1 minute of helplessness to do so.
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2021-02-20, 02:10 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Mar 2016
Re: Monster that can split and merge as an Ex ability?
There are only a few very limited options as far as I am aware. But with right amount of cheese nothing is impossible..^^
Have a look at Symbionts or the Symbiotic Template.
1. Symbionts are a subtype of creatures that can attack and detach themselves to other living creatures. IIRC Fiend Folio lists some (if not all. not a common subtype IIRC).
2. Symbiotic Template (Savage Species IIRC)
This is a very cheesy template but has some strict limitations. It allows a "guest" to enter a "host" which needs to be at least 2 size categories bigger. Further not all creature "types" are allowed for this. It slaps almost all abilities of the guest (including mental stats) on the host creature.
Bypass the target restrictions with 1-2 temporary casts of Polymorph any Object. e.g turn anything (e.g. a illegal construct target) into a Human as host and use the 2nd PaO for the guest to turn into a tiny animal. When now the guest attaches to the host, the guest turns into a +1 Symbiotic template for it. It effectively stops to exist as separate creature (it even stops to get any XP). After the duration of PaO ends, the host turns back into its regular form, while there is no legal target left anymore for the guest's PaO to turn back into (as such it can remain in its small attached form).
3. Combine Ghostly Visage (symbiont) with Symbiotic (template)
Use a Ghostly Visage as host creature and enter it as guest (requirest the PaO cheese again for both). Ghostly Visage is a special symbiont that "melds" into other creatures. Now your "guest" has control over the Ghostly Visage and can meld into other creatures.
Have a look at my Orochimaru build who abuses Symbiotic template with Ghostly Visage and Ice Assassins for extra cheese.
edit:
4: "When two become one" is a spell that merges you with your horse (might be of interest here).Last edited by Gruftzwerg; 2021-02-20 at 02:12 AM.
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2021-02-20, 06:59 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Feb 2006
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- NYC
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Re: Monster that can split and merge as an Ex ability?
Cranium Rat Swarm (Fiend Folio) has Merge Swarms (Ex).
I want you to PEACH me as hard as you can.
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2021-02-20, 08:50 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Jun 2015
Re: Monster that can split and merge as an Ex ability?
I believe there is an incorporeal undead that is an army of a lesser variant that can absorb its lesser variant and split when it reach 60 hd.
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2021-02-21, 01:59 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Jul 2011
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- Tula, Russia
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Re: Monster that can split and merge as an Ex ability?
About any creatures bigger than Tiny size are able to become a Mob
Worm that Walks have Discorporate (Ex)
Kalabon and Kalabon Colony (Fiendish Codex II)
Puzzle Golem (Dragon #302) have Split and Rejoin abilities. When Split used, Puzzle Golem separates into two Medium Puzzle Golems, and each of them would be able to Split in two Small Puzzle Golems; Tiny Puzzle Golems are possible too
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2021-02-23, 10:24 PM (ISO 8601)
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- Mar 2013
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Re: Monster that can split and merge as an Ex ability?
Thanks for the responses! Sorry it took a while to get back. Let's get to it.
This could work. It's cheesy, so I'll avoid it if I can, but definitely something to keep in my pocket.
Interesting. I wasn't looking for a Swarm, but it does make sense that they be able to do that. The question now is why isn't this ability universal to ALL swarms?
A quick Google search revealed nothing, unfortunately.
Puzzle Golems would be perfect if it weren't a Standard Action to Split! Is there any way to quicken an Ex ability? Lol
Kalabons are also interesting. They are actually pretty awesome as far as a low level boss goes. Can't believe I'd never heard of them.
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2021-02-23, 10:29 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Feb 2006
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- NYC
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Re: Monster that can split and merge as an Ex ability?
I want you to PEACH me as hard as you can.
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2021-02-23, 10:48 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Jul 2016
Re: Monster that can split and merge as an Ex ability?
Doesn't the mustard slime do this? Split each time it's attacked?
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2021-02-24, 01:08 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Aug 2009
Re: Monster that can split and merge as an Ex ability?
I'm not familiar with a mustard slime, but Ochre Jellies do split upon receiving slashing, piercing or electricity damage.
Since the Ochre Jelly is a very old D&D monster, this is very likely the source of the "ooze split" trope you see in some JRPGs.
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2021-02-24, 05:59 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Jun 2015
Re: Monster that can split and merge as an Ex ability?
The undead I was talking about is probably in libris mortis
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2021-02-24, 06:52 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Jul 2016
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2021-02-28, 02:19 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Mar 2004
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- In eternity.
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Re: Monster that can split and merge as an Ex ability?
Humans can do this with GitHub repositories.
Beyond that, my suggestions have been taken.