Talk:Beetle (4e Creature)

Review

This is one of the best monsters on the entire wiki. The creatures presented here are balanced and interesting (my personal favorite being the hoard scarab) and convert the bombardier beetle to 4e. I heartily endorse this article. --Aboleth11 16:47, 16 June 2009 (MDT)

The hoard scarab was "officially" converted in Draconomicon, after I created my version but before I posted it. Aside from the bite attack, which is mechanically similar to mine (presumably because both versions attempted to translate the 3.5 version of the ability in the most direct way possible), the two versions are fairly distinct from one another. Still, I wonder if it would be preferable to remove my version, so as to avoid any potential confusion. Opinions? -- Dracomortis 12:47, 17 June 2009 (MDT)

No. I like your version. --Aboleth11 20:09, 17 June 2009 (MDT)

Besides yours is the only one with the individual scarab. --Aboleth11 20:13, 17 June 2009 (MDT)

Draconomicon has the individual beetle, as well as a swarm. However, as long as there's an interest in my version, I'll leave it up. -- Dracomortis 22:26, 17 June 2009 (MDT)

Are you sure cuz it's not in the Compendium. --Aboleth11 08:13, 18 June 2009 (MDT)

You could add a "Varient" label to the Hoard Scarab (maybe with a notation about the "official" entry in Draconomicon) so users will know they have a choice...who knows they may want to mix both types together in one encounter (I love doing that myself). -- Sepsis 12:02, 18 June 2009 (MDT)

@Aboleth11: Yep. It has the "hoard scarab" and the "hoard scarab larva swarm" in the "Draconic Parasite" entry. Perhaps they haven't been entered into the Compendium yet? @Sepsis: Good idea. I've renamed the page section to "Hoard Scarab, Variant". -- Dracomortis 19:56, 18 June 2009 (MDT)

I guess they haven't. --Aboleth11 07:50, 19 June 2009 (MDT)

---

"I'm really interested in the Siege Beetle. This is a farily direct conversion and well done, but i've still got a few suggestions. In the original version, the Claws are it's primary attack and the Bite it's secondary. I'd suggest making the Impaling Claw it's basic attack. I can more easily see it lashing out with claws for an opportunity attack then trying to bite the offender. If you chose to do that, threatening reach would be out to 4 squares.

"Also, in 3.5, this creature would probably use the full-attack option rather often - also, 4E Solo monsters are usually given multiple attacks per round since they often replace 5 separate 'lesser' monsters, in practice. I'd recommend taking a look at some dragons who tend to have similar attacks. Personally, i'd make the bite a minor 1/round attack that targets all grabbed creatures. Additionally, i'd give it two claw attacks as a standard acton. I'd make 'Claw' it's basic attack with the same stats as the current one and 'Impaling Claws' a new, non-basic melee attack power that lets it make two 'Claw' attacks. Theoretically, it could then make two claw attacks, multiple bites against grabbed targets, and move - which isn't what you'd see in 3.5, but is relatively close to the 4E standard for it's role.

"As written now, the creature would make only one attack per round and Surging Trample is the only way it's going to damage more than one party member. Speaking of the trample attack, it's pretty much perfect as written, but you might leave a small note that it cannot attack the same creature more than once, otherwise some cruel DM might try to cheese it up by thowing a player forward... back into the path of the beetle for a multi-hit trample. I wouldn't, but there are some crazy people out there.

"Sorry for the essay. I hope this is helpful or in some way inspiring, but i sure understand if it's not to your taste. To each his own and happy gaming!" Techpriest 22:03, 3 October 2009 (MDT)