Converting First Edition monsters from DRAGON magazine

[GrayLinnorm]

A thought just crossed my mind. If the tybor's beak is equal to a magic weapon, do you think it should overcome some form of damage reduction?

 

[BOZ]

well, Dr/magic at least.

It would help if the surface were hot, sharp, etc. It might be worthy of an ability.

yeah, that should work. it would be an Ex ability, and would probably last one round, if the tybor moves as a full-round action. that should allow it to cross a stream as well, i think.

 

[GrayLinnorm]

If the tybor casts spells as a sorceror, its Charisma should be at least 19. It should also have a really high Dexterity too.

Comparable abilities for other flightless birds:

Clubnek: Str 14, Dex 10, Con 12

Axebeak: Str 15, Dex 15, Con 15

Terror Bird: Str 19, Dex 17, Con 15

 

[BOZ]

it does look like it will need a high Dex.

 

[Shade]

Here's how the unicorn handles a magic body part. This is tacked on to the Combat description: "The horn is a +3 magic weapon, though its power fades if removed from the unicorn." Overcoming DR/magic is implied in this case.

How's this for staterts?

"Speed Glide" (Ex): When moving its full base land speed, a tybor floats several inches off the ground. This allows the tybor to move unhindered through slick or dangerous terrain. The tybor may even run over the surface of water. This ability lasts while the tybor continues to move at its full base land speed and for 1 round thereafter.

Based on what GrayLinnor posted for the stats, I like: Str 14, Dex 18+, Con 15, Int 18, Wis 18-19, Cha 19.

 

[BOZ]

that is a good start. they probably need something like the running start that you get with a jump check.

 

[Shade]

That's implied, since you need to move 20 feet for a running jump, and its speed is way more than 20 feet.

 

[BOZ]

yeah, but if it starts its turn, say, standing at the edge of a pack of quicksand, its first step would be disastrous. i think it should need a running start, and i'm not entirely certain about that "and for one round after" part - i think it needs to be done every round. sort of a bounce-bounce-bounce movement since it is not actual flight or even jumping.

 

[Shade]

I'm fine with all that.

 

[BOZ]

so then you agree that a running start is a good idea? if so, how to implement that?