Undead Generator

[Jerander]

Hi,

Inspired by another thread, I thought about setting up an undead generator (in progress).

1) Table 1 for Type.
2) Table 2 for Corporeal Subtypes or Tables 3 to 3D for Incorporeal Subtypes and base abilities.
3) Table 4 for Mentality types.
4) Tables 5A to 5F for Speech capabilities.
5) Tables 6A to 6D for Appearances.
6) Tables 7 to 7I for Disadvantages.

To Do List:

1. Lenses.
2. Vampirism.
3. Powers and Abilities (some discussion here).

Table 1: Type
Roll 1d:
1-3: Corporeal (go to Table 2)
4-6: Incorporeal (go to Table 3)

Table 2: Corporeal Subtype
Roll 1d, 1d:
1,1 to 2,3: Intact Undead [90] (Roll 1d. 1-3: include Feature, "Will become a rotting corpse".) (Horror, p. 27).
2,4 to 3,6: Mummified Undead but remove Appearance (Monstrous; Universal, +25%) [105] (Horror, p. 27).
4,1 to 5,3: Rotting Undead but remove Appearance (Monstrous; Universal, +25%) [84] (Roll 1d. 1-3: include Feature, "Will become a skeleton"; 4-6: remove Feature, "Will become a skeleton".) (Horror, p. 27).
5,4 to 6,6: Skeletal Undead but remove Appearance (Monstrous; Universal, +25%) [93] (Horror, p. 27).

[Jerander]

Table 4: Mentality
Roll 1d:
1-2: Mindless Undead [-75]* (Roll 1d. 1-3: add Reprogrammable [-10]).
3-4: Bestial Undead [30]** (Roll 1d. 1-3: add Bestial [-10]) (Roll 1d: 1-3: add Reprogrammable [-10]).
5-6: Sapient Undead (Roll 1d. 1-3: add Reprogrammable [-10]).

* Mindless Undead: Automaton [-85], Cannot Learn [-30], Immunity (All mind control) [30], Indomitable [15], Single-Minded [5], Unfazeable [15], Wealth (Dead Broke) [-25]. -75 points.
** Bestial Undead: Hidebound [-5], Indomitable [15], Single-Minded [5], Taboo Trait (Fixed IQ) [0], Unfazeable [15]. 30 points.

EDIT: Changed meta-traits for undead mentalities.

[Jerander]

Incorporeal Meta-Traits. Here's what I've decided. Feel free to offer other suggestions:

Table 3: Incorporeal Subtype
Roll 1d, 1d:
1,1-1,5: Astral Entity [171] (Basic Set, p. 263). Roll on Tables 3C and 3D.
1,6-2,4: Haunt [251] (Horror, p. 27) (Roll 1d. 1-3: Poltergeist [4/level (roll 2d for number of levels)]). Roll on Table 3C.
2,5-3,3: Outsider [226] (Horror, p. 27) (Roll 1d. 1-3: Poltergeist [4/level (roll 2d for number of levels)]). Roll on Table 3C.
3,4-4,2: Specter [279] (Horror, p. 27) (Roll 1d. 1-3: Poltergeist [4/level (roll 2d for number of levels)]). Roll on Table 3C.
4,3-5,1: Spirit [261] (Basic Set, p. 263). (Roll 1d. 1-3: Poltergeist [4/level (roll 2d for number of levels)]). Roll on Table 3C.
5,2-5,6: Threshold Entity [227] (Horror, p. 27). Roll on Tables 3C and 3D.
6,1-6,6: Unmanifested Spirit [149] (Fantasy, p. 134). Roll on Tables 3A to 3D.

Table 3A: Visibility
Roll 1d:
1-2: Invisible.
3-4: Apparition [2] (Fantasy, p. 134).
5-6: Phantasm [4] (Fantasy, p. 134).

Table 3B: Materialization
Roll 1d:
1-2: Immaterial.
3-4: Materialization 1 [6] (Fantasy, p. 134).
5-6: Materialization 2 [22] (Fantasy, p. 134).

Table 3C: Possession
Roll 1d:
1-3: Cannot possess.
4-6: Possession (Spiritual, -20%) [80] (Fantasy, p. 134).

Table 3D: Affect Substantial
Roll 1d:
1-2: Cannot affect substantial.
3-4: Magical Spirit [80] (Fantasy, p. 134).
5-6: Magical Spirit [80] + Poltergeist [4/level (roll 2d for number of levels)] (Fantasy, p. 134).

Thank you,
Jerander.

[ClayDowling]

Dude, that's so cool. That would probably really rock if it were turned into, say, a web app that would generate a set number of undead for you. An awesome way to randomly generate a horror theme for an adventure or a campaign. In fact, I rather like it for a modern horror as well.

[Jerander]

Originally Posted by ClayDowling

Dude, that's so cool. That would probably really rock if it were turned into, say, a web app that would generate a set number of undead for you. An awesome way to randomly generate a horror theme for an adventure or a campaign. In fact, I rather like it for a modern horror as well.

Thank you! I'm glad you like it!

On the existing tables, I still have to look at the Cannot Speak, Disturbing Voice, and Mute overlaps. Then I plan on extending out through appearances, vampirism, weaknesses, and powers.

I likely won't get to it today or this (long) weekend, but maybe Wednesday...

I, personally, do not have the skill to produce a web app or any sort of computer aid (except maybe a clunky Excel spreadsheet). But if you have the skill and want to do the work, feel free.

[Stripe]

Originally Posted by Jerander

Are there any other places I should look?

Magic, certainly. Skeleton, Zombie and Mummy are all on p. 152.

Also, in each of those templates appears the advantage "Immunity (All Mind Control) [30]." Not sure if that's in Fantasy or Horror.

I don't have Fantasy or Horror, so this is all wasted on me. T'would be more useful if it were mainly from the Basic Set.

[Faolyn]

BWAHAHA it's mine now!

Really, this is awesome. Have you considered adding another table to include other powers, such as horrifying screams, life-draining touches, and the like?

[Jerander]

Originally Posted by Faolyn

BWAHAHA it's mine now!

Really, this is awesome. Have you considered adding another table to include other powers, such as horrifying screams, life-draining touches, and the like?

Oh, definitely. Appearances, vampirism, weaknesses and powers are all on the to do list. As well as working out the kinks in Cannot Speak. Likely won't get to it tonight, maybe tomorrow...

[Jerander]

Originally Posted by Stripe

Magic, certainly. Skeleton, Zombie and Mummy are all on p. 152.

Also, in each of those templates appears the advantage "Immunity (All Mind Control) [30]." Not sure if that's in Fantasy or Horror.

I don't have Fantasy or Horror, so this is all wasted on me. T'would be more useful if it were mainly from the Basic Set.

I don't really want to start with fully constructed undead (zombies, etc.), but there may be a way to use the later tables (weaknesses, powers) starting from there.

I'll look into the Immunity to Mind Control. Thank you for bringing it up.

[Grouchy Chris]

Originally Posted by Jerander

Oh, definitely. Appearances, vampirism, weaknesses and powers are all on the to do list.

In that vein (hah!), Peter Dell'Orto had some interesting ideas about undead powers in GURPS recently, in case you don't read his blog.