Creature Catalog new 3.5 conversions

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Converting "Real World" Animals and Vermin

Polar Spider
Large Magical Beast (Cold)
Hit Dice: 6d10+6 (33 hp)
Initiative: +3
Speed: 40 ft. (8 squares), climb 20 ft.
Armor Class: 17 (-1 size, +3 Dex, +5 natural), touch 12, flat-footed 14
Base Attack/Grapple: +6/+15
Attack: Bite +21 melee (1d8+7 plus poison)
Full Attack: Bite +21 melee (1d8+7 plus poison)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Ice rush, poison
Special Qualities: Darkvision 60 ft., icewalking, immunity to cold, low-light vision, tremorsense 60 ft., vulnerability to fire
Saves: Fort +6, Ref +8, Will +2
Abilities: Str 21, Dex 17, Con 12, Int -, Wis 10, Cha 2
Skills: Balance +16, Climb +13, Hide +3*, Jump +19, Spot +8
Feats: Ability Focus (poison), Improved Bull Rush, Power Attack
Environment: Any cold land
Organization: Solitary or pack (2-5)
Challenge Rating: 5
Treasure: Half standard
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 7 HD (Large); 8-15 HD (Huge); 16–31 HD (Gargantuan); 32+ (Colossal)
Level Adjustment: -

A horse-sized spider covered in long, shaggy white fur burst forth from a snowdrift. It stares with dull blue compound eyes and flashes ivory white fangs that drip with venom.

Found only in the coldest regions, polar spiders are clever hunters. Their preferred prey is humanoids and giants. Although they are usually solitary, polar spiders occasionally hunt in packs to bring down more formidable prey such as frost giants, winter wolves, and yeti.

Polar spiders make their lairs in icy caverns or large tunnels in deep snow. The spider's treasure is littered about the remains of its previous victims.

A polar spider stands about 6 feet tall and is 8 to 10 feet in diameter. It weighs x pounds.

Although intelligent, polar spiders do not speak any languages.

COMBAT

A polar spider prefers to hide in a deep snowbank, lying immobile until prey approaches, then bull rushing the opponent on the slick snow or ice. It then bites, injecting the prey with its virulent venom.

Ice Rush (Ex): A polar spider can attempt to knock down any creature that it successfully bull rushes on icy surfaces. The target must succeed on a Balance check (opposed by the polar spider's Strength check made to bull rush) or be knocked prone at the end of the bull rush.

Icewalking (Ex): This ability works like the spider climb spell, but the surfaces the polar spider climbs must be icy. It is always in effect.

Poison (Ex): Bite, Fort DC 16, initial damage 2d6 Con, secondary damage 2d6 Con. The save DC is Constitution-based.

Tremorsense (Ex): A polar spider can automatically sense the location of anything within 60 feet that is in contact with snow or ice.

Skills: Polar spiders have a +4 racial bonus on Balance and Hide checks, a +10 racial bonus on Jump checks, and a +8 racial bonus on Climb and Spot checks. Polar spiders can always choose to take 10 on Climb checks even if rushed or threatened. *In snowy or icy environments, a polar spider's bonus on Hide checks improves to +8. This bonus on Hide checks increases to +12 when the spider is immobile.

Originally appeared in Dragon Magazine #118 (1987).

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Converting prehistoric animals

Dinosaur, Kronosaurus
Gargantuan Animal
Hit Dice: 17d8+170 (246 hp)
Initiative: +4
Speed: 5 ft. (1 square), swim 90 ft. (18 squares)
Armor Class: 21 (-4 size, +15 natural), touch 6, flat-footed 21
Base Attack/Grapple: +12/+38
Attack: Bite +22 melee (3d8+21/19-20)
Full Attack: Bite +22 melee (3d8+21/19-20)
Space/Reach: 20 ft./15 ft.
Special Attacks: Frenzy, improved grab, swallow whole
Special Qualities: Hold breath, keen scent, low-light vision
Saves: Fort +20, Ref +10, Will +8
Abilities: Str 38, Dex 10, Con 30, Int 2, Wis 16, Cha 13
Skills: Spot +23, Swim +22
Feats: Awesome Blow, Improved Bull Rush, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Improved Natural Attack (bite), Power Attack
Environment: Any aquatic
Organization: Solitary or pair
Challenge Rating: 10
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 18-34 HD (Gargantuan); 35-51 HD (Colossal)

This massive creature resembles a plesiosaur, but its body is bulkier and more streamlined, and its massive jaws hold rows of sharp teeth. It swims along with four long, wide flippers while steering with its short, tapered tail.

A kronosaurus is one of the largest pliosaurs, but smaller than the massive liopleurodon. These carnivorous marine reptiles are known to hunt plesiosaurs among other prey, and as a result their name derives from the Greek titan Kronos, who ate his own children.

A kronosaurus is 30 to 40 feet long.

COMBAT

A kronosaurus prowls along shorelines, waiting for creatures to come to close. It then swiftly breaks the surface and attacks with its deadly bite.

Frenzy (Ex): If a kronosaurus is reduced to less than half its normal maximum hit points, it flies into a terrible rage of frenzied activity. During a frenzy, a kronosaurus gains a +4 bonus to its Armor Class and attack rolls. Its swim speed gains a +30 foot bonus, and if it makes a full attack action it gains an additional bite attack. The frenzy persists for 1 minute, after which the kronosaurus cannot enter a frenzy while it is fatigued.

Hold Breath (Ex): A kronosaurus can hold its breath for a number of rounds equal to 8 times its Constitution score before it risks drowning.

Improved Grab (Ex): To use this ability, a kronosaurus must hit an opponent of up to one size smaller with its bite attack. It can then attempt to start a grapple as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity. If it wins the grapple check, it establishes a hold and can try to swallow the foe the following round.

Keen Scent (Ex): A kronosaurus can notice creatures by scent in a 180-foot radius, and it can sense blood in the water at ranges of up to a mile.

Swallow Whole (Ex): A kronosaurus can try to swallow a grabbed opponent of up to two sizes smaller by making a successful grapple check.

The swallowed creature takes 2d8+14 points of bludgeoning damage and 8 points of acid damage per round from the liopleurodon's gizzard. A swallowed creature can cut its way out by using a light slashing or piercing weapon to deal 30 points of damage to the gizzard (AC 17). Once the creature exits, muscular action closes the hole; another swallowed creature must cut its own way out.

A Gargantuan kronosaurus's gizzard can hold 2 Large, 8 Medium, 32 Small, or 128 Tiny or smaller opponents.

Skills: A kronosaurus has a +8 racial bonus on any Swim check to perform a special action or avoid a hazard. It can always choose to take 10 on a Swim check, even if distracted or endangered. It can use the run action while swimming, provided it swims in a straight line.

Originally appeared in Dragon Magazine #187 (1992).

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Converting Epic Level Creatures

Fenris Wolf
Colossal Magical Beast (Extraplanar)
Hit Dice: 88d10+2,112 (2,596 hp)
Initiative: +21
Speed: 100 ft. (20 squares)
Armor Class: 65 (-8 size, +13 Dex, +50 natural), touch 15, flat-footed 52
Base Attack/Grapple: +88/+126
Attack: Bite +103 melee (12d6+22/15-20/x3 plus 2d6 on a crit)
Full Attack: Bite +103 melee (12d6+22/15-20/x3 plus 2d6 on a crit) and 2 claws +101 melee (10d6+11/19-20)
Space/Reach: 50 ft./40 ft.
Special Attacks: Augmented critical, battle frenzy, frightful howl, improved grab, savage 60d6+110, shockwave, swallow whole, trip
Special Qualities: Blindsight 240 ft., damage reduction 20/epic, darkvision 240 ft., fast healing 20, low-light vision, resistance to acid 30, cold 30, electricity 30, fire 30, and sonic 30, scent, unfetterable
Saves: Fort +76, Ref +59, Will +46
Abilities: Str 54, Dex 36, Con 59, Int 18, Wis 32, Cha 19
Skills: Hide +98, Jump +141, Listen +114, Move Silently +114, Spot +114, Survival +102*
Feats: Alertness, Awesome Blow, Cleave, Combat Expertise, Devastating Critical (bite, DC 76), Dire Charge, Epic Fortitude, Epic Will, Great Cleave, Great Fortitude, Improved Bull Rush, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Critical (claw), Improved Initiative, Improved Trip, Iron Will, Legendary Leaper, Multiattack, Power Attack, Overwhelming Critical (bite), Superior Initiative, Track (B), Weapon Focus (bite), Weapon Focus (claw)
Environment: Asgard
Organization: Solitary
Challenge Rating: 40
Treasure: None
Alignment: Chaotic evil
Advancement: -
Level Adjustment: -

A massive timber wolf, several stories tall, stands before you.

Fenrir, the Fenris wolf, is the son of the Norse deity Loki and a giantess. He bit a hand off Tyr, and it is prophesized that he will swallow Odin at Ragnarok.

The Fenris wolf was allowed to remain in Asgard due to a technicality involving the children of deities. Numerous attempts to bind the Fenris wolf failed, until Odin commissioned the dwarves to create a magical chain called Gleipner, which appears as nothing more than silken ribbon. To date, this is the only binding capable of holding the Fenris wolf, and it is believed that in the time of Ragnarok, it too shall fail.

Fenrir sired two sons, Hati and Skoll, and is believed to be related to the legendary brachyuruses.

The Fenris wolf stands 50 feet tall at the shoulder and weighs 100 tons.

The Fenris wolf can speak Common and can communicate with all wolves

COMBAT

The Fenris wolf is a fierce combatant, and is far smarter than a typical wolf. While it prefers to simply grab and swallow anything it encounters, it sometimes likes to toy with its prey, tripping and eventually tearing the victim to shreds.

Augmented Critical (Ex): The Fenris wolf's bite threatens a critical hit on a natural attack roll of 18–20, dealing triple damage on a successful critical hit. Additionally, the victim must succeed on a DC 76 Fortitude save or lose a hand or foot (Fenris wolf's choice) A victim who loses a foot falls prone and has its land speed reduced to 5 feet. A severed hand make it impossible for the subject to use objects or cast spells with somatic components. The save DC is Strength-based.

Battle Frenzy (Ex): When the Fenris wolf is reduced to 25% of its total hit points, it gains a +4 inherent bonus to Strength and can make an additional melee attack with its bite each round at a –5 penalty. These benefits cease when the Fenris wolf is healed above 25% of it hit points or reaches zero hit points.

Frightful Howl (Su): As a standard action, the Fenris wolf can emit a howl in a 1-mile-radius spread that affects opponents with fewer Hit Dice or levels than it has. The affected creature must make a successful DC 58 Will save or become shaken. Success indicates that the target is immune to the Fenris wolf's frightful howl for one day. The save DC is Charisma-based.

Improved Grab (Ex): To use this ability, the Fenris wolf must hit a Huge or smaller opponent with its bite attack. It can then attempt to start a grapple as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity. If it wins the grapple check, it establishes a hold and can try to swallow the foe the following round.

Savage (Ex): If the Fenris wolf successfully trips an opponent, it latches onto the opponent's body and tears the flesh. This automatically deals an additional 60d6+110 points of damage. If an opponent goes prone for any reason in an area the Fenris wolf threatens, the Fenris wolf can also savage the victim as a free action (treat as the Fenris wolf's attack of opportunity for the round), even though it had nothing to do with tripping the foe.

Shockwave (Ex): The Fenris wolf can hurl itself to the ground as a standard action to create a localized earthquake. All creatures within 100 feet of the Fenris wolf must make DC 76 Reflex saves or fall prone. Structures in the radius take 4d6 points of damage instead. The save DC is Strength-based.

Swallow Whole (Ex): The Fenris wolf can try to swallow a grabbed opponent of Huge or smaller size by making a successful grapple check. Once inside, the opponent takes 24d6+22 points of crushing damage plus 12d6+26 points of acid damage per round from the Fenris wolf’s digestive juices. A swallowed creature can cut its way out by dealing 200 points of damage to the Fenris wolf's digestive tract (AC 35). Once the creature exits, muscular action closes the hole; another swallowed opponent must cut its own way out. The Fenris wolf's gullet can hold 2 Huge, 4 Large, 8 Medium, 32 Small, 128 Tiny, or 512 Diminutive or smaller creatures.

Trip (Ex): If the Fenris wolf hits with a bite attack it can attempt to trip its opponent (+38 check modifier) as a free action without making a touch attack or provoking an attack of opportunity. If the attempt fails, the opponent cannot react to trip the Fenris wolf.

Unfetterable (Su): The Fenris wolf is under a continuous freedom of movement effect that cannot be dispelled or suppressed by any means. Only epic-level magic can bind the Fenris Wolf, although a specific item or spell would have to be designed for this purpose (such as magical chain called Gleipner).

Skills: The Fenris wolf has a +10 racial bonus on Hide, Listen, Move Silently, and Spot checks. *It also has a +4 racial bonus on Survival checks when tracking by scent.

Originally appeared in Deities & Demigods (1980).

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Send In The Clowns… (or, Converting the Oddballs)

Death Sheep
Small Magical Beast
Hit Dice: 2d10+5 (16 hp)
Initiative: +1
Speed: 40 ft. (8 squares)
Armor Class: 14 (+1 size, +1 Dex, +2 natural), touch 12, flat-footed 12
Base Attack/Grapple: +2/-2
Attack: Bite +3 melee (1d6)
Full Attack: Bite +3 melee (1d6)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Curse of the ovis mortis, rage
Special Qualities: Darkvision 60 ft., immunity to mind-affecting spells and abilities, low-light vision
Saves: Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +0
Abilities: Str 10, Dex 13, Con 12, Int 1, Wis 11, Cha 4
Skills: Listen +3, Spot +2
Feats: Toughness
Environment: Temperate hills
Organization: Solitary or flock (2-20)
Challenge Rating: 2
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral evil
Advancement: 3-4 HD (Medium)
Level Adjustment: -

The dirty-coated sheep opens its mouth to reveal long, sharp black teeth that drip vile ichor.

Rumored to be the results of a mad mage's experiments with diseases, death sheep now wander the verdant hills killing all they encounter and infecting the survivors with their madness.

Death sheep travel in flocks, and never attack others of their own kind. They eat any flesh they encounter, whether from their own kills or carcasses left behind by other creatures.

Death sheep cannot be domesticated. Unscrupulous commanders have been known to capture death sheep in carts, then release them in their enemies' direction. This is a risky tactic, as the sheep attack indiscriminately.

A death sheep stands 3 to 4 feet tall at the shoulder and weighs 150 to 200 pounds.

COMBAT

Death sheep attack any living thing they encounter, fighting fearlessly and ferociously.

Curse of the Ovis Mortis (Su): Any humanoid, monstrous humanoid, or giant damaged by a death sheep's bite attack must succeed on a DC 12 Fortitude save or be cursed to transform into a ravening lunatic. On the each day following the curse, the victim suffers two points of Wisdom drain and develops an urge to attack all other living creatures, which becomes stronger as the Wisdom loss becomes stronger. Once the victim's Wisdom drops to 0, it is immediately healed of its Wisdom drain but becomes permanently insane and goes berserk, attacking anything it sees, using only its teeth. At this point, the victim also gains a bite attack that deals 1d4 hp of damage (plus Strength modifier) as a natural attack. The only way to halt the transformation before it is complete is by casting remove curse or break enchantment on the victim; once the transformation is complete, the victim can only be restored by the wish or miracle spells. The save DC is Constitution-based.

Rage (Ex): A death sheep that takes damage in combat flies into a berserk rage on its next turn, biting madly until either it or its opponent is dead. An enraged death sheep gains +4 Strength, +4 Constitution, and –2 AC. The creature cannot end its rage voluntarily.

Originally appeared in Dragon Magazine #156 (1990).

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Send In The Clowns… (or, Converting the Oddballs)

Pigalope
Small Magical Beast
Hit Dice: 1d10-1 (4 hp)
Initiative: +0
Speed: 40 ft. (8 squares)
Armor Class: 14 (+1 size, +3 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 14
Base Attack/Grapple: +1/-2
Attack: Slam +3 melee (1+1)
Full Attack: Slam +3 melee (1+1)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: -
Special Qualities: Darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision
Saves: Fort +1, Ref +2, Will +0
Abilities: Str 13, Dex 11, Con 8, Int 2, Wis 11, Cha 10
Skills: Jump +15, Listen +3, Spot +3
Feats: Alertness
Environment: Revular's Island
Organization: Solitary or herd (8-20)
Challenge Rating: 1/4
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 2-3 HD (Small); 4 HD (Medium)
Level Adjustment: -

This small creature resembles a furry kangaroo with a porcine face.

Pigalopes are strange creatures native to Revular's Island, which is actually a huge spelljamming asteroid that belongs to an evil race called the syllix.

Pigalopes feed primarily on underbrush, but when hungry, they dig for tree roots. Unchecked pigalope populations are threats to trees, for they eat the roots and especially like the taste of young saplings.

Pigalope meat is edible, although it tastes like gamey turkey. Pigalope hides are tough and can be fashioned into hide armor.

A pigalope stands 2-1/2 to 4 feet tall and weighs 30 to 100 pounds. Particularly large specimens have been known to reach 6-1/2 feet in height and 200 lbs.

COMBAT

Pigalopes flee when contronted, squealing noisily.

Skills: Pigalopes have a +8 racial bonus on Jump checks.

Originally appeared in Dungeon Magazine #71 (1998).

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Converting "Real World" Animals and Vermin

Orangutan
Medium Animal
Hit Dice: 2d8+4 (13 hp)
Initiative: +2
Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares), climb 30 ft.
Armor Class: 14 (+2 Dex, +2 natural), touch 12, flat-footed 12
Base Attack/Grapple: +1/+5
Attack: Claws +5 melee (1d4+4)
Full Attack: 2 claws +5 melee (1d4+4) and bite +0 melee (1d6+2)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Rend 2d4+6
Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent
Saves: Fort +5, Ref +5, Will +1
Abilities: Str 18, Dex 15, Con 15, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 8
Skills: Listen +6, Spot +5
Feats: Alertness
Environment: Warm forests
Organization: Solitary, pair, or family (3)
Challenge Rating: 1
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 3-6 HD (Medium)

This large ape has long arms and reddish-orange hair.

Oragutans are arboreal apes that spend almost all of their time in trees. They fashion nests from branches and foliage in which to sleep.

Male orangutans develop as either flanged or unflanged. Flanged orangutan males are so named due to their prominent cheek pads (called "flanges"). They also have longer fur than unflanged males. Only flanged males are territorial.

Male and female orangutans generally pair up only to mate. The female raises the young until they reach 6 or 7 years of age.

Oragutans are among the smartest animals in existence. Their name means ""person of the forest".

Oragutans eat mostly fruit, supplementing this diet with other vegetation, eggs, and insects.

An orangutan is 4-1/2 to 5-1/2 feet tall and weighs 200-260 pounds.

COMBAT

Though most orangutans are generally peaceful, flanged males are territorial and will fight to defend it.

Rend (Ex): If an orangutan hits with both claw attacks, it latches onto the opponent’s body and tears the flesh. This attack automatically deals an additional 2d4+6 points of damage.

Skills: Orangutans have a +8 racial bonus on Climb checks and can always choose to take 10 on Climb checks, even if rushed or threatened.

Originally appeared in Dragon Magazine #95 (1985).

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Special Conversion Thread: Dragonets!

Dragonet, Geyser Dragon
Tiny Dragon (Aquatic)
Hit Dice: 3d12+3 (22 hp)
Initiative: +2
Speed: 20 ft. (4 squares), fly 60 ft. (good), swim 60 ft.
Armor Class: 16 (+2 size, +2 Dex, +2 natural), touch 14, flat-footed 14
Base Attack/Grapple: +3/-6
Attack: Bite +7 melee (1d3-1)
Full Attack: Bite +7 melee (1d3-1) and 2 claws +5 melee (1d4-1)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Boiling blood, breath weapon
Special Qualities: Amphibious, darkvision 60 ft., fire tolerance, immunity to paralysis and sleep, low-light vision, scent
Saves: Fort +4, Ref +5, Will +4
Abilities: Str 9, Dex 15, Con 13, Int 6, Wis 12, Cha 10
Skills: Hide +10, Listen +7, Move Silently +8, Spot +7, Swim +13
Feats: Multiattack, Weapon Finesse
Environment: Warm aquatic
Organization: Solitary, pair, or nest (3-8)
Challenge Rating: 2
Treasure: Half coins; double goods; double items
Alignment: Usually neutral
Advancement: 4-6 HD (Tiny)
Level Adjustment: +4

The body of thiis tiny, wingless dragon is long and serpentine, with short legs and long fins trailing from behind its shoulders and hips. Its greenish-blue scales are flecked with silver. Vapor billows from its body as it moves with the fluidity of an eel.

Although no larger than a pseudodragon, geyser dragons consider themselves true dragons, and as such, are overconfident and arrogant. They only take equally boastful and brash creatures as companions.

Bearing both gills and nostrils, geyser dragons can breathe both air and water equally. Geyser dragons are usually found in magma-warmed natural springs. They nest in small groups in cramped caverns, wherein they sleep and mate nocturnally. During the day, they hunt anything they can catch, and their overconfidence often results in them becoming a meal for larger predators. Because humanoids build bathhouses and other structures over hot springs, geyser dragons sometimes find their way into such establishments.

Geyser dragons are 2 to 4 feet long and weigh 15 to 25 pounds. Scale coloration is greenish blue flecked with silver. They have a lifespan of 21-32 years.

Geyser dragons speak Draconic.

A geyser dragon can be acquired as a familiar by a 9th-level arcane spellcaster with the Improved Familiar feat.

Combat

Geyser dragons generally open combat with a blast of their powerful breath weapons before they throw themselves into melee combat.

Boiling Blood (Ex): A geyser dragon’s blood is highly pressurized and erupts in a burst of boiling liquid and steam upon contact with the air. A creature that makes a successful attack with a slashing or piercing weapon (including natural weapons) against a geyser dragon must succeed on a DC 12 Reflex save or take 1d3 points of fire damage from the splashing blood. The save DC is Constitution-based.

Breath Weapon (Su): Once every 1d4 rounds (but not more than three times per day), a geyser dragon can spit a 40-foot cone of boiling water and steam that deals 2d12 points of fire damage (DC 12 Ref half). The save DC is Constitution-based.

Fire Tolerance (Ex): If a peluda is exposed to any effect that deals fire damage and normally allows it to attempt a save for half damage, it takes no damage on a successful saving throw and only half damage on a failed save.

Skills: A geyser dragon has a +8 racial bonus on any Swim check to perform a special action or avoid a hazard. It can always choose to take 10 on a Swim check, even if distracted or endangered. It can use the run action while swimming, provided it swims in a straight line.

Originally appeared in Dragon Magazine #272 (2000).

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Send In The Clowns… (or, Converting the Oddballs)

Turtledove
Medium Magical Beast
Hit Dice: 7d10+21 (59 hp)
Initiative: -2
Speed: 15 ft. (3 squares), fly 40 ft. (average)
Armor Class: 16 (-2 Dex, +8 natural), touch 8, flat-footed 16
Base Attack/Grapple: +7/+10
Attack: Bite +10 melee (1d8+4 plus serenity)
Full Attack: Bite +10 melee (1d8+4 plus serenity)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Serenity
Special Qualities: Darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision
Saves: Fort +5, Ref +3, Will +3
Abilities: Str 16, Dex 7, Con 17, Int 5, Wis 12, Cha 13
Skills: Spot +14
Feats: Ability Focus (serenity), Hover, Skill Focus (Spot)
Environment: Any
Organization: Solitary or pair
Challenge Rating: 3
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 8-14 HD (Medium); 15-21 HD (Large)
Level Adjustment: -

A six-foot-diameter turtle flies through the air on the feathered wings of a dove.

Turtledoves, as their name suggests, are a magical combination of turtles and doves, then increased to unusual size. What possessed a mad wizard to fuse these two creatures is unknown, but the result is surprisingly effective.

Turtledoves' bodies are naturally buoyant, so their wings are used more for steering than actually keeping them aloft.

Turtledoves makes nests in high caverns or in the rafters of buildings. They covet shiny things, particularly hollow glass balls. Their nests are often lined with such trinkets. They lay only a pair of eggs like their bird ancestors, and both sexes incubate these eggs.

A turtledove is 6 feet in diameter and weighs 800 pounds.

COMBAT

Turtledoves are aggressive and fight to the death.

Flight (Ex): A turtledove's body is naturally buoyant. This buoyancy allows it to fly at a speed of 40 feet. This buoyancy also grants it a permanent feather fall effect (as the spell) with personal range. A turtledove continues to float, even after its death.

Serenity (Su): A creature bitten by a turtledove must succeed on a DC 16 Will save or forgo all hostile actions for 1d4+1 rounds. This is otherwise identical to a calm emotions spell. The save DC is Charisma-based.

Originally appeared in Dragon Magazine #156 (1990).

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Converting prehistoric animals

Dinosaur, Utahraptor
Large Animal
Hit Dice: 7d8+42 (73 hp)
Initiative: +1
Speed: 60 ft. (12 squares)
Armor Class: 17 (-1 size, +1 Dex, +7 natural), touch 10, flat-footed 16
Base Attack/Grapple: +5/+17
Attack: Talons +7 melee (2d6+8)
Full Attack: Talons +7 melee (2d6+8) and 2 foreclaws +5 melee (1d4+4) and bite +5 melee (2d6+4)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Pounce
Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent
Saves: Fort +12, Ref +6, Will +5
Abilities: Str 27, Dex 13, Con 23, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 10
Skills: Hide +6, Jump +30, Listen +10, Spot +10, Survival +10
Feats: Iron Will (B), Multiattack, Run, Track
Environment: Warm forests
Organization: Solitary, pair, or pack (3–6)
Challenge Rating: 5
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 8-14 HD (Large); 15-21 HD (Huge)
Level Adjustment: -

This large dinosaur is birdlike in appearance. Its wicked talons sport a huge curved claw on the second toe of each foot.

Utahraptors are the largest known dromaeosaurs, the group of dinosaurs commonly known as raptors. It is a larger relative of deinonychus, and is unrelated to the megaraptor, which is no longer considered a dromaeosaur.

Utahraptors are up to 21 feet long and can weigh 1,500 pounds.

COMBAT

Like its smaller relative the deinonychus, a utahraptor hunts by running down prey, then pouncing and ripping with its rear talons as it claws and bites. The talons count as one attack.

Pounce (Ex): If a utahraptor charges, it can make a full attack.

Skills: A utahraptor has a +8 racial bonus on Hide, Jump, Listen, Spot, and Survival checks.

Originally appeared in Dungeon Magazine #54 (1995).

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Send In The Clowns… (or, Converting the Oddballs)

Pigeontoad
Diminutive Magical Beast
Hit Dice: 1d10 (5 hp)
Initiative: +2
Speed: 15 ft. (3 squares), fly 30 ft. (poor)
Armor Class: 16 (+4 size, +2 Dex), touch 16, flat-footed 14
Base Attack/Grapple: +1/+0
Attack: Talons +7 melee (1-5)
Full Attack: Talons +7 melee (1-5) and bite +2 melee (1d4-5 plus poison)
Space/Reach: 1 ft./0 ft.
Special Attacks: Attach, poison
Special Qualities: Darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision
Saves: Fort +2, Ref +4, Will +2
Abilities: Str 1, Dex 15, Con 10, Int 1, Wis 14, Cha 4
Skills: Hide +18
Feats: Ability Focus (poison), Weapon Finesse (B)
Environment: Temperate forests and marshes
Organization: Solitary, pair, or flock (3-12)
Challenge Rating: 1/2
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 2-4 HD (Diminutive)
Level Adjustment: -

This awkward creature blends features of a toad and a bird. Its lumpy hide is olive-green fading to pale yellow on its underbelly. Its leathery wings are gray with a greenish tint, while its beak and talons are black.

Of unknown origins, pigeontoads are bizarre creatures that inhabit marshes and dark forests. They lair in hollow trees, bushes, or stumps, always near water. Although adult pigeontoads rarely venture into water, they begin their lives underwater and return to the water to mate and lay their eggs.

Every spring, a pigeontoad lays a clutch of 10 to 100 eggs in the water. Only about a quarter of those eggs last long enough to hatch, releasing 3" tadpoles with vestigial wings. The tadpoles use these wings to help swim. By the end of summer, a hatchling can make short flights, and by the end of autumn it is fully grown. At this time, the new pigeontoad joins a flock or starts one of its own.

Pigeontoad flocks attack en masse, often overpowering much larger creatures. Although the feed mostly on snakes, lizards, and other swamp creatures, they have been known to attack pets, livestock, and even humanoids if these creatures encroach upon their territories.

Lizardfolk consider the jellylike mass of pigeontoad eggs to be a delicacy. They occasionally domesticate flocks of pigeontoads for use as guards and an endless supply of eggs.

The croak of a pigeontoad is indistinguishable from that of a normal toad. It most often croaks when alarmed.

A pigeontoad is 2 feet long and weighs 15 pounds. It has a lifespan of 3 to 5 years.

COMBAT

A pigeontoad flies to a single opponent and attempts to latch on with its talons, allowing it to more easily strike with its beak thereafter.

Attach (Ex): If a pigeontoad hits with its talons attack, it latches onto the opponent’s body. An attached pigeontoad is effectively grappling its prey. The pigeontoad loses its Dexterity bonus to AC and has an AC of 14, but holds on with great tenacity. Pigeontoads have a +12 racial bonus on grapple checks (already figured into the Base Attack/Grapple entry above).

An attached pigeontoad can be struck with a weapon or grappled itself. To remove an attached pigeontoad through grappling, the opponent must achieve a pin against the pigeontoad.

An attached pigeontoad deals automatic talons damage each round, and gains a +2 bonus on attack rolls with its bite.

Poison (Ex): Injury, Fortitude DC 12, initial damage 1 Str and Con, secondary damage 1d4 1 Str and Con. The save DC is Constitution-based.

Skills: A pigeontoad’s coloration gives it a +4 racial bonus on Hide checks.

Originally appeared in Dragon Magazine #156 (1990).

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Converting Maztica and Horde monsters

Plumazotl, Lesser
Tiny Magical Beast
Hit Dice: 1d10 (5 hp)
Initiative: +5
Speed: 5 ft. (1 square), fly 30 ft. (good)
Armor Class: 17 (+2 size, +5 Dex), touch 17, flat-footed 12
Base Attack/Grapple: +1/-9
Attack: Bite +1 melee (1d4-2)
Full Attack: Bite +1 melee (1d4-2) and 2 claws -4 melee (1d4-2)
Space/Reach: 2-1/2 ft./0 ft.
Special Attacks: Pluma magic
Special Qualities: Damage reduction 5/magic, darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision, spell resistance 6, vulnerability to fire
Saves: Fort +2, Ref +7, Will +2
Abilities: Str 7, Dex 21, Con 10, Int 12, Wis 14, Cha 15
Skills: Concentration +4, Listen +6, Spot +6
Feats: Alertness
Environment: Any
Organization: Solitary
Challenge Rating: 1
Treasure: See text
Alignment: Always good
Advancement: 2-3 HD (Tiny), 4-5 HD (Small); see text
Level Adjustment: -

What appeared to be a bird is actually just a patchwork cluster of brightly-colored feathers in the shape of a bird.

Plumazotls are living creations of pluma magic, a type of magic native to Maztica. Created by a powerful plumaweaver who was destroyed by the gods for his audacity, these creatures still inhabit remote parts of Maztica.

Plumazotls prefer to live solitary existences, far from civilization. However, they are unafraid of most humanoids, and enjoy short conversations with them. If given feathers or other tokens of pluma magic, a plumazotl happily offers any information to the best of its ability. Plumazotl lairs are safe, peaceful places filled with color and music through the power of pluma magic.

Mating between greater plumazotl involves a dazzling ritual in which they pluck feathers from each other, then form these into small images of birds or humanoids, and finally infuse them with pluma magic. The resulting creature is a lesser plumazotl. A pair usually produces only one or two offspring before parting ways.

Plumazotl feed solely by adding feathers and other items of pluma magic to their bodies, growing larger and eventually metamorphosisizing into greater plumazotl.

A lesser plumazotl is 3 to 4 feet long and weighs 2 pounds. Although they most commonly take the shape of birds, some plumazotls have been known to take on humanoid forms (this has no effect on game statistics).

Plumazotls speak Payit and other languages native to their regions. Their voices are musical.

COMBAT

Plumazotl prefer to avoid combat, but will defend themselves with bites, claws, and pluma magic.

Consume Magic (Su): A lesser plumazotl advances in hit dice by absorbing magic items into its body. The magic item to be consumed must have feathers or be associated with feathers, such as a feather token or a magic arrow. For every 200 gp of magic items that the lesser plumazotl consumes, it gains one hit die; when it reaches 6 hit dice, it metamorphoses into a greater plumazotl.

Additionally, a lesser plumazotl can consume the feathers from magical beasts and outsiders. The lesser plumazotl gains 1 Hit Die for every 5 HD the original creature possessed. A lesser plumazotl may only gain this benefit from a specific creature once, even if additional feathers are consumed.

Pluma Magic: A lesser plumazotl casts spells as a sorcerer of a level equal to its Hit Dice. It may cast spells from the Air, Animal, Magic, and Water domains as arcane spells. Pluma magic can only reproduce spells of up to 6th-level. For spells with material components, the plumazotl instead substitutes a feather of equal value (price based on rarity).

Spell Resistance (Ex): A lesser plumazotl has spell resistance equal to 5 + Hit Dice.

Originally appeared in Maztica Campaign Setting (1991).

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Converting monsters from Dragon magazine (Part Two)

Viltch
Medium Outsider (Chaotic, Extraplanar)
Hit Dice: 5d8+15 (37 hp)
Initiative: +10
Speed: 60 ft. (12 squares)
Armor Class: 24 (+6 Dex, +8 natural), touch 16, flat-footed 18
Base Attack/Grapple: +5/+9
Attack: Claw +9 melee (1d4+4)
Full Attack: 2 claws +9 melee (1d4+4) and bite +7 melee (1d8+2 plus poison)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Poison, spell-like abilities, summon viltch, telekinetic trip
Special Qualities: Damage reduction 5/lawful, darkvision 90 ft., improved uncanny dodge, immunity to electricity, poison, sonic, and mind-affecting spells and abilities, resistance to cold 10 and fire 10, spell resistance 14, wind tolerance
Saves: Fort +7, Ref +10, Will +5
Abilities: Str 19, Dex 23, Con 17, Int 9, Wis 12, Cha 13
Skills: Balance +8, Climb +19, Disable Device +15, Jump +17, Listen +9, Open Locks +22, Sleight of Hand +22, Spot +9, Tumble +14
Feats: Deflect Arrows (B), Improved Initiative (B), Multiattack, Power Attack
Environment: Windswept Depths of Pandemonium
Organization: Solitary, pair, or gang (3-20)
Challenge Rating: 5
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always chaotic neutral or chaotic evil
Advancement: 6-10 HD (Medium); 11-15 HD (Large)
Level Adjustment: +8

This creature resembles a mandrill, its dirty-gray fur matted and disheveled. Baleful yellow eyes burn above its blue-gray muzzle, and a wild mane of a slightly darker color frames its bestial face. Despite having only three legs, it moves with agility and speed.

Hailing from the chaotic plane of Pandemonium, viltches are hateful, malignant beings that revel in spreading destruction and disorder. These skilled vandals create havoc wherever they wander. The greater the beauty or order of an object, the greater the viltch's satisfaction in its destruction.

A viltch stands 5 feet tall and weighs 150 pounds.

A viltch can be summoned using a summon monster VI spell.

Viltches speak Abyssal and Slaadi.

COMBAT

Viltches prefer to target weaker prey and avoid creatures that are clearly more powerful. They try to infict only limited pain and injuries on others, preferring to concentrate their destructive energies on objects of beauty and order.

A viltch's natural weapons, as well as any weapons it wields, are treated as chaotic-aligned for the purpose of overcoming damage reduction.

Poison (Ex): The poison of a viltch causes extreme pain in living targets. Fortitude DC 15 negates, initial damage sickened 1 minute, secondary damage nauseated 1 minute. Any creature that fails the initial save must make a Concentration check (DC 15 + spell level) to cast a spell within a minute of the bite. The save DC is Constitution based.

Spell-Like Abilities: At will--dimension door, find traps; 3/day--shatter (DC 13), warp wood (DC 13); 1/day--greater teleport. Caster level 5th. The save DCs are Charisma-based.

Summon Viltch (Sp): Once per day a viltch can attempt to summon 1d6 viltches with a 30% chance of success. This ability is the equivalent of a 4th-level spell.

Telekinetic Trip (Sp): Three times per day, a viltch can use telekinesis (caster level 5th) to perform a trip attempt. Resolve this attempt as normal, except that it doesn't provoke attacks of opportunity, the viltch uses its Charisma modifier in place of its Strength modifier, and a failed attempt doesn’t allow a reactive attempt by the target. No save is allowed against these attempts, but spell resistance applies normally.

Wind Tolerance (Su): Viltches are unaffected by high winds, and are never checked, knocked down, or blown away by wind conditions. Viltches suffer no penalties to Listen checks made in areas of high winds, nor are their spells and effects that rely on sonic energy limited to a range of 10 feet.

Skills: A viltch has a +8 racial bonus on Climb, Disable Device, Open Locks, and Sleight of Hand checks.

Originally appeared in Dragon Magazine #94 (1985).

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Converting monsters from Dungeon Magazine

Skelter

The leathery skin of this emaciated humanoid is drawn tight over its bones. Its eyes burn with intense pinpoints of light.

A skelter is a special undead that arises only from a creature that possesses a bloodline.

When slain, a skelter moulders into a pile of flesh and bone.

Skelters speak any languages they knew in life in a raspy, spiteful voice.

"Skelter" is a template that can be added to any humanoid or monstrous humanoid creature that possesses a bloodline (referred to hereafter as the "base creature").

A skelter uses all the base creature’s statistics and special abilities except as noted here.

Size and Type: The creature’s type changes to undead (augmented humanoid or monstrous humanoid). Do not recalculate base attack bonus, saves, or skill points. Size is unchanged.

Hit Dice: Increase all current and future Hit Dice to d12s.

Armor Class: A skelter has a +3 natural armor bonus or the base creature’s natural armor bonus, whichever is better.

Attack: A skelter has a touch attack that it can use once per round. If the base creature can use weapons, the skelter retains this ability. A creature with natural weapons retains those natural weapons. A skelter fighting without weapons uses either its touch attack or its primary natural weapon (if it has any). A skelter armed with a weapon uses its touch or a weapon, as it desires.

Full Attack: A skelter fighting without weapons uses either its touch attack (see above) or its natural weapons (if it has any). If armed with a weapon, it usually uses the weapon as its primary attack along with a touch as a natural secondary attack, provided it has a way to make that attack (either a free hand or a natural weapon that it can use as a secondary attack).

Damage: A skelter without natural weapons has a touch attack that uses negative energy to deal 1d8 points of damage to living creatures; a Will save (DC 10 + 1/2 skelter's HD + skelter's Cha modifier) halves the damage. A skelter with natural weapons can use its touch attack or its natural weaponry, as it prefers. If it chooses the latter, it deals 1d8 points of extra damage on one natural weapon attack.

Special Attacks: A skelter retains all the base creature’s special attacks and gains those described below. Save DCs are equal to 10 + 1/2 skelter's HD + skelter's Cha modifier unless otherwise noted.

Command Undead (Su): A skelter can rebuke or command undead as a cleric of a level equal to the skelter's Hit Dice.

Create Spawn (Su): Any humanoid or monstrous humanoid slain by a skelter's energy drain attack becomes a zombire in 1d4 rounds. Zombire spawn are under the command of the spectre that created them and remain enslaved until its death. Creatures possessing a bloodline slain by a skelter instead become free-willed skelters.

Energy Drain (Su): Living creatures hit by a skelter's touch attack gain one negative level. For each such negative level bestowed, the skelter gains 5 temporary hit points.

Special Qualities: A skelter retains all the base creature’s special qualities and gains those described below.

Damage Reduction (Su): A skelter's undead body is tough, giving the creature damage reduction 10/silver or magic. Its natural weapons are treated as magic weapons for the purpose of overcoming damage reduction.

Immunities (Ex): Skelters have immunity to cold and mind-affecting attacks.

Turn Resistance (Ex): A skelter has +2 turn resistance.

Unholy Toughness (Ex): A skelter gains a bonus to its hit points equal to its Charisma modifier x its Hit Dice.

Abilities: Adjust from the base creature as follows: Str +2, Dex +2, Int +4, Cha +4. As undead creatures, skelters have no Constitution score.

Challenge Rating: Same as the base creature +2.
Alignment: Usually chaotic evil
Advancement: By character class.
Level Adjustment: Same as the base creature +4.

Sample Skelter

Skelter, 5th-Level Human Fighter/1st-Level Demon Bloodline (major)
Medium Undead (Augmented Humanoid)
Hit Dice: 5d12+20 (52 hp)
Initiative: +2
Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares)
AC: 18 (+2 Dex, +3 natural, +3 +1 leather armor), touch 12, flat-footed 16
Base Attack/Grapple: +5/+8
Attack: Touch +7 melee (1d8+4 plus energy drain) or +1 ranseur +10 melee (2d4+9/x3)
Full Attack: Touch +7 melee (1d8+4 plus energy drain) or +1 ranseur +10 melee (2d4+9/x3)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Command undead, create spawn, energy drain
Special Qualities: Damage reduction 10/silver or magic, darkvision 60 ft., demon affinity, immunity to cold and mind-affecting attacks, resistance to electricity 5, +2 turn resistance, undead traits
Saves: Fort +4, Ref +3, Will +0
Abilities: Str 19, Dex 15, Con -, Int 14, Wis 8, Cha 18
Skills: Climb +12, Jump +12, Move Silently +4, Swim +12
Feats: Cleave, Combat Expertise, Combat Reflexes, Improved Disarm, Power Attack (B), Weapon Focus (ranseur), Weapon Specialization (ranseur)
Climate/Terrain: Any
Organization: Solitary
Challenge Rating: 8
Treasure: Standard
Alignment: Usually chaotic evil
Advancement: By character class
Level Adjustment: +4

Command Undead (Su): This skelter can rebuke or command undead as a 6th-level cleric.

Create Spawn (Su): Any humanoid or monstrous humanoid slain by a skelter's energy drain attack becomes a zombire in 1d4 rounds. Zombire spawn are under the command of the spectre that created them and remain enslaved until its death. Creatures possessing a bloodline slain by a skelter instead become free-willed skelters.

Demon Affinity (Ex): Because of its bloodline, this skelter gains a +2 bonus on all Bluff, Diplomacy, Gather Information, Intimidate, and Perform checks made to interact with demons.

Energy Drain (Su): Living creatures hit by a skelter's touch attack gain one negative level. For each such negative level bestowed, the skelter gains 5 temporary hit points. The Fortitude save DC to remove the negative level after 24 hours is 17. The save DC is Charisma-based.

Unholy Toughness (Ex): A skelter gains a bonus to its hit points equal to its Charisma modifier x its Hit Dice.

Originally appeared in Dungeon #59 (1996).

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Converting "Real World" Animals and Vermin

Kangaroo
Medium Animal
Hit Dice: 2d8+2 (11 hp)
Initiative: +2
Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares)
Armor Class: 12 (+2 Dex), touch 12, flat-footed 10
Base Attack/Grapple: +1/+6
Attack: Slam +2 melee (1d8+1)
Full Attack: Slam +2 melee (1d8+1) or 2 claws +2 melee (1d4+1) and bite -3 melee (1d6)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Rake
Special Qualities: Low-light vision, sprint
Saves: Fort +4, Ref +5, Will +1
Abilities: Str 13, Dex 14, Con 13, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 7
Skills: Jump +9, Listen +9, Swim +9
Feats: Endurance (B), Skill Focus (Listen)
Environment: Temperate plains and hills
Organization: Solitary or court (3-60)
Challenge Rating: 1
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 3-6 HD (Medium)
Level Adjustment: -

This mammal hops on two powerful rear legs balanced by a long, muscular tail. Its large ears twitch attentively.

These statistics can represent any of the larger breeds of kangaroo (eastern grey, western, grey, or red).

Kangaroos are large marsupials that hop about on their hind legs as a method of locomotion.
Kangaroo bodies are designed to be extremely energy efficient, allowing them to travel long distances at decent speed in search of food.

Kangaroos subsist predominantly on grasses and shrubs, although some species also eat fungi.

Kangaroos range from 4 to 6 feet tall and weigh up to 190 pounds. Kangaroos live 4-6 years on average.

COMBAT

Kangaroos attempt to flee if given the option. Adept swimmers, they often flee into waterways, using their forepaws to hold predators underwater and drown them. If cornered, a kangaroo will kick or grab its opponent with its forelimbs (including a +4 racial bonus on grapple checks included in the statistics above), raking with its hind legs.

Rake (Ex): Attack bonus +2 melee, damage 1d3.

Sprint (Ex): Once per hour, a kangaroo can move ten times its normal speed (300 feet) when it makes a charge.

Skills: Kangaroos have a +8 racial bonus on Jump and Swim checks.

Originally appeared in Dragon Magazine #186 (1992).

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Converting prehistoric animals

Uintatherium
Large Animal
Hit Dice: 9d8+45 (85 hp)
Initiative: +0
Speed: 40 ft. (8 squares)
Armor Class: 16 (–1 size, +7 natural), touch 9, flat-footed 16
Base Attack/Grapple: +6/+18
Attack: Bite +13 melee (1d8+8/x3) or gore +14 melee (2d6+8)
Full Attack: Bite +13 melee (1d8+8/x3) and gore +9 melee (2d6+4)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Augmented critical, powerful charge, trample 2d8+12
Special Qualities: Low-light vision
Saves: Fort +11, Ref +6, Will +3
Abilities: Str 26, Dex 10, Con 21, Int 2, Wis 13, Cha 2
Skills: Listen +14, Spot +3
Feats: Alertness, Endurance, Weapon Focus (gore)
Environment: Warm plains
Organization: Solitary or herd (2–8)
Challenge Rating: 4
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 10–12 HD (Large); 13–27 HD (Huge)
Level Adjustment: -

This creature resembles a rhinoceros, save for the six horns protruding from its skull and a pair of saberlike canines jutting from its mouth.

Although herbivorous, the uintatherium's teeth are extremely sharp and deadly, the better for plucking the thick plants that form its diet.

An uintatherium is 6 to 14 feet long, 3 to 6 feet high at the shoulder, and weighs up to 6,000 pounds.

COMBAT

A uintatherium behaves much like a rhinoceros, charging foes and goring them. Unlike a rhino, it also possesses a deadly bite attack.

Augmented Critical (Ex): An uintatherium deals triple damage if it scores a critical hit with its bite attack.

Powerful Charge (Ex): An uintatherium deals 4d6+24 points of damage when it makes a charge.

Trample (Ex): Reflex half DC 22. The save DC is Strength-based.

Originally appeared in Dragon Magazine #137 (1988).