Converting First Edition monsters from DRAGON magazine

[Shade]

I agree.

"All Jump DCs given here assume that you get a running start, which requires that you move at least 20 feet in a straight line before attempting the jump. If you do not get a running start, the DC for the jump is doubled."

"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 as long as the tybor continues to move at its full base land speed. A tybor must move at least 20 feet in a straight line before it begins to float.

 

[BOZ]

lookin good! posting in homebrews.

 

[Shade]

This conversion is moving as fast as the tybor itself.

MR was 50% which equates to 11 + CR nowadays.

Telepathy the standard 100 ft.?

Skill Ranks: Concentration 13, Hide 6, Knowledge (arcana) 13, Listen 7, Move Silently 6, Spellcraft 13, Spot 7, Tumble 13

+36 speed modifier to Jump.

Feats: Dodge, Eschew Material Components, Spell Focus (pick a school that seems to apply), Still Spell.

 

[BOZ]

don't you think it's better to move faster than to take a few months to finish one?

i'll write up some flavor text, and then we can look at what spells we should give as a sample.

 

[Shade]

Absolutely!

The spells are the toughest (or easiest, depending on your perspective), as the old text gave no sort of text about what kind of spells it prefers.

 

[BOZ]

well, we can reason it out. updated - go have a look and jot down some ideas and we will discuss.

 

[Shade]

Hmmm...it sounds like the tybor just wants to live its life. It generally only fights to defend itself. It would probably use magic to enhance its life, rather than make it an offensive powerhouse.

These guys could probably use a bit of expansion to their flavor text. What do they eat? If they're carnivorous, they'd probably go for spells like hold monster, etc. to make it easier to acquire prey.

Since they tend to avoid fights, I'd think spells like invisibility, displacement, etc. would be quite beneficial.

 

[BOZ]

you've got some points so far. i think they would need some offensive spells too, but more still to drive their enemies away than to just deal damage. fireball would work, for example.

according to the MC11, other flightless birds (ostrich, emu) are herbivores, but hold monster is still a good idea (freeze them and run!)

 

[Shade]

Herbivores works for me. Since these fellas are so smart, but are still basically birds, perhaps they could have the added hook of "looking out for their less mentally gifted brethren"? They can already speak with other birds, so maybe add some spells to help protect 'em?

 

[BOZ]

that works fine for me. will add some text to that effect to make them more interesting.