Post by streamofthesky on Aug 16, 2008 0:50:30 GMT -5
Rend: Unless specifically noted otherwise, a Rend attack does Weapon Damage x2 plus 1.5x Strength bonus. Many monster entries have conflicting entries listing both 1.5x strength AND 2x strength at different points. 1.5x is correct. Improved Natural Attack and other feats, spells, and abilities that increase damage of the rending weapon also increase the damage of the rend. Any other additional damage is NOT added to a Rend. Rending damage is ONLY weapon dice plus 1.5x strength. Feats, spells, abilities, and magic items that would increase weapon damage do not increase rend damage.
Swarms: Several swarms (such as the Cranium Rat Swarm in Fiend Folio) have different CR groupings of increasing strength and the ability to both form a stronger group from two smaller ones and also revert to smaller groups when dealt enough hp damage as a larger group. If a larger group is split up from hp damage, the smaller groups of such swarms may not re-form the larger swarm for 24 hours.
Critical Hits vs. SR (Optional Rule, though I encourage DMs to use it)
In the event that a player scores a Critical Hit with a spell, but fails to overcome SR, allow a second roll vs. SR in order to attempt to do normal damage (as though the attack wasn't a critical hit).
Demonic Frenzy: When Demons are in combat, they fight with wild abandon and are considered Confused at all times. This state lasts until 3 rounds after combat has ended for the demon (usually because it or its enemies have fled). Summoning demons in a populated area is an inherently risky and often deadly choice. Only the commanding presence of a demon noted as being a leader or tactician (such as a Marilith) keeps demons in line and under control, affecting lesser demons of up to a max HD each of half the commanding demon's HD. Even the most "tactical" demons are still chaotic and evil in nature though, and will gladly employ costly and unsound orders if the result will bring about great destruction or death (including of its own demon-kind) or otherwise provide suitable "lulz". When determining the ECL of an encounter with demons (other than commander-level ones), treat the ECL as +2 higher if three of the same demon are present, rather than the usual two. Demons are powerful and exist in great numbers, but savvy opponents can use these strengths as a double-edged sword against them with careful / ranged engagement.
Swarms: Several swarms (such as the Cranium Rat Swarm in Fiend Folio) have different CR groupings of increasing strength and the ability to both form a stronger group from two smaller ones and also revert to smaller groups when dealt enough hp damage as a larger group. If a larger group is split up from hp damage, the smaller groups of such swarms may not re-form the larger swarm for 24 hours.
Critical Hits vs. SR (Optional Rule, though I encourage DMs to use it)
In the event that a player scores a Critical Hit with a spell, but fails to overcome SR, allow a second roll vs. SR in order to attempt to do normal damage (as though the attack wasn't a critical hit).
Demonic Frenzy: When Demons are in combat, they fight with wild abandon and are considered Confused at all times. This state lasts until 3 rounds after combat has ended for the demon (usually because it or its enemies have fled). Summoning demons in a populated area is an inherently risky and often deadly choice. Only the commanding presence of a demon noted as being a leader or tactician (such as a Marilith) keeps demons in line and under control, affecting lesser demons of up to a max HD each of half the commanding demon's HD. Even the most "tactical" demons are still chaotic and evil in nature though, and will gladly employ costly and unsound orders if the result will bring about great destruction or death (including of its own demon-kind) or otherwise provide suitable "lulz". When determining the ECL of an encounter with demons (other than commander-level ones), treat the ECL as +2 higher if three of the same demon are present, rather than the usual two. Demons are powerful and exist in great numbers, but savvy opponents can use these strengths as a double-edged sword against them with careful / ranged engagement.