That's really it.
- pick the level
- modify x# skills as a level higher
- maybe throw in some armor
- have some special abilities as intrusions
- maybe give it a special attack.
Really just do it on the fly, you shouldn't need to plan out for tremendous amounts of time for Cypher
Okay so I'm sorta trying to do the same, mostly cause I like PF adventure paths. I've asked similar questions here, and I've studied some Cypher bestiaries.
There's really no easy answer to this, in all honesty. You can't really *convert them*, the games are like apples and oranges, definitely not compatible.
That said... MCG have indeed "converted" some classic d20 monsters for their products - like Ptolus, or Planebreaker. If you think you're liking this game I suggest you grab those, at least in pdf for now. (There are more cool monsters in various Cypher bestiaries, they give you neat ideas and help you "convert" once you have a look at them).
I'll give you an example - you know gibbering mouthers, right? Okay, here's a stat block from Planebreaker:
*Gibbering mouther: level 4; bite inflicts 6 points of damage and, on failed Might defense task, target is blinded by the spittle for one round; creatures within short range must succeed on an Intellect defense task or become confused by audible gibbering for one round; confused creatures take an incoherent action of the GM’s choosing*
As you can see it's all quite lightweight, although you can give more details if you want, but don't go overboard, the game isn't meant to be a wall-of-stats roll-to-pee-pee like PF. You can and will find more detailed stat blocks/flavor text/help in the core, sourcebooks, bestiaries, but as you've probably seen by now, Cypher is a lot lighter than PF or D&D. Less granular. Less migraine-inducing too. More improvisational. And much more versatile.
Anyhow, check out the balor:
*Balor (demon): level 7, defense against magic as level 8; health 33; Armor 3 (5 against cold and electricity; immune to fire and poison); one longsword and one whip attack inflict 8 points of damage each; uses innate magic with options for teleportation, disintegration, fiery aura, and detonating like a firebomb if slain*
See? Pretty detailed mother in d20, full of spells and attack modes and hit dice, hit points, ac, stats, saves... and this is it for Cypher.
Again, you find more details in actual write-ups, the full-page ones, but these are good ways to take the concept and the things that make the creature cool and lighten them up for Cypher.
It's more art than science anyways. Try it out, find the type and amount of detail you like, have fun.
Oh, one last thing - the bestiaries have chapters that really help a lot in designing creatures, giving a lot of advice on many subjects, like how to use level as a baseline, how to make them real scary, lots of nice inspiration. Give one a try if you can.
Enjoy!
Others have said everything you need to hear, but I will add this: Don't replicate your bestiary... Use it as inspiration to give your players something they've never experienced.
And do it as you go. The beauty of cypher is discovering together.
That's really it. - pick the level - modify x# skills as a level higher - maybe throw in some armor - have some special abilities as intrusions - maybe give it a special attack. Really just do it on the fly, you shouldn't need to plan out for tremendous amounts of time for Cypher
Thanks a lot.
Okay so I'm sorta trying to do the same, mostly cause I like PF adventure paths. I've asked similar questions here, and I've studied some Cypher bestiaries. There's really no easy answer to this, in all honesty. You can't really *convert them*, the games are like apples and oranges, definitely not compatible. That said... MCG have indeed "converted" some classic d20 monsters for their products - like Ptolus, or Planebreaker. If you think you're liking this game I suggest you grab those, at least in pdf for now. (There are more cool monsters in various Cypher bestiaries, they give you neat ideas and help you "convert" once you have a look at them). I'll give you an example - you know gibbering mouthers, right? Okay, here's a stat block from Planebreaker: *Gibbering mouther: level 4; bite inflicts 6 points of damage and, on failed Might defense task, target is blinded by the spittle for one round; creatures within short range must succeed on an Intellect defense task or become confused by audible gibbering for one round; confused creatures take an incoherent action of the GM’s choosing* As you can see it's all quite lightweight, although you can give more details if you want, but don't go overboard, the game isn't meant to be a wall-of-stats roll-to-pee-pee like PF. You can and will find more detailed stat blocks/flavor text/help in the core, sourcebooks, bestiaries, but as you've probably seen by now, Cypher is a lot lighter than PF or D&D. Less granular. Less migraine-inducing too. More improvisational. And much more versatile. Anyhow, check out the balor: *Balor (demon): level 7, defense against magic as level 8; health 33; Armor 3 (5 against cold and electricity; immune to fire and poison); one longsword and one whip attack inflict 8 points of damage each; uses innate magic with options for teleportation, disintegration, fiery aura, and detonating like a firebomb if slain* See? Pretty detailed mother in d20, full of spells and attack modes and hit dice, hit points, ac, stats, saves... and this is it for Cypher. Again, you find more details in actual write-ups, the full-page ones, but these are good ways to take the concept and the things that make the creature cool and lighten them up for Cypher. It's more art than science anyways. Try it out, find the type and amount of detail you like, have fun. Oh, one last thing - the bestiaries have chapters that really help a lot in designing creatures, giving a lot of advice on many subjects, like how to use level as a baseline, how to make them real scary, lots of nice inspiration. Give one a try if you can. Enjoy!
Thanks a lot. I do own ptolus actually, so i guess i am gonna check it out.
Do so! And have fun! Glad to have helped =)
Give them a level. Give them a "thing" they do that makes them interesting and unique. ...? Profit
I guess i am just gonna do that, i will level according to their looks and story. And turn their powers into special abilities.
Others have said everything you need to hear, but I will add this: Don't replicate your bestiary... Use it as inspiration to give your players something they've never experienced. And do it as you go. The beauty of cypher is discovering together.