Creature Catalog new 3.5 conversions

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Converting Monsters from D&D Official Video Games

Kartang
Huge Magical Beast
Hit Dice: 14d10+14 (91 hp)
Initiative: +7
Speed: 20 ft. (4 squares), climb 20 ft., swim 20 ft.
Armor Class: 26 (–2 size, +3 Dex, +15 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 23
Base Attack/Grapple: +14/+29
Attack: Bite +19 melee (2d8+10)
Full Attack: Bite +19 melee (2d8+10)
Space/Reach: 15 ft./10 ft.
Special Attacks: Constrict 1d8+10, improved grab
Special Qualities: Darkvision 60 ft., dual-sentient nature, low-light vision, resistance to cold 10, electricity 10, and fire 10, scent
Saves: Fort +10, Ref +12, Will +5 (+9 vs. charms and compulsions)
Abilities: Str 25, Dex 17, Con 13, Int 11, Wis 12, Cha 10
Skills: Balance +11, Bluff +14, Climb +15, Diplomacy +2, Disguise +12 (+14 acting)*, Heal +3, Hide -1, Intimidate +4, Listen +5, Spot +5, Survival +13, Swim +15
Feats: Persuasive, Improved Initiative, Power Attack, Self-Sufficient, Track
Environment: Warm forests or underground
Organization: Solitary or tribe (4-20)
Challenge Rating: 7
Treasure: Standard
Alignment: Usually chaotic evil
Advancement: 15–16 HD (Huge); 17–42 HD (Gargantuan)
Level Adjustment: -

The eyes of this giant constrictor snake glint with a greater sentience than a normal serpent.

The first kartang arose with the magical disaster that shattered Athas. Although they look identical to giant constrictor snakes, kartang have far greater intellect. Their prime directive is to increase their numbers, and as a result they are extremely protective of their eggs and young. Kartang eggs do not always yield kartang, but more often produce normal giant constrictor snakes. Occasionally, a young serpent shows signs of sentience, and is then singled out for greater protection. Kartang believe that feeding their young sentient prey increases the likelihood of the hatchlings becoming sentient as well.

Kartang prefer the taste of birds and humanoids. Kartang do not desire treasure, but horde it to lure prey. Larger groups have been known to herd and raise livestock, particularly flightless birds. A lone kartang in a group of normal snakes may converse with sentient prey to alleviate its boredom, but will most likely end up slaying them eventually.

A kartang grows to the same length and weight as typical giant constrictor snakes.

COMBAT

Kartang prefer to hide among normal giant constrictor snakes, hiding within the masses to avoid being singled out as leaders.

Constrict (Ex): On a successful grapple check, a kartang deals 1d8+10 points of damage.

Dual-Sentient Nature (Ex): The dual sentient-animal nature of the kartang grants it a +4 racial bonus to saves vs charms and compulsions.

Improved Grab (Ex): To use this ability, a kartang must hit 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 constrict.

Skills: Kartangs have a +4 racial bonus on Hide, Listen, and Spot checks and a +8 racial bonus on Balance and Climb checks. A kartang can always choose to take 10 on a Climb check, even if rushed or threatened. Kartangs use either their Strength modifier or Dexterity modifier for Climb checks, whichever is higher. A kartang has a +8 racial bonus on any Swim check to perform some 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.

*Kartangs have a +12 racial bonus on Disguise checks when trying to appear as ordinary constrictor snakes.

Originally appeared in Dark Sun: Wake of the Ravager PC game rule book (1994).

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Converting "Real World" Animals and Vermin

Wallaby
Small Animal
Hit Dice: 1d8 (4 hp)
Initiative: +3
Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares)
Armor Class: 14 (+1 size, +3 Dex), touch 14, flat-footed 11
Base Attack/Grapple: +0/-1
Attack: Claw -1 melee (1d3-1) or slam -1 melee (1d6-1)
Full Attack: 2 claws -1 melee (1d3-1) and bite -6 melee (1d4-1) or slam -1 melee (1d6-1)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Rake
Special Qualities: Low-light vision, sprint
Saves: Fort +3, Ref +6, Will +1
Abilities: Str 9, Dex 16, Con 11, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 7
Skills: Jump +7, Listen +7, Swim +7
Feats: Endurance (B), Skill Focus (Listen)
Environment: Any temperate
Organization: Solitary or mob (3-60)
Challenge Rating: 1/2
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 2-3 HD (Small)
Level Adjustment: -

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

These statistics can represent wallabies, wallaroos, and small kangaroos.

Wallabies are smaller relatives of the kangaroo. These marsupials hop about on their hind legs as a method of locomotion. Like kangaroos, their bodies are designed to be extremely energy efficient, allowing them to travel long distances at decent speed in search of food.

Wallabies subsist predominantly on grasses and shrubs.

Most wallabies reach 2-1/2 feet tall and weigh about 30 pounds, while wallaroos are a bit larger, growing up to 5 feet tall and 120 pounds. Wallabies live 12-15 years.

COMBAT

Wallabies attempt to flee if given the option. If cornered, a wallaby will kick or bite and 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 -1 melee, damage 1d2.

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

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

Originally appeared in Dragon Magazine #186 (1992).

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Special Conversion Thread: Dragonets!

Dragonet, Crow's-nest Dragon
Tiny Dragon
Hit Dice: 1d12+2 (8 hp)
Initiative: +2
Speed: 15 ft. (3 squares), fly 60 ft. (good), swim 30 ft.
Armor Class: 18 (+2 size, +2 Dex, +4 natural), touch 14, flat-footed 16
Base Attack/Grapple: +1/–9
Attack: Bite +5 melee (1d6-2)
Full Attack: Bite +5 melee (1d6-2)
Space/Reach: 2½ ft./0 ft.
Special Attacks: Breath weapon, deadly dive
Special Qualities: Darkvision 60 ft., hold breath, immunity to paralysis and sleep, low-light vision, sailor's fortune, scent, spell resistance 10, telepathy 60 ft.
Saves: Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +3
Abilities: Str 6, Dex 15, Con 15, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 10
Skills: Hide +14, Listen +5, Move Silently +6, Sense Motive +5, Spot +5, Swim +10
Feats: Flyby Attack, Weapon Finesse (B)
Environment: Temperate hills or mountains
Organization: Solitary, pair, or flock (3–20)
Challenge Rating: 1
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always chaotic good
Advancement: 2–3 HD (Tiny)
Level Adjustment: +3

This two-foot-long dragon has a snakelike body with a tail of equal length. Its iridescent white scales resemble pearls. It folds its long, wide, pelican-like wings close to its body as it begins to dive.

These dragonets get their name from their tendency to follow ships, feeding on the fish disturbed in the ships' wake, and perching on the crow's-nest. Sailors consider crow's-nest dragons to be a sign of good fortune, and indeed a flock of these dragonets can improve the luck of those guiding the vessel. Should a member of a ship's crew attack any of the dragonets, however, the entire flock will leave, never to return to that ship.

The diet of crow's-nest dragons consists mostly of fish and cephalopods, with cuttlefish and squid being their favorite meals. They are hunted by large predators both in the air and undewater, particularly sharks, orcas, giant eagles, and manticores.

Crow's-nest dragons build nests atop rugged sea cliffs. They mate for life, and both parents raise the clutch of 3 to 5 hatchlings.

Crow's-nest dragons make loyal companions, although their insatiable curiosity can lead to mischief. Although they don't require much pampering, they have large appetites.

A crow's-nest has a body about 2 feet long, with a 2-foot tail. It weights about 7 pounds. They have a lifespan of 11 to 20 years.

A crow's-nest dragon can be acquired as a familiar by a 7th-level arcane spellcaster with the Improved Familiar feat.

Combat

Crow's-nest dragons prefer to dive at prey, swallowing tiny prey in a single gulp before speeding away underwater or back into the skies. A flock of crow's-nest dragons sometimes cooperate to take down larger prey, such as a tuna or swordfish.

Deadly Dive (Ex): When a crow's-nest dragon dives at least 30 feet and makes a successful bite attack at the end of the dive, it deals an extra 1d4 points of damage.

Hold Breath (Ex): A crow's-nest dragon can hold its breath for a number of rounds equal to 8 times its Constitution score before it risks drowning.

Sailor's Fortune (Su): A flock of crow's-nest dragons within 60 feet of a ship provide a luck bonus on all Profession (sailor) checks pertaining to the vessel. This luck bonus is +2 for a flock of 3-9 crow's-nest dragons, and +4 for a flock of 10 or more.

Telepathy (Su): Crow's-nest dragons can communicate telepathically with creatures that speak Common or Sylvan, provided they are within 60 feet.

Skills: A crow's-nest 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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Special Conversion Thread: Moldvay's Undead

Le Grand Zombi
Medium Undead
Hit Dice: 20d12+220 (350 hp)
Initiative: +4
Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares)
Armor Class: 27 (+4 Dex, +13 natural), touch 14, flat-footed 23
Base Attack/Grapple: +10/+16
Attack: Slam +18 melee (2d6+8/19-20)
Full Attack: 2 slams +18 melee (2d6+8/19-20)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Aura of desecrated animation, command undead, consume brain, spells, summon zombies
Special Qualities: Damage reduction 20/silver and slashing, darkvision 60 ft., fast healing 5, immunity to electricty and force effects, spell resistance 28, undead traits, unholy toughness
Saves: Fort +17, Ref +21, Will +27
Abilities: Str 23, Dex 19, Con -, Int 27, Wis 18, Cha 28
Skills: Bluff +32, Climb +29, Concentration +23, Diplomacy +13, Disguise +9 (+11 acting), Intimidate +34, Jump +29, Knowledge (arcana) +31, Knowledge (religion) +31, Listen +27, Sense Motive +27, Spellcraft +33 (+35 scrolls), Spot +27, Use Magic Device +34 (+36 scrolls)
Feats: Greater Spell Focus (necromancy), Greater Spell Penetration, Improved Critical (slam), Maximize Spell, Reach Spell, Spell Focus (necromancy), Spell Penetration
Environment: Any
Organization: Solitary or crowd (Le Grand Zombi plus 10-100 zombies)
Challenge Rating: 22
Treasure: Triple standard
Alignment: Neutral evil
Advancement: None
Level Adjustment: -

This walking, moldering corpse appears to be in a greatly advanced state of decay. It appears to be far more than a normal zombie, though, as it moves with unnatural grace and is preceded by an aura of thick, palpable dread.

Le Grand Zombi is considered King of the Zombies. Its name means "the great zombie". It is rumored that Le Grand Zombi was once a powerful necromancer who may have tinkered with the process of lichdom to more closely resemble its favored undead. Regardless of its origins, Le Grand Zombi possesses far greater powers than a typical zombie, and uses its superior intellect to spread the zombie menace throughout the world.

Le Grand Zombi stands 6 feet tall and weighs 145 pounds.

Le Grand Zombi speaks Common, Abyssal, Aquan, Auran, Draconic, Ignan, Infernal, Terran, and Undercommon.

COMBAT

Le Grand Zombi is a brilliant tactician and powerful spellcaster. It is nearly always accompanied by a horde of zombies, and possesses the means to continually replenish this army. It uses its spells to harass powerful enemies while its minions overwhelm lesser foes with sheer numbers. If damaged below half its total hit points, Le Grand Zombi will begin eating brains, if possible, or will use harm for a quick repair.

Ancient Knowledge (Ex): Over its centuries of unlife, Le Grand Zombi has acquire a wealth of arcane knowledge. As a result, Le Grand Zombi has one additional spell known per level than normal for a sorcerer of its level.

Aura of Desecrated Animation (Su): Le Grand Zombi is continuously surrounded by an aura of negative energy to a range of 40 feet. This functions as a desecrate spell centered on Le Grand Zombi, who is considered to be a permanent fixture dedicated to a deity (thus granting a –6 profane penalty on turning checks, +2 profane bonus on attack rolls, damage rolls, and saving throws, and +2 hit points per HD for undead in the area). Additionally, all corpses within the area arise as zombies or skeletons (depending on the freshness of the corpse), under the command of Le Grand Zombi. These benefits are already included in the statistics above.

Command Undead (Su): Le Grand Zombi commands and rebukes undead as a 22nd-level cleric.

Consume Brain (Ex) Le Grande Zombi can consume a pinned opponent’s brain as a standard action. The pinned foe must make a DC 26 Fortitude save or have its brain removed and devoured; on a successful save, the victim still takes 1d4 points of Intelligence drain from the trauma. A creature whose brain is removed is effectively dead, unless it does not require a brain (such as an undead) or has multiple heads. Le Grande Zombi gains 5 temporary hit points for each point of Intelligence it drains, and 25 temporary hit points for each brain it consumes. After successfully consuming a brain, Le Grande Zombi gains a +10 ft. enhancement bonus to speed for 1 minute. The save DC is Strength based.

Spells: Le Grand Zombi casts spells as a 22nd-level sorcerer and can also cast cleric spells and those from the Darkness, Death, Destruction, Evil, and Madness domains as arcane spells.

Typical Sorcerer Spells known (9/8/8/8/8/8/7/7/7/7, save DC 19 + spell level; 21 + spell level for necromancy spells)
0th - daze, detect magic, ghost sound, inflict minor wounds, mage hand, message, open/close, ray of frost, read magic, tough of fatigue
1st - chill touch, deathwatch, doom, inflict light wounds, mage armor, ray of enfeeblement
2nd - blindness/deafness, desecrate, darkness, ghoul touch, scare, spectral hand
3rd - animate dead, contagion, haste, ray of exhaustion, vampiric touch
4th - armor of darkness, crushing despair, enervation, inflict critical wounds, unholy blight
5th - bolts of bedevilment, magic jar, mass inflict light wounds, unhallow, waves of fatigue
6th - create undead, greater dispel magic, harm, true seeing
7th - control undead, destruction, mass inflict serious wounds, mass invisibility
8th - create greater undead, horrid wilting, maddening scream, unholy aura
9th - energy drain, implosion, time stop, wail of the banshee

Summon Zombies (Sp): Three times per day, Le Grande Zombi can automatically summon up to 20 Hit Dice of undead. These must be zombies or a variant zombie (such as juju zombies, hungry dead, etc.) This ability is the equivalent of a 9th-level spell (CL 20th).

Unholy Grace (Su): Le Grand Zombi adds its Charisma modifier as a bonus on all its saving throws and as a deflection bonus to its Armor Class.

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

Psionic Variant

If you are using psionics in your campaign, Le Grand Zombi should be treated as a 22nd-level psion which can draw powers from the psion and psychic warrior lists. It has 442 power points. This replaces sorcerous spellcasting. This creature is sometimes known as The Zombie Overmind.

If you are using Complete Psionic in your campaign, consider granting the Zombie Overmind some of the Stygian powers in that book.

Originally appeared in Dragon Magazine #138 (1988).

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Converting monsters from First Edition modules

Cryptknight
Medium Undead
Hit Dice: 9d12 (58 hp)
Initiative: +0
Speed: 20 ft. (4 squares) in half-plate armor; base speed 30 ft.
Armor Class: 20 (+7 armor, +3 natural), touch 10, flat-footed 20
Base Attack/Grapple: +4/+5
Attack: Greataxe +9 melee (1d12+8/x3)
Full Attack: Greataxe +9 melee (1d12+8/x3)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Fear aura, temporal slide
Special Qualities: Damage reduction 5/bludgeoning, darkvision 60 ft., delay damage, immunity to cold, spell extension
Saves: Fort +3, Ref +3, Will +7
Abilities: Str 17, Dex 10, Con —, Int 2, Wis 13, Cha 14
Skills: Listen +7, Spot +7
Feats: Greater Weapon Focus (greatsword), Greater Weapon Specialization (greatsword), Weapon Focus (greatsword), and Weapon Specialization (greatsword)
Environment: Any
Organization: Solitary or order (2-10)
Challenge Rating: 6
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always lawful evil
Advancement: 10-20 HD (Medium)
Level Adjustment: -

A skeletal figure shambles forth, its movements erratic and flickering as if not in the same timeline as everything around it. Its plate armor and greataxe seem archaic and ancient.

Cryptknights are the undead remnants of fighters that were time-trapped at the moment of their deaths. This unique condition originated in the wizard Martek's tomb, but similar temporal anomalies could occur elsewhere and create similar beings.

A cryptknight is 5 to 6 feet tall and weighs 100 to 150 pounds.

Cryptknights cannot speak.

COMBAT

Cryptknights are straightforward warriors, wielding their greataxes with masterful skill.

Delay Damage (Su): Any effect takes a full round to affect a cryptknight. For example, weapon damage done to a cryptknight applies one round after the successful attack. Similarly, a spell affects a cryptknight one round after it normally would (a fireball targeting an area including a orc and a cryptknight would damage the orc immediately but the cryptknight one round later). This also applies to nondamaging effects.

Spell Extension (Su): Any spell effect with a duration other than concentration, instantaneous, or permanent is doubled in duration (as by the extend spell metamagic feat) in its effect on a cryptknight. That is, a spell with a one round effect would last for two rounds. In addition, the effect of the spell begins one round later than usual (see Delay Damage).

Temporal Slide (Su): A cryptknight can manipulate time as it moves, allowing it to seemingly disappear and reappear elsewhere instantaneously. As a free action that does not provoke an attack of opportunity, a cryptknight moves its current speed (following the normal rules for movement). The cryptknight can use this ability every other round.

Feats: Cryptknights count as fighters of a level equal to their Hit Dice for the purposes of meeting prerequisites for feats.

Originally appeared in I5 - Lost Tomb of Martek (1983).

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Converting "generic setting" second edition monsters

Xaren
Small Outsider (Extraplanar, Earth)
Hit Dice: 3d8+6 (19 hp)
Initiative: +2
Speed: 20 ft. (4 squares), burrow 20 ft.
Armor Class: 25 (+1 size, +2 Dex, +12 natural), touch 13, flat-footed 23
Base Attack/Grapple: +5/+7
Attack: Bite +6 melee (2d8+2)
Full Attack: Bite +6 melee (2d8+2) and 3 claws +4 melee (1d3+1)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Adamantine bite, devour enchantment
Special Qualities: All-around vision, earth glide, damage reduction 5/bludgeoning, darkvision 60 ft., immunity to cold and fire, resistance to electricity 10, tremorsense 60 ft.
Saves: Fort +5, Ref +5, Will +3
Abilities: Str 15, Dex 14, Con 15, Int 10, Wis 11, Cha 8
Skills: Hide +12, Intimidate +2, Knowledge (dungeoneering) +6, Listen +6, Move Silently +5, Search +6, Spot +8, Survival +6 (+8 following tracks or underground)
Feats: Combat Reflexes, Improved Sunder (B), Multiattack
Environment: Elemental Plane of Earth
Organization: Solitary, pair, or cluster (3–5)
Challenge Rating: 4
Treasure: None
Alignment: Usually neutral
Advancement: 4–6 HD (Small); 7–14 HD (Medium); 15–21 HD (Large); 22–45 HD (Huge)
Level Adjustment: -

The wide body of this odd creature appears to be constituted of shiny pebbles. A large mouth tops its head, while three arms, eyes, and short legs are symmetrically positioned around it.

Xaren are closely related to xorn, being slightly smaller with shinier hides. Hailing from the Elemental Plane of Earth, they occasionally venture to the Material Plane to feed or when summoned by spellcasters.

Xaren feed on metal, preferring iron, copper, silver, gold and electrum. If refined metal objects cannot be found, they will dine on ore.

Xaren and xorn generally are indifferent to one another and rarely cooperate. They are often hunted by dao, who view xaren as a threat to their riches. As a result, dao do not enslave xaren.

Xaren are about 3 feet tall and wide and weigh about 120 pounds.

Xaren speak Common and Terran.

A xaren can be summoned with a summon nature's ally X spell.

COMBAT

Like xorns, xaren eat metal and only attack other creatures to acquire metal goods they carry. Xaren can smell metal up to 20 feet away, and if the metal is magically enhanced, the range doubles.

Like xorn, a xaren’s favorite mode of attack is to lie in ambush beneath a stony surface. A cluster of xaren will often send a single member to negotiate for food while the remainder position themselves for a surprise attack.

Adamantine Bite (Ex): A xaren's bite attack counts as adamantine for the purposes of overcoming damage reduction and hardness.

All-Around Vision (Ex): A xaren's symmetrically placed eyes allow it to look in any direction, providing a +4 racial bonus on Spot and Search checks. A xaren can’t be flanked.

Devour Enchantment (Su): When a xaren destroys a magic weapon with a sunder attempt, it devours it. The xaren immediately gains 1 point of Constitution per point of enchantment bonus of the weapon (including bonuses due to weapon properties such as keen or flaming). The xaren loses these points of Constitution at the rate of one per hour.

Earth Glide (Ex): A xaren can glide through stone, dirt, or almost any other sort of earth except metal as easily as a fish swims through water. Its burrowing leaves behind no tunnel or hole, nor does it create any ripple or other signs of its presence. A move earth spell cast on an area containing a burrowing xaren flings the xaren back 30 feet, stunning the creature for 1 round unless it succeeds on a DC 15 Fortitude save.

Originally appeared in Monster Manual II (1983).

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Converting Maztica and Horde monsters

Plumazotl, Greater
Medium Magical Beast
Hit Dice: 6d10 (33 hp)
Initiative: +3
Speed: 25 ft. (5 squares), fly 120 ft. (good)
Armor Class: 17 (+3 Dex, +4 x), touch x, flat-footed x
Base Attack/Grapple: +6/+6
Attack: Bite +6 melee (1d6)
Full Attack: Bite +6 melee (1d6) and 2 claws +1 melee (1d6)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Pluma magic
Special Qualities: Damage reduction 10/magic, darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision, spell resistance 11, vulnerability to fire
Saves: Fort +5, Ref +8, Will +5
Abilities: Str 11, Dex 17, Con 10, Int 14, Wis 16, Cha 17
Skills: Concentration +9, Knowledge (arcana) +7, Listen +15, Spellcraft +8, Spot +15
Feats: Alertness, Spell Focus (abjuration), Spell Penetration
Environment: Any
Organization: Solitary or mated pair
Challenge Rating: 8
Treasure: See text
Alignment: Always good
Advancement: 7-12 HD (Medium); 13-18 HD (Large)
Level Adjustment: -

What appeared to be a man-sized 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 greater plumazotl is 5 to 10 feet long and weighs 4 to 8 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 greater 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 greater plumazotl consumes, it gains one hit die (to a maximum of 18 Hit Dice).

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

Once a greater plumazotl reaches 18 Hit Dice, it can continue to consume feathers, but gains no additional benefits.

Pluma Magic: A greater plumazotl casts spells as a sorcerer of a level equal to its Hit Dice +2. 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 greater plumazotl has spell resistance equal to 5 + Hit Dice.

Originally appeared in Maztica Campaign Setting (1991).

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Converting Monsters from Polyhedron Magazine

Grave Watcher
Medium Aberration (Extraplanar)
Hit Dice: 5d8+10 (50 hp)
Initiative: +5
Speed: 50 ft. (10 squares)
Armor Class: 22 (+5 Dex, +7 deflection), touch 22, flat-footed 17
Base Attack/Grapple: +3/+0
Attack: Tentacle +8 melee (1d8 electricity)
Full Attack: Tentacle +8 melee (1d8 electricity)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Electricity damage, mesmerizing lights
Special Qualities: Damage reduction 5/bludgeoning, darkvision 60 ft., fast healing 2, hearty, immunity to electricity and mind-affecting spells and abilities, join, split, negative energy affinity, tentacle growth
Saves: Fort +3, Ref +6, Will +4
Abilities: Str 5, Dex 20, Con 15, Int 16, Wis 12, Cha 15
Skills: Diplomacy +4, Knowledge (the planes) +11, Listen +9, Search +11, Sense Motive +9, Spot +9, Survival +1 (+3 following tracks, +3 on other planes)
Feats: Ability Focus (mesmerizing lights), Weapon Finesse
Environment: Negative Energy Plane
Organization: Solitary
Challenge Rating: 5
Treasure: Half standard
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 6-16 HD (Medium)
Level Adjustment: -

Hundreds of tiny, pulsating lights hover above the gravesite like a ballet of fireflies.

Hailing from the Negative Energy Plane, a grave watcher on the Material Plane seeks out a gravesite or tomb and guards it with its life. A grave watcher consists of thousands of small particles of negative energy. Although it appears as nothing more than hundreds of tiny, pulsating lights, these are just residual bursts of energy surrounding its true form, a roughly-humanoid shaped, pitch black creature with one or more tentacles.

When a grave watcher encounters another of its kind, the two merge to form a larger grave watcher. Grave watchers reproduce by splitting into smaller creatures of their kind, but what prompts them to do so remains a mystery.

Grave watchers have no interest in collecting treasure, but fiercely guard any treasure associated with the gravesite they guard. This treasure may have grown from the incidental remains of prior trespassers.

A grave watcher stands 5 to 6 feet tall and weighs 100 to 125 pounds. The lights of a grave watcher are all the same color, but between individuals, this color can vary from white to rose to emerald green and shades in between.

Grave watchers cannot speak, but they understand all spoken languages.

A grave watcher is treated as an outsider for purposes of planar ally and planar binding spells.

COMBAT

Grave watchers lash out with their tentacles at any creature that trespasses upon or threatens harm to its chosen gravesite. Its tentacles release a jolt of electricity that can surge to adjacent creatures.

Electricity Damage (Su): The touch of a grave watcher's tentacle deals 1d8 points of electricity damage. Additionally, it deals 1d4 points of electricity damage to all creatures adjacent to the target that are wearing metal armor or wielding metal weapons.

Hearty (Ex): When fully healed, a grave watcher always has the maximum number (8+ Con modifier) of hit points per HD.

Join (Ex): Two fully healed grave watchers may join into a single grave watcher with HD equal to the sum of the original grave watchers' HD. This process takes 4 rounds, during which the grave watcher may take no other actions.

Mesmerizing Lights (Su): A grave watcher continually projects hundreds of tiny, pulsating lights, which are residual bursts of energy. These lights project illumination equivalent to a torch, and provide concealment (20% miss chance) for the grave watcher. These burst of energy also grant the grave watcher a deflection bonus to its Armor Class equal to 5 plus its Charisma modifier (already included in the statistics above). Any creature viewing the grave watcher must succeed on a DC 16 Will save or become fascinated for 2d4 rounds. This is a mind-affecting compulsion ability. A creature that successfully saves cannot be affected again by the same grave watcher's mesmerizing lights for 24 hours. The save DC is Charisma-based.

Negative Energy Affinity (Ex): The grave watcher is affected by cure spells and inflict spells as if it were an undead creature.

Split (Ex): A full healed grave watcher of 10 or more HD can split into two grave watchers. The two new grave watchers may have any combination of HD that totals to the HD of the original grave watcher, but each must have at least 5 HD. Each new grave watcher has maximum hit points for its Hit Dice. This process takes 4 rounds, during which the grave watcher may take no other actions.

Tentacle Growth (Ex): A grave watcher has as one tentacle for each HD that it possessed over 4. However, these tentacles disintegrate and reform as the grave watcher loses and regains hit points. For each 8+Con bonus (10 for an average grave watcher) hp below maximum the grave watcher possesses, the grave watcher loses one tentacle. The tentacle regrows when the grave watcher regains hp.

Originally appeared in Polyhedron Magazine #76 (1992).

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Special Conversion Thread: Dragonets!

Dragonet, Blue
Large Dragon
Hit Dice: 5d12+15 (47 hp)
Initiative: +0
Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares), fly 50 ft. (good)
Armor Class: 17 (+7 natural), touch 10, flat-footed 17
Base Attack/Grapple: +5/+8
Attack: Bite +8 melee (1d6+3) or tail slap +8 melee (2d4+4)
Full Attack: Bite +8 melee (1d6+3) and 2 claws +6 melee (1d4+1) or tail slap +8 melee (2d4+4)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./10 ft.
Special Attacks: Breath weapon, constrict 2d4+4, improved grab, rake 1d4+1, venomous blood
Special Qualities: Darkvision 60 ft., fire tolerance, immunity to paralysis and sleep, low-light vision, scent
Saves: Fort +7, Ref +4, Will +5
Abilities: Str 17, Dex 10, Con 17, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 13
Skills: Intimidate +9, Listen +9, Search +8, Sense Motive +9, Spot +9, Survival +9 (+11 following tracks)
Feats: Multiattack, Track
Environment: Temperate or cold mountains and hills
Organization: Solitary, pair, or family (mated pair plus 14 young)
Challenge Rating: 4
Treasure: Double standard
Alignment: Usually neutral
Advancement: 6-15 HD (Large)
Level Adjustment: +4

This sleek, blue-scaled dragon is nearly twelve feet long.

Blue dragonets are often mistaken for blue dragons, a fact that many unscrupulous merchants use to their financial gain when selling dragonet eggs or hatchlings. Beyond the physical similarities, blue dragonets are quite different from blue dragons. They breathe fire and resist its effects, possess venomous blood, and are generally not evil.

When true dragons are not present, blue dragonets are often among the top predators in their natural environment.

Generally solitary, blue dragonets mate during the spring and live together. The female lays a clutch of exactly fourteen eggs, which hatch in late spring. The mate pair remains together until late summer, when the young have reached maturity. Hatchlings begin with 1 Hit Die and gain an additional Hit Die each month thereafter.

Blue dragonets are 12 feet long and weigh 1,500 pounds. Scales vary in hue, but are always blue.

Blue dragonets speak Draconic.

Combat

A blue dragonet prefers to grab an opponent with its tail and then rake with its rear legs.

Breath Weapon (Su): Once every 1d4 rounds, 20-foot cone, 1d12 fire (Reflex DC 15 half). The save DC is Constitution-based.

Fire Tolerance (Ex): If a blue dragonet 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.

Constrict (Ex): A blue dragonet deals 2d4+4 points of damage with a successful grapple check.

Improved Grab (Ex): To use this ability, a blue dragonet must hit an opponent of any size with its tail 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 constrict and rake.

Rake (Ex): Attack bonus +6 melee, damage 1d4+1.

Venomous Blood (Ex): A blue dragonet’s blood is poisonous. A creature that makes a successful attack with a slashing or piercing weapon (including natural weapons) against a blue dragonet must succeed on a DC 15 Reflex save or be exposed to poison from the dragonet's splashing blood. The save DC is Constitution-based.

Blue Dragonet Blood: Contact, Fort Save DC 15, primary damage 1d4 Con, secondary damage 1d4 Con.

Training a Blue Dragonet

Although intelligent, a blue dragonet requires training before it can bear a rider in combat. A blue dragonet can be trained as if it were a magical beast. To be trained, a blue dragonet must have a friendly attitude toward the trainer (this can be achieved through a successful Diplomacy check). Training a friendly blue dragonet requires six weeks of work and a DC 25 Handle Animal check. Riding a blue dragonet requires an exotic saddle. A blue dragonet can fight while carrying a rider, but the rider cannot also attack unless he or she succeeds on a Ride check.

Blue dragonet eggs are worth 3,000 gp apiece on the open market, while young are worth 5,000 gp each. Professional trainers charge 1,500 gp to rear or train a blue dragonet.

Carrying Capacity: A light load for a blue dragonet is up to 172 pounds; a medium load, 173-346 pounds; and a heavy load, 347-520 pounds.

Originally appeared in Dragon Magazine #248 (1998).

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Converting World of Greyhawk monsters

Jakar
Medium Humanoid (Shapechanger)
Hit Dice: 18d8+54 (135 hp)
Initiative: +1
Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares)
Armor Class: 25 (+1 Dex, +5 natural, +9 +4 dragonhide breastplate), touch 11, flat-footed 24
Base Attack/Grapple: +13/+15
Attack: +3 quarterstaff +18 melee (1d6+6)
Full Attack: +3 quarterstaff +18/+13/+8 melee (1d6+6)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Enhanced alternate form
Special Qualities: Immunity to poison, nature sense, resist nature's lure, resistance to electricty 10 and fire 10, speak with animals, spell-like abilities, timeless body, trackless step, wild empathy, woodland stride
Saves: Fort +14, Ref +7, Will +15
Abilities: Str 15, Con 16, Dex 13, Int 18, Wis 18, Cha 11
Skills: Diplomacy +18, Handle Animal +22, Heal +22, Knowledge (nature) +24, Listen +22, Ride +0, Spot +22, Survival +22 (+24 in aboveground natural environments)
Feats: Animal Affinity, Blind-Fight, Combat Expertise, Dodge, Mobility, Multiattack (B), Track, Whirlwind Attack
Environment: Any
Organization: Solitary
Challenge Rating: 19
Treasure: Standard
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: -
Level Adjustment: -

A bird alights on the ground nearby. Suddenly, it takes the form of a dark-haired human man. A collar of chain mail rings his next. Just as quickly as he took the form of a man, he shifts again into the form of a tiger.

The jakar (ye-kare), whose name translates to "changer", was once a human druid of great power named Jakar Whitewing. Jakar preferred animals to humans, often remaining in wildshape for as long as possible. When the archmage Jason Krimeah came to the druid's home in the Valley of the Mage, they initially fought but later became friends. In exchange for Jakar's promise to defend the valley from intruders, Krimeah fashioned a magical chainmail collar which allowed Jakar to remain in animal form far longer than he could ever achieve through wild shape.

For the past three decades, the jakar has defended the Valley of the Mage, living among the animals as his whims lead him. In a given form, he tends to live like a typical animal of that form, eating the same diet and making similar lairs. Thus the jakar's treasure is spread out among various locales, such as a bird's nest high on a mountain peak or within a deep bear-infested cavern.

Although the jakar is currently unique, rumors persist that Krimeah created more than one collar, and may gift others with these powers in the future.

In its natural form, the jakar is 6 feet tall and weighs 200 pounds. His age is unknown.

The jakar speaks Aquan, Auran, Common, Druidic, Sylvan, and Terran.

COMBAT

The jakar generally takes a form that seems best-suited to a given battle, switching to other forms to adapt to its opponents tactics. The jakar enjoys emulating the mannerisms of the form it takes, thus toying with its prey if in the form of great cat, or drowning its prey in crocodile form.

Enhanced Alternate Form (Su): The jakar can assume the form of any animal, elemental, humanoid, or plant of Tiny to Huge size. In addition to the usual alternate form special ability, the jakar gains a +5 enhancement bonus to natural armor compared to its new form; all gear that the jakar is wearing also changes shape to match the jakar's new form and remains functional; and all the jakar's natural weapons have a +1 enhancement bonus, as if affected by a permanent greater magic fang spell. The jakar can remain in a form until it chooses to assume a new one. A change in form cannot be dispelled, but the jakar reverts to its natural form when killed. A true seeing spell or ability reveals its natural form.

Nature Sense (Ex): The jakar has a +2 bonus on Knowledge (nature) and Survival checks.

Resist Nature’s Lure (Ex): The jakar gains a +4 bonus on saving throws against the spell-like abilities of fey.

Speak with Animals (Su): The jakar can continuously speak with animals (as the spell).

Spell-Like Abilities: At will--detect animals or plants, purify food and drink. Caster level 18th.

Timeless Body (Ex): The jakar no longer takes ability score penalties for aging and cannot be magically aged. Any penalties he may have already incurred, however, remain in place. Bonuses still accrue, and the jakar still dies of old age when his time is up.

Trackless Step (Ex): The jakar leaves no trail in natural surroundings and cannot be tracked. He may choose to leave a trail if so desired.

Wild Empathy (Ex): This power works like the druid’s wild empathy class feature.

Woodland Stride (Ex): The jakar may move through any sort of undergrowth (such as natural thorns, briars, overgrown areas, and similar terrain) at his normal speed and without taking damage or suffering any other impairment. However, thorns, briars, and overgrown areas that have been magically manipulated to impede motion still affect him.

Originally appeared in WG12 - Vale of the Mage (1990).

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Converting monsters from Dungeon Magazine

Zombire

This zombielike being moves with an unexpected speed and agility. Its eyes burn with intense pinpoints of light.

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

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

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

"Zombire" 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 zombire 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 zombire has a +3 natural armor bonus or the base creature’s natural armor bonus, whichever is better.

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

Full Attack: A zombire fighting without weapons uses either its slam 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 slam 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: Natural and manufactured weapons deal damage normally. A slam attack deals damage depending on the zombire’s size. (Use the base creature’s slam damage if it’s better.)

Fine 1d2
Diminutive 1d3
Tiny 1d4
Small 1d6
Medium 1d8
Large 2d6
Huge 2d8
Gargantuan 4d6
Colossal 6d6

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

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

Create Spawn (Su): Any humanoid or monstrous humanoid slain by a zombire becomes a zombie in 1d4 rounds. Zombie spawn are under the command of the zombire that created them and remain enslaved until its death. Creatures possessing a bloodline slain by a zombire instead become free-willed zombires.

Paralysis (Su): Any creature damaged by a zombire's slam attack must make a Fortitude save or be paralyzed for 2d6 rounds. The save DC is Charisma-based.

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

Damage Reduction (Su): A zombire's undead body is tough, giving the creature damage reduction 10/silver and slashing.

Gaseous Form (Su): As a standard action, a zombire can assume gaseous form at will as the spell (caster level 5th), but it can remain gaseous indefinitely and has a fly speed of 20 feet with perfect maneuverability.

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

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

Unholy Toughness (Ex): A zombire 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 +4, Int +2, Cha +4. As undead creatures, zombires 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 Zombire

Zombire, 5th-Level Human Fighter/1st-Level Demon Bloodline (major)
Medium Undead (Augmented Humanoid)
Hit Dice: 5d12+20 (52 hp)
Initiative: +1
Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares)
AC: 17 (+1 Dex, +3 natural, +3 +1 leather armor), touch 11, flat-footed 16
Base Attack/Grapple: +5/+9
Attack: Slam +10 melee (1d8+5 plus paralysis) or +1 scimitar +11 melee (1d6+8/18-20)
Full Attack: Slam +10 melee (1d8+5 plus paralysis) and +1 scimitar +6 melee (1d6+8/18-20)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Command undead, create spawn, paralysis
Special Qualities: Damage reduction 10/silver and slashing, 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 +2, Will +0
Abilities: Str 21, Dex 13, Con -, Int 14, Wis 8, Cha 18
Skills: Climb +13, Jump +13, Move Silently +3, Swim +13
Feats: Cleave, Dodge, Mobility, Power Attack (B), Spring Attack, Weapon Focus (scimitar)(B), Weapon Specialization (scimitar)(B)
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 zombire can rebuke or command undead as a 6th-level cleric.

Create Spawn (Su): Any humanoid or monstrous humanoid slain by a zombire becomes a zombie in 1d4 rounds. Zombie spawn are under the command of the zombire that created them and remain enslaved until its death. Creatures possessing a bloodline slain by a zombire instead become free-willed zombires.

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

Gaseous Form (Su): As a standard action, a zombire can assume gaseous form at will as the spell (caster level 5th), but it can remain gaseous indefinitely and has a fly speed of 20 feet with perfect maneuverability.

Paralysis (Su): Any creature damaged by this zombire's slam attack must make a DC 16 Fortitude save or be paralyzed for 2d6 rounds. The save DC is Charisma-based.

Unholy Toughness (Ex): A zombire 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 monsters from Imagine Magazine

Greater Vampire (templates)

Creating a Vampire Lord

"Vampire lord" is an acquired template that can be added to any vampire that has existed for 999 years of unlife (referred to hereafter as the base creature). A vampire lord uses all the base creature's statistics and abilities except as noted here. This template does not alter the creature's type.

Creating a Vampire Arch-Lord

"Vampire arch-lord" is an acquired template that can be added to any vampire lord that has existed in that state for 999 years of unlife (referred to hereafter as the base creature). A vampire lord uses all the base creature's statistics and abilities except as noted here. This template does not alter the creature's type.

Creating a Vampire Princeling

"Vampire princeling" is an acquired template that can be added to any vampire arch-lord that has existed for 999 years of unlife (referred to hereafter as the base creature). A vampire lord uses all the base creature's statistics and abilities except as noted here. This template does not alter the creature's type.

Creating a Vampire Prince

"Vampire prince" is an acquired template that can be added to any vampire princeling that has existed for 999 years of unlife (referred to hereafter as the base creature). A vampire lord uses all the base creature's statistics and abilities except as noted here. This template does not alter the creature's type.

Creating a Vampire Arch-Prince

"Vampire arch-prince" is an acquired template that can be added to any vampire prince that has existed for 999 years of unlife (referred to hereafter as the base creature). A vampire lord uses all the base creature's statistics and abilities except as noted here. This template does not alter the creature's type.

Special Attacks: A greater vampire retains all the special attacks of the base creature and gains those described below. Saves have a DC of 10 + 1/2 vampire’s HD + vampire’s Cha modifier unless noted otherwise.

Infections Breath (Su): Once per minute, a greater vampire can breath a 30-foot cone of noxious vapor. Creatures within the area must succeed on a Fortitude save or be inflicted with mindfire (or another disease of the DM's choice) and be nauseated for 1d4 rounds. The breath weapon lingers for 24 hours thereafter, and any creature entering its area must make a Fortitude save. A creature who successfully saves is immune to the effects of this greater vampire's infectious breath for 24 hours. The save DC is Charisma-based.

Madenning Countenance (Su): A humanoid within 60 feet with 1 Hit Die or less that views a greater vampire's true form must attempt a Will save. Failure indicates the creature's mind is shattered, leaving it permanently insane (as the insanity spell). A creature that makes the save is immune to that particular greater vampire's maddening countenance for 24 hours. This is a mind-affecting ability. The save DC is Charisma-based.

Rapid Blood Drain (Ex): A greater vampire can rapidly suck blood from a living victim with its fangs by making a successful grapple check. If it pins the foe, it drains blood, dealing 1d4 points of Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution drain each round the pin is maintained. On each such successful attack, the greater vampire gains 5 temporary hit points.

This rapid blood drain may cause additional effects. The victim is allowed a Fortitude save against these additional effects (the save DC is Charisma-based). These effects are cumulative and stack (where possible) for the greater types of vampires. For example, a victim that fails a save against an arch-prince's rapid blood drain would be dazed, exhausted staggered, and nauseated (but not fatigued, since exhausted is a greater form of fatigue).

Lord: dazed for 1 round
Arch-lord: fatigued
Princeling: exhausted
Prince: staggered for 1d6 rounds
Arch-Prince: nauseated for 1d6 rounds

Spell-Like Abilities: At will--hold portal, knock; 5/day--deep slumber. Caster level xth. The save DCs are Charisma-based.

Stench (Ex): The stink of death and corruption surrounding these creatures is overwhelming. Living creatures within 10 feet must succeed on a Fortitude save or be sickened for 1d6+4 minutes. A creature that successfully saves cannot be affected again by the same vampire’s stench for 24 hours. A delay poison or neutralize poison spell removes the effect from a sickened creature. Creatures with immunity to poison are unaffected, and creatures resistant to poison receive their normal bonus on their saving throws. In addition, the stench spoils food and water, along with magical liquids (such as potions) that fail a Will save. This ability does not affect holy water. The save DCs are Charisma-based.

Special Qualities: A greater vampire retains all the special qualities of the base creature and gains those described below.

Alternate Form (Su): A greater vampire can assume the shape of a bat, dire bat, wolf, or dire wolf as a swift action. While in its alternate form, the vampire loses its natural slam attack and dominate ability, but it gains the natural weapons and extraordinary special attacks of its new form. It can remain in that form until it assumes another or until the next sunrise. (If the base creature is not terrestrial, this power might allow other forms.)

Improved Turn Resistance (Ex): An arch-lord or older greater vampire has +6 turn resistance (rather than the usual +4). Additionally, a prince cannot be commanded (but can still be rebuked or turned), while an arch-prince cannot be rebuked (but can still be turned).

Lifesense (Su): A greater vampire continually detects the presence of living creatures within 15 feet. This functions similarly to a detect undead spell, except that it detects living creatures instead of undead, and the greater vampire is never stunned if a living creature has more than twice its Hit Dice. Lifesense is always active.

Reduced Vampire Weaknesses: Princelings and older greater vampires lose the traditional vulnerability to garlic and mirrors. In fact, any mirror presented to such a greater vampire immediately cracks and becomes useless. Princes do not recoil from holy symbols presented by evil characters, and arch-princes only recoil from holy symbols presented by good-aligned characters.

Supernatural Scent (Su): A greater vampire can notice the presence of creatures within 180 feet. This ability allows the vampire instantly to determine race, gender, and the presence of armor and weapons. If the greater vampire concentrates for a round, it can detect magic auras with its supernatural scent (as the first round of the detect magic spell) and alignment auras (as the first round of detect chaos, evil, good, and law spells).

Unnatural Aura (Su): Animals, whether wild or domesticated, can sense the unnatural presence of a greater vampire at a distance of 15 feet. They will not willingly approach nearer than that and panic if forced to do so; they remain panicked as long as they are within that range. A character may calm a panicked animal with a DC X Handle Animal check if the animal is trained. However, even a trained animal panics if brought within 10 feet.

Lord: Damage reduction 10/magic and silver, fast healing 6
Arch-lord: Damage reduction 15/magic and silver, fast healing 7
Princeling: Damage reduction 15/magic and silver, fast healing 8
Prince: Damage reduction 20/magic and silver, fast healing 9
Arch-Prince: Damage reduction 20/magic and silver, fast healing 10

Abilities: Increase from the base creature as follows:
Lord: Str +8
Arch-lord: Str +10
Princeling: Str +14
Prince: Str +18
Arch-Prince: Str +24

Sample Greater Vampires

Originally appeared in Imagine Magazine #22 (1985).

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Converting "Real World" Animals and Vermin

Echidna, Giant (Spiny Anteater)
Large Animal
Hit Dice: 9d8+27 (67 hp)
Initiative: +0
Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares), burrow 30 ft.
Armor Class: 15 (-1 size, +6 natural), touch 9, flat-footed 15
Base Attack/Grapple: +6/+15
Attack: Bite +10 melee (1d6+5)
Full Attack: Bite +10 melee (1d6+5) and 2 claws +5 melee (1d4+2)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Chew, drag, tongue sweep
Special Qualities: Low-light vision, improved burrowing, scent, temperature regulation
Saves: Fort +11, Ref +6, Will +3
Abilities: Str 20, Dex 11, Con 17, Int 2, Wis 11, Cha 8
Skills: Climb +9, Listen +4, Spot +4, Survival +4*
Feats: Ability Focus (tongue sweep), Endurance, Great Fortitude, Track
Environment: Temperate or cold land
Organization: Solitary
Challenge Rating: 5
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 10-18 HD (Large); 19-27 HD (Huge)
Level Adjustment: -

This large creature is covered in spines. It somewhat resembles both a giant porcupine and an anteater. It has an elongated slender snout and a tiny, toothless mouth from which a long tongue flickers. Its limbs are short and strong, ending in large claws.

Also known as a spiny anteater, a giant echidna is an egg-laying mammal that resembles a spiky ball. The wander with a rolling, waddling gait in search of ants and other insects. They use their powerful claws to tear into trees, termite nests, and other insect-rich structures, then slurp up large amounts of this prey with their sticky tongues.

Thanks to their powerful claws, echidnas are swift burrowers, and can dig through substances as strong as iron. Their spines connect to special muscles, giving giant echidnas great control over their spines, which assists them in climbing.

Because their bodies are exceptionally tolerant to cold, giant echidnas range across a large variety of environments. They are equally likely to be active during day or night.

A giant echidna is 10 feet long and weighs 100 pounds. It has a lifespan of 50 years or more.

COMBAT

A giant echidna uses its tongue sweep to gather up prey, then drags it to its mouth to chew. Although generally non-aggressive except to insects, a giant echidna will defend itself if threatened.

Chew (Ex): Each round, a giant echidna deals 3d6+5 points of bludgeoning and piercing damage to any opponent held in its mouth. A giant echidna cannot use its bite attack in any round in which it chews.

Drag (Ex): Any creature damaged by the spiny anteater's tongue sweep becomes stuck to the tongue. The giant echidna drags stuck opponents 5 feet closer each subsequent round (provoking no attack of opportunity) unless that creature breaks free, which requires a DC 21 Escape Artist check or a DC 21 Strength check. The check DCs are Constitution-based and include a +4 racial bonus. The tongue has 10 hit points and can be attacked by making a successful sunder attempt. However, attacking an anteater's tongue does not provoke an attack of opportunity. If the tongue is currently attached to a target, the anteater takes a -4 penalty on its opposed attack roll to resist the sunder attempt. Severing the tongue deals 5 hp of damage to the anteater.

Once a stuck opponent reaches the giant echidna's space, the echidna may make a grapple attempt as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity. If it succeeds, it establishes a hold and can chew. The echidna may hold only one opponent at a time. The others remain stuck to its tongue (unless they escape as detailed above) but are not dragged closer.

A giant echidna cannot use its bite attack in any round in which it drags an opponent.

Improved Burrowing (Ex): A giant echidna may use its burrow speed to travel through wood and even metal. Additionally, a giant echidna's claw attacks ignore the first 5 points of hardness.

Temperature Regulation (Ex): An echidna's lukewarm blood and embedded spines allow it to better tolerate cold temperatures, but also makes it more vulnerable to heat. A giant echidna need not make a Fortitude save to avoid nonlethal damage in cold temperatures. However, it suffers a -4 penalty on Fortitude saves to avoid nonlethal damage in hot temperatures (see Heat Dangers in the DMG).

Tongue Sweep (Ex): The giant spiny anteater attacks by sweeping with its tongue as a standard action. The sweep affects a half-circle with a radius of 20 feet, extending from an intersection on the edge of the anteater's space in any direction. Creatures within the swept area are affected if they are one or more size categories smaller than the anteater. Affected creatures must make a DC 19 Reflex save or become stuck to the tongue (see Drag below). The save DC is Constitution-based.

Skills: A giant echidna has a +4 racial bonus on Climb checks due to its ability to the special muscles to which its spines are attached. *Giant echidnas have a +4 racial bonus on Survival checks when tracking by scent.

Originally appeared in Dragon Magazine #186 (1992).

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Special Conversion Thread: Finishing off the oozes

Wriggly, Giant
Medium Ooze (Aquatic)
Hit Dice: 1d10+3 (8 hp)
Initiative: –2
Speed: 5 ft. (1 square), swim 5 ft.
Armor Class: 8 (–2 Dex), touch 8, flat-footed 8
Base Attack/Grapple: +0/+1
Attack: Slam +1 melee (1d4+1 plus 1d4 acid)
Full Attack: Slam +1 melee (1d4+1 plus 1d4 acid)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Acid
Special Qualities: Amphibious, bioluminscence, blindsight 60 ft., ooze traits
Saves: Fort +3, Ref –2, Will –5
Abilities: Str 12, Dex 7, Con 16, Int —, Wis 1, Cha 1
Skills: Swim +9
Feats: —
Environment: Any underground
Organization: Solitary or clump (2-10)
Challenge Rating: 1
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 2-3 HD (Medium), 4-5 HD (Large)
Level Adjustment: -

A brightly-colored blob of orange goo hangs from the pipe, slowly elongating to form a head-like pseudopod. Its body glows with faint orange illumination, and a sweet, sickly smell hangs in the air near it.

Wrigglies arise from an accumulation of magical substances in pipes and sewers over a long period of time. Tiny wrigglies form and accumulate as wriggly swarms, while others grow much larger and become giant wrigglies.

A giant wriggly can grow to a diameter of up to 10 feet and a thickness of about 6 inches. A typical specimen weighs about 700 pounds.

COMBAT

A giant wriggly strikes like a snake, slamming opponents with its body.

Acid (Ex): A giant wriggly secretes a digestive acid that quickly dissolves organic material, but not metal or stone. Any melee hit deals acid damage. Non-metallic armor or clothing dissolves and becomes useless immediately unless it succeeds on a DC 13 Reflex save. A wooden weapon that strikes a giant wriggly also dissolves immediately unless it succeeds on a DC 13 Reflex save. The save DCs are Constitution-based.

The ooze’s acidic touch deals 13 points of damage per round to leather or wooden objects, but the ooze must remain in contact with the object for 1 full round to deal this damage.

Amphibious (Ex): Although aquatic, a giant wriggly can survive indefinitely on land.

Bioluminescence (Ex): A giant wriggly gives off light equal to a torch.

Death Throes (Ex): When slain, sweet, sticky sap sprays out of a giant wriggly's body, covering all adjacent creatures unless they succeed on a DC 13 Reflex save. This sap is considered a strong scent for purposes of creatures with the scent ability. Additionally, it is so attractive to insects and other pests that all creatures of the vermin type are considered to have the scent ability in relation to the victim. This sap loses its potency in 24 hours. It cannot be washed off, and even alcohol cannot remove it. Only universal solvent is known to remove it before it wears off naturally. The save DC is Constitution-based.

Skills: A giant wriggly has a +8 racial bonus on any Swim check to perform some 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 Imagine Magazine #15 (1984).

[Shade]

Special Conversion Thread: Finishing off the oozes

Wriggly Swarm
Large Ooze (Aquatic, Swarm of Fine creatures)
Hit Dice: 4d10+8 (30 hp)
Initiative: +1
Speed: 5 ft. (1 square), swim 5 ft.
Armor Class: 19 (+8 size, +1 Dex), touch 19, flat-footed 18
Base Attack/Grapple: +3/-
Attack: Swarm (1d6 plus 1d4 acid)
Full Attack: Swarm (1d6 plus 1d4 acid)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./0 ft.
Special Attacks: Acid, distraction
Special Qualities: Amphibious, bioluminscence, blindsight 60 ft., immune to weapon damage, ooze traits, swarm traits
Saves: Fort +3, Ref +2, Will –4
Abilities: Str 1, Dex 13, Con 14, Int —, Wis 1, Cha 1
Skills: Swim +3
Feats: —
Environment: Any underground
Organization: Solitary or blob (2-4 swarms)
Challenge Rating: 3
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: -
Level Adjustment: -

Numerous blobs of brightly-colored orange goo hang from the pipe like droplets of water. Their bodies glow with faint orange illumination, and a sweet, sickly smell hangs in the air near them.

Wrigglies arise from an accumulation of magical substances in pipes and sewers over a long period of time. Tiny wrigglies form and accumulate as wriggly swarms, while others grow much larger and become giant wrigglies.

Individual wrigglies are 2 to 3 inches long.

COMBAT

A wriggly swarm seeks to surround and attack any organic prey it encounters. The swarm deals 1d6 points of damage plus 1d4 points of acid damage to any creature whose space it occupies at the end of its move.

Acid (Ex): A wriggly swarm secretes a digestive acid that quickly dissolves organic material, but not metal or stone. Any successful swarm attack also deals acid damage. Non-metallic armor or clothing dissolves and becomes useless immediately unless it succeeds on a DC 14 Reflex save. The save DCs are Constitution-based.

The wriggly swarm's acidic touch deals 14 points of damage per round to leather or wooden objects, but the swarm must remain in contact with the object for 1 full round to deal this damage.

Amphibious (Ex): Although aquatic, a wriggly swarm can survive indefinitely on land.

Bioluminescence (Ex): A wriggly swarm gives off light equal to a torch. When reduced to fewer than half its maximum hit points, the illumination diminishes to that of a candle.

Distraction (Ex): Any living creature vulnerable to the wriggly swarm's damage who notices the swarm and begins its turn with a swarm in its square is nauseated for 1 round; a DC 14 Fortitude save negates the effect. The save DC is Constitution-based.

Skills: A wriggly swarm has a +8 racial bonus on any Swim check to perform some 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 Imagine Magazine #15 (1984).