Converting First Edition monsters from DRAGON magazine

[BOZ]

Awesome Blow is still listed.

duhh... i actually switched it for one of the epic feats instead.

I think these skills and feats represent its description well. However, I'd max out jump at 35 ranks, which would give it a +49 modifier with its Str score. That way it could jump 20 ft. high without rolling (assuming a 20 foot running start), allowing it to use its crush attack on Medium creatures and many Large creatures.

sounds fair. just skim a little bit off the top of some of the other skills.

also, another thing that needs work is the weak spot. i'll give that some thought later today.

 

[Shade]

Cool.

 

[BOZ]

i totally forgot i posted this thread and never remembered to go check it out again: http://65.127.163.19/showthread.php?t=81411

 

[Shade]

It looks like Caliban's response was similar to my idea, so I like it.

 

[BOZ]

how about this.

Flavor text:
Every elder great wyrm has at least one vulnerable spot upon its body due to disease, combat, or the natural wear and tear that comes from great age. If struck there, a wyrm will seek to immediately retreat to find safety and recover from the wound. If a wyrm realizes that one of its weak spots has been recognized, it may sacrifice a claw attack to keep that spot covered.

Weak Spot (Ex): A confirmed critical hit with a slashing or piercing weapon allows a creature to take advantage of an elder wyrm’s weak spot (if it remains exposed), increasing the weapon’s damage multiplier by one step (for example, a longsword which has a multiplier of x2 would have a multiplier of x3 against an elder great wyrm’s weak spot).

 

[Shade]

I like it, but I'd limit it to a roll of natural 20 for the initial threat, similar to a vorpal weapon. That keeps it down to a 5% chance, instead of a 30% chance for the guy with a keen scimitar.

 

[BOZ]

updating... he done yet?

 

[Shade]

Beautiful...that creature is a work of art.

I'd recommend adding "+1d6" after the x2 on the bite attack to remind folks of overwhelming critical (some of the ELH critters do this after revision).

Although not necessary, it might be nice to list the save DC of Devastating Critical (in this case, DC 40).

Did we ever discuss giving him damage reduction?

 

[BOZ]

i don't beleive we did... what sort of DR do standard dragons have?

 

[Krishnath]

Common dragons have DR as follows:

Young Adult: DR 5/magic
Mature Adult: DR 10/magic
Very Old: DR 15/magic
Wyrm: DR 20/magic.

I suggest going with DR 20/magic.