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I was wondering if there are "templates" for the Palladium system? (both MDC and SCD)
For example:
UNDEAD.
What would all undead generally have in common in the Palladium system? What are the basic "building blocks" for an undead creature in the system?
If anyone that is good with the system could chime in here on different templates for other creature types I would gladly appreciate it.
I'm trying to find an easy way to make my own creatures and wondered if this idea were valid in the system.
I'll admit that the idea is from countless hours of watching a group at my local gaming club make up their own monsters using the D&D 3E system while waiting for the DM and other players to show. (I hope it doesn't violate any forum rules to ask this question.) This IS NOT a thread looking for D&D monster conversions. I'm looking for ways to better understand the system and ways to make it easier on myself (and maybe others) who don't have time to spend writing out adventures and just want a way to make quick and dirty off the cuff things for their games. (Templates just sound like they'd make it easier.)

Thanks for the help guys!

(also posted in Q&A, Rifts and PFRPG forum.)

highpriestrsw2 wrote:I was wondering if there are "templates" for the Palladium system? (both MDC and SCD)
For example:
UNDEAD.
What would all undead generally have in common in the Palladium system? What are the basic "building blocks" for an undead creature in the system?
If anyone that is good with the system could chime in here on different templates for other creature types I would gladly appreciate it.
I'm trying to find an easy way to make my own creatures and wondered if this idea were valid in the system.
I'll admit that the idea is from countless hours of watching a group at my local gaming club make up their own monsters using the D&D 3E system while waiting for the DM and other players to show. (I hope it doesn't violate any forum rules to ask this question.) This IS NOT a thread looking for D&D monster conversions. I'm looking for ways to better understand the system and ways to make it easier on myself (and maybe others) who don't have time to spend writing out adventures and just want a way to make quick and dirty off the cuff things for their games. (Templates just sound like they'd make it easier.)

Thanks for the help guys!

(also posted in Q&A, Rifts and PFRPG forum.)

The various types of undead are either RCC or race with OCC. This is how all things are. By becoming undead, you undergo a radical change that often wipes out what your past life was. Basically most undead are the equivalent of becoming a wight or a ghoul (pre-splat books); that is, you rise in X amount of time and are now one of them at the basic level. Basically this game lacks a challenge rating system, so you are free to say that zombies are supernatural creatures with 10,000MDC and supernatural strength of 200. The various books have these most monsters detailed out in them, but without having to buy a ton of books you can basically create whatever you like.

If you desired a more standardized "template" system (like 3.5 has), then jump ship now! No, just kidding - I'll atempt a framework outline for you to use

Keep in mind that everything I lay out here I am making up as I go along, and that these are guidelines not gospel.
Undead (coporeal) - supernatural creatures. Most have a weakness. A weakness entails (for example) a sunlight vunerability or silver weakness. Zombies take damage normally from MDC attacks, but also have a weakness to magic or blessed weaponry specifically targetting the head (brain). An SDC knife that is considered blessed will pierce the skin and destroy the brain of a zombie on a successful called shot. An MD attack leveled against the brain of a zombie will not directly kill it (as a weakness would), but will inflict double damage.
Undead do not need to breathe, and do not suffer ill effect from poisons, disease, radiation, cold (though it may render them immoble), or blood-loss, and do not suffer stat damage unless otherwise stated in their description.

This is an example that is easily kept in mind when creating an undead creature. On a side note, there are a few types of creatures that you need to be aware of when creating them; normal, psychic, magical, robotic, and supernatural. A creature may have multiple "types" associated with it - use your best judgement when determining these.
Now to continue on with our undead here; zombies may come in multiple varieties. For this example I will design a meaty type that is sure to eat up ammunition.

Zombie (G.A.R.* type) IQ: 3 ME: 10 MA: 1 PS: 4d6+6 supernatural PP: 1d6+3 PE: -- PB: 1d6 SPD: 1d6+3
ISP: 1d6 PPE: 1d6 HP: 1 MDC: 4d6+20 Attacks: 1. Skills: Climb 10%.

Now we have a creature ready for use. Note that I gave a range for certain stats; personally I would just use a uniform creature type that had 40 MDC, 20 sn PS, a 6 for PP and SPD, and a 3 for PB.
*George A. Romero

For other types of undead (as monsters), using only the most basic stats in best. People neither know nor care that a zombie might have +3 to perception; basically I wouldn't even roll as this is a monster you are either having encounter the players, or is simply ignoring them.

The above is one type of template, but unfortunately Rifts does not lend itself well to strict interpretations such as devil/demon, magical beast, or aberration. Dragons in Rifts are not breeding with every living thing around either so I'd probably down-play that whole "draconic" type.

You're pretty much eye-balling most creatures here; it's up to you to decide on how tough or unique you want them to be.