Converting "generic setting" Second Edition monsters

[Cleon]

Zygraat

These reminded me of the Webbird from Expedition to the Barrier Peaks (and the original Monster Manual II). A closer looks shows that apart from both being "spider birds" and shooting silk from their abdomen they have very little in common.

Statwise, I'd use at least as much Eagle as Small Monstrous Spider.

SRD Eagle: Str 10, Dex 15, Con 12, Int 2, Wis 14, Cha 6, +1 NA
Small Spider: Str 7, Dex 17, Con 10, Int --http://www.d20srd.org/srd/specialAbilities.htm#intelligence, Wis 10, Cha 2, no NA

I'd rather give them an Eagle's Strength than average the two original beast's.

Str 10, Dex 16, Con 11, Int 4, Wis 12, Cha 4, +1 NA

The original creature has AC 3, equivalent to AC17 in 3E. That requires either a higher Dex or a higher NA to give it another 2 points of AC. I prefer a little from both columns. I'll also tweak the stats to give it three odd ones:

Zygraat: Str 10, Dex 18, Con 11, Int 4, Wis 13, Cha 5, +2 NA

For the feat, I'd give them Flyby Attack (almost as dull, I know) plus Weapon Finesse as a bonus.

 

[freyar]

I can live with Flyby Attack and really either set of abilities.

 

[Mortis]

I'll also tweak the stats to give it three odd ones:
Str 10, Dex 18, Con 11, Int 4, Wis 13, Cha 5, +2 NA

I don't particularly see 'em as strong as 10. How about giving them Str 9 and leaving Wis at 12 - you'll still get your 3 odd stats

I've no problem with +2 NA though

Regards
Mortis

 

[Shade]

I don't particularly see 'em as strong as 10. How about giving them Str 9 and leaving Wis at 12 - you'll still get your 3 odd stats

I've no problem with +2 NA though

Regards
Mortis

This works for me, as well as the proposed feats.

 

[Cleon]

I don't particularly see 'em as strong as 10. How about giving them Str 9 and leaving Wis at 12 - you'll still get your 3 odd stats

I can live with that.

 

[Shade]

Added the basics to Homebrews.

 

[Cleon]

Added the basics to Homebrews.

Bite damage should be 1d4-1 now you lowered the Strength.

We were using the same web SA as a Tiny Monstrous Spider, right? Do we want to halve the "netting" attacks to 3/day like the Zygraat or leave it 8/day like a Monstrous Spider?

 

[freyar]

I don't see any reason not to make it identical to the Small Monstrous Spider.

 

[Cleon]

I don't see any reason not to make it identical to the Small Monstrous Spider.

Well I saw a couple of reasons.
a) To follow the original monster.
b) To distinguish them from said Tiny Monstrous Spider.

Besides, it's not likely they'd use the attack more than the original's 3/day before getting killed.

 

[freyar]

3/day is ok by me if you prefer.