The Influences on D&D... If Made Today

[Solauren]

I forgot what it eventually devolved into, Dragons of Autumn Twilight was still a classic.

It's okay, most people burned the 'Saga and later' stuff out of their minds


Oh, something that would influence D&D - Zombie Plague movies/tv shows.

That just reminds me of the alterations I saw once to turn D&D zombies into Romero types. Increase the AC by 2, reduce the hit points to like 2, and give them an infectious bite (con reducing disease).

Of course, the best zombie RPG will always be "All Flesh Must Be Eaten."

Huh, I've give them (3.X/Pathfinder)
+2 Natural Armor Class
DR 5/Piercing
Intelligence of 1
-2 to Dexterity, +4 to Strength
+4 to Cha (force of will/lack of brain power)
Improved Initiative as a Bonus feat. If they already have it, +2
Improved Natural Attack (Bite), Weapon Focus (Bite)
Zombie Bite - Fort Save DC 20, 1 Con/Round, 4 consecutive saves to resist it. (Failing 1 resets the counter).

[GuppyShark]

I can share a firsthand experience of D&D zombies, since we're on the topic.

Low level party.

My character <i>Fan of Knives</i> (Area of Effect spell) the mass, runs away
Most of the party - aaaah we're all gonna die
Me: JUST RUN
Most of the party: no we're fighting cos they're zombies

Zombies in D&D are actually way harder to kill than their CR indicates, you're supposed to kite them.

[Majin Gojira]

Huh, I've give them (3.X/Pathfinder)
+2 Natural Armor Class
DR 5/Piercing
Intelligence of 1
-2 to Dexterity, +4 to Strength
+4 to Cha (force of will/lack of brain power)
Improved Initiative as a Bonus feat. If they already have it, +2
Improved Natural Attack (Bite), Weapon Focus (Bite)
Zombie Bite - Fort Save DC 20, 1 Con/Round, 4 consecutive saves to resist it. (Failing 1 resets the counter).

Ah! I found what I saw!

Short version:
Current HP: 1
The Hoard: Noises can attract 1d4 additional nearby zombies
Infection: DC !0 Dex, STrength, or Con save, they are infected. Lose 1 HP each day until they hit 0, where they die instantly and come back as a zombie. If they lose consciousness at any point while infected, they rise as a zombie with 22 HP. Remove tainted limb before first long rest or Greater Restoration can remove the disease.