Talk:Dead (3.5e Monster)

Under the Reaving Dead header you mention they are only the second most powerful Dead and, in Table: Becoming a Dead, you reference Living Dead. I'm guessing this was the next stage you had planned at some point. Will we be seeing it in the future?

Under the Malformations header, upon which ability are the DCs for saves against Baleful Scream based? Same question for Lightning Bolt, and is it a Spell-like ability? Should Unholy Surge be marked as Spell-like? And finally, Wings references "your land speed". -- Techpriest88 14:12, 17 December 2011 (UTC)

Thanks for your commentary. To answer your questions, yes, I do indeed plan to make Living Dead later, but I have to consider what I will give it, first. I can tell you that Living Dead will be an acquired template instead of a creature, as I plan them to retain full intelligence, as well as the class levels of the humanoid creature in question. I may further enrich the Dead concept by adding Liches as ascended Living Dead, but I haven’t yet thought in depth about that.

Save DCs for Special Attack type Malformations are Constitution-based (I put it in the footer, but I will likely add to the description later). So basically, they are DC 10 + ½HD. It is possible I will add a racial bonus to Malformation DCs, but considering I have created this article mainly for use in low-powered horror-style games that will cap out at level 8 or 10, I may keep them low. Ability-type malformations that grant access to spell-like abilities have Charisma-based save DCs.

The Wings malformation gives a fly speed equal to the Dead’s land speed, yes. In the case of the vengeful dead, that is 30 ft., and for reaving dead it is 40 ft. --Sulacu 16:43, 17 December 2011 (UTC)

Ratings

	Havvy likes this article and rated it 3 of 4.
	These are monsters I would want to fight and kill. There is a clear progression of strength on the challenge rating, and the malformations turn a static monster into something that is hard to completely predict.

	MisterSinister dislikes this article and rated it 1 of 4.
	These can all be kited to death. This is not cool.

	Ghostwheel dislikes this article and rated it 1 of 4.
	Being bitten means that only DM fiat can save some parties. Leaving things to DM fiat in general isn't good.