Author Topic: Voadkyn race from AD&D Humanoid Handbook  (Read 4322 times)

Offline CKorfmann

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Voadkyn race from AD&D Humanoid Handbook
« on: October 05, 2012, 04:14:00 PM »
I played 2nd ed. back in the day and was very fond of my Voadkyn Ranger.  I never saw a conversion that I thought was sufficient to capture what the race was in 2nd ed.  I don't know what it was that I liked about it so much, but I was hoping to adapt it to a Pathfinder game I'm getting ready to start.  Has anyone seen a good conversion or would any of you gurus care to make one for Pathfinder?  I'd be sure to tell everyone how cool you are!

Offline Unbeliever

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Re: Voadkyn race from AD&D Humanoid Handbook
« Reply #1 on: October 05, 2012, 04:26:28 PM »
Wood Giants, right?  Sort of smallish for giants, bigger than people, not too stupid or clumsy? 

How about Goliaths (Races of Stone) or Half-Ogres or Half-Giants? 

Offline CKorfmann

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Re: Voadkyn race from AD&D Humanoid Handbook
« Reply #2 on: October 05, 2012, 04:40:55 PM »
Yeah, they were described as being like giant wood elves, in the 9ft range.  Strong, but more about dex and stealth.  Must detect invisible to see them in the forest when they hide.  Mostly archers. 

I like the Goliath a lot and played a Barbarian once.  He was pretty cool too, and actually, the campaign I have in mind would probably use both as NPCs. 

Offline CKorfmann

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Re: Voadkyn race from AD&D Humanoid Handbook
« Reply #3 on: November 09, 2012, 12:31:43 AM »
Would any of you knowledgable guys be willing to take a stab at this conversion from 2 ed.?

Offline RobbyPants

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Re: Voadkyn race from AD&D Humanoid Handbook
« Reply #4 on: November 09, 2012, 08:57:48 AM »
Would any of you knowledgable guys be willing to take a stab at this conversion from 2 ed.?
Here is a version someone already statted out. Looks like it might be for 3.0, based on the weapon sizing. The sword would just be a large greatsword (3d6 damage) and the bow would be a large composite longbow (2d6 damage).

If you're looking for a playable version, I can give it a shot. What are you looking for? Personally, if I were designing it, I'd go for no Level Adjustment, because I hate those things. So, I wouldn't have it be large, but just give it powerful build, meaning it would have to be just under 8' tall. Also, I'd change the Alter Self (they called it Change Self) ability to Disguise Self, just to keep it from being too powerful. Here's a rough stab at it:

Voadkyn:
  • Voadkyn have the giant type. They are medium-sized creatures.
  • +2 Str
  • A voadkyn's base land speed is 30'
  • Powerful build <insert text here>
  • Low Light Vision
  • Voadkyn receive a +4 bonus on Hide and Move Silently checks when in natural surroundings.
  • Voadkyn can use Disguise Self as a spell-like ability three times a day.
  • Automatic Languages: Common, Giant. Bonus Languages: Elven, Sylvan <insert others here>
  • Favored Class: Ranger (if you're into that sort of thing)
  • Level Adjustment: +0


It's a bit more powerful than a standard LA+0 race, but it certainly doesn't seem good enough to lose a level over. I didn't give it any stat penalties as the 3.0 version had all of the ability scores at 12 or better. So, I capped the Str bonus at +2 to keep it reasonable and left the others as-is. Powerful Build can make up for the lack of Str to make it feel like a stronger character.

It's definitely nerfed, but I think it's playable as a level 1 PC and still has the feel for what you need. Good enough? Otherwise, you could play the version I linked, which comes with 7 RHD. It doesn't list a Level Adjustment, but if I were a DM with a player who insisted on playing that, I'd allow it as-is as a 7th level character, with no LA.
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Offline CKorfmann

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Re: Voadkyn race from AD&D Humanoid Handbook
« Reply #5 on: November 09, 2012, 11:37:55 AM »
Yes, I've seen that conversion before.  Not sure why they made their weapons huge though.  It doesn't seem necessary.  It's not like they are Goliaths. 

I forgot to mention, I am looking for a PF conversion.  It would probably be good to add some bonus to stealth when in the forest.  LA +7 is definitely overkill, but I think it might be appropriate to give them a +1 or maybe even a +2 to retain some of the racial abilities listed in the original. 

Thanks for taking the time to work this up.  It's a great starting point.
« Last Edit: November 09, 2012, 11:41:38 AM by CKorfmann »

Offline RobbyPants

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Re: Voadkyn race from AD&D Humanoid Handbook
« Reply #6 on: November 09, 2012, 12:39:56 PM »
Yes, I've seen that conversion before.  Not sure why they made their weapons huge though.  It doesn't seem necessary.  It's not like they are Goliaths. 
They're huge because this is most likely a 3.0 conversion and not a 3.5 conversion. Weapon sizing worked differently in 3.0. You used a weapon of your size in one hand, one size larger in two, and anything smaller than your size was effectively a "light" weapon (although that term didn't exist back then).


I forgot to mention, I am looking for a PF conversion.  It would probably be good to add some bonus to stealth when in the forest.  LA +7 is definitely overkill, but I think it might be appropriate to give them a +1 or maybe even a +2 to retain some of the racial abilities listed in the original. 
Well, honestly, if you play with the 7 RHD, I seriously wouldn't add in an LA. I don't see much of anything on there that would warrant it. You're already blowing seven levels on a fairly crappy Hit Die (d8 HP, 3/4 BAB, one good save) and all you have to show for it is Alter Self 3/day, large size, and a crappy skill boost.


Thanks for taking the time to work this up.  It's a great starting point.
No problem!
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