Converting First Edition monsters from DRAGON magazine

[BOZ]

taking a look at the Savage Coast MC entry to see what i can gain from that...

would "steppe" be more like desert or plains?

 

[Shade]

the text does say that pups can be trained, right?

That it does.

That reminds me...

Training a Vulturehound

Training a vulturehound as a hunting or guard animal requires a successful Handle Animal check (DC X young, DC X adult). Vulturehound pups are worth 500-1,000 gp on the open market. Professional trainers charge X gp to rear or train a vulturehound.

 

[BOZ]

would "steppe" be more like desert or plains?

anyone?

also, i had a thought:

i would like to give them Alertness to make them more hound-like. and Survival for a skill, in addition to Listen and Spot.

 

[Krishnath]

A steppe is a dry grassland, so... both actually fit.

I would go with temperate and warm desert and plains.

 

[BOZ]

hmm, no wonder i was having a hard time deciding.

 

[Shade]

anyone?

What Krishnath said.

also, i had a thought:

i would like to give them Alertness to make them more hound-like. and Survival for a skill, in addition to Listen and Spot.

Good idea.

 

[BOZ]

posting in homebrews. Weapon Finesse was suggested... i could give that to them as a bonus feat, but for a low CR creature like this i don't think it's necessary.

 

[Shade]

CR 1 seems reasonable.

As for LA, this is a tough call. Looking at comparable creatures...

Griffon: LA +3 (cohort)
Hippogriff: LA -
Dog: LA -
Giant Eagle: +2 (cohort)
Giant Owl: +2 (cohort)

Weight: 40 lbs.?

It should be DC 25 for the Handle Animal check. (DC 20 for guard, +5 for magical beast).

Professional trainers charge 500 gp to rear or train a vulturehound?

 

[BOZ]

i'd go with +2 (cohort)

 

[Shade]

Sounds good to me.