Monster K/S Formula?

[Scott]

When designing monsters, is there a formula for determining how many K/S areas it will have, or do you just add what feels right? If I wanted to convert a D&D kobold over to Mythus, for example, should he I use a certain number of slots that he SHOULD have, or just assign based on what I know about kobolds?

[GT]

Well, kobolds are Phaeree critters of Hobgoblin persuasion in Mythus--more like small humans. So you would fill in a "critter matrix" like the one below. In the case of AD&D Kobolds, they would become "Goblin", but the same principal would apply. As for K/S Areas, except for a notable personage, you wouldn't worry about them. Now for TRAIT, there was a basic formula--and I think it's covered in the Mythus handbook in the critter section...

KOBOLD
Identifier:
Habitat: Subterranean Phæree
Size: x human-size
( )
Number Appearing:
Modes & Rates of Movement:
Walk: yds/BT
Trot: yds/BT
Run/Charge: yds/BT
Initiative Modifiers: Human Standard
Outstanding K/S Areas/Sub-Areas & STEEP:
Joss Factors:
Dodging/Avoidance: Nil/Base 10
Attractiveness:
Invulnerabilities:
Susceptibilities:
Average Armor Protection:
Quirks: Nil
Attacks BAC Damage Type Base Bonus

Powers:
Name of Power
Area of Effect:
Delivered by:
Range:
Time:
Duration:
Frequency:
Description:
Castings:
Statistical Detail:
Base Scheme (+/- 1D•)
M: EL: P: WL: CL: S: EL:
MM: MR: PM: PN: SM: SP:
MMCap: MRCap: PMCap: PNCap: SMCap: SPCap:
MMPow: MRPow: PMPow: PNPow: SMPow: SPPow:
MMSpd: MRSpd: PMSpd: PNSpd: SMSpd: SPSpd:
Armor Scheme:
PIER CUT BLUNT FIRE CHEM STUN ELEC
Ultra
Super
Vital
Non
Average
Commentary & Description:
SPRITE-like Hobgoblins of northern habitat. Kobolds are kin to BOGGARTS and have like temper and prankish ways. As with the killmoulises, they are sometimes solitary but more frequently troop with others of the Hobgoblin sort or with the Seelie or Unseelie Court as opportunity presents.

German version of Knockers (Cobylnaus).

[Scott]

I brought the Mythus book to work with me today, and I was just wondering about some of these things. I'd already assumed most of the K/S Areas would be unnecessary, but a few scores, like perception, could be useful, unless you run everything by TRAIT scores. When I start a campaign, I’ll probably keep the flavor Greyhawk, so I’ll be converting a lot of the creatures to their more traditional equivalents (kobolds, goblins, etc.). I’ll keep the Mythus creatures too as different variations.

[GT]

I'm out of practice, but once you convert a few it gets easier and easier, and there are a few "plug and play" formulae for doing it....

[Scott]

Perception brings up another question I had. The perception sub-areas, they don't have to be learned spereately like other sub-areas do, do they?

[GT]

If I understand properly, no... ^__^

[GT]

Sorry that matrix above is a bit jumbled, BTW--I copied and pasted a generic file I have, and they don't transfer well to Boards... ^__^

[Scott]

LOL, yeah, but if you know what you're looking at, it's easy enough to figure out.

[GT]

As to Perception rolls... once HPs catch on, you'll grow as tired of hearing that yelled out by everyone as "I attempt to disbelieve..." in some AD&D campaigns! Sheesh!!! ;D

[Scott]

Yeah, especially since a M & P check could be made in many situations.

[GT]

By the deities, you have no idea... But you probably will after LGGC... SIIIIGGGGHHHHH.... ^__^ Wanna help GM??

[GT]

Just imagine the dual "fops" Welshman and Woodstock running...

[Scott]

If you get enough HPs otherwise, sure.

[GT]

You could run an OP and use the old stand-by "roll the dice to see what my HP does if it isn't totally obvious" routine... 'course, my HP Grigori got burned by that a few times! HEH!!! ^__^

[Scott]

I have a 'soldier' HP I rolled up named Gregor. Plan on making him a ranger-type.

[GT]

Excellent! I especially like the name ( for both of our sakes!)!! ^__^ Here's an idea---run an HP the first day, and then help GM running your HP as an OP the second day... How's that?

[Scott]

Sounds good. He's a prime character, but I could convert him easily enough.

[Scott]

I was planning on converting him anyways.

[Scott]

So Allan Grohe has picked up a set of the books. A perspective player there.