Converting monsters from Dungeon Magazine

[Shade]

Updated.

Look finished?

 

[freyar]

I think they're done. You know, these would be interesting to write up as a swarm with the Cha drain as part of the damage (youch!).

 

[Shade]

That would be frightening!

 

[demiurge1138]

I think we're done.

 

[Shade]

Wani (Gargantuan Crocodile)

Male
Freq: Rare
#App: 1-2
AC: 2
Movment: 10//20
HD: 25
% in lair: Nil
Treasure: Nil
# Att: 3
Dmg/Att: 6-36/4-32/4-32
SA: Exceptional damage
SD: Minor spell immunities
MR: Standard
Int: Animal
Alignment: Neutral
Size: L (46'-55' long)
Psionics: Nil

Female
HD: 20
Dmg/Att: 5-30/3-24/3-24
Size: L (41'-50' long)

Young
#App: 2-12
AC: 4
Movment: 6//12
HD: 5
# Att: 2
Dmg/Att: 3-18/2-16
Size: L (15'-20' long)


Wani are gigantic crocodiles, huge relatives of those described on page 15 of the Monster Manual. There are legends that this species was created magically, and it is certain that these monsters are immune to spells which affect only normal animals (e.g., speak with animals, possess animal, etc.).

Wani get three attacks: a bite, a claw, and a tail bash, each of which may be directed at a separate opponent (young wani lack the claw attacks of their elders.) The tail can lash sideways up to half the animal's body length (e.g., 25' for an average male, 22' for a female, 8' for young.)

Originally appeared in Dungeon Magazine #40 (1989).

 

[Shade]

Advancing a giant crocodile to 25 HD and Gargantuan, and switching to magical beast yields...

Gargantuan Magical Beast
Hit Dice: 25d10+150 (287 hp)
Initiative: +1
Speed: 20 ft. (4 squares), swim 50 ft.
Armor Class: 18 (–4 size, +1 Dex, +11 natural), touch 7, flat-footed 17
Base Attack/Grapple: +25/+49
Attack: Bite +33 melee (3d8+18) or tail slap +33 melee (3d6+18)
Full Attack: Bite +33 melee (3d8+18) or tail slap +33 melee (3d6+18)
Space/Reach: 20 ft./15 ft.
Special Attacks: Improved grab
Special Qualities: Hold breath, low-light vision
Saves: Fort +20, Ref +15, Will +9
Abilities: Str 35, Dex 12, Con 23, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 2
Skills: 28
Feats: 9 (2 can be epic)
Environment: Warm marshes
Organization: Solitary or colony (6–11)
Challenge Rating: x
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: x
Level Adjustment: -

Look like a good start?

We'll need to add claw attack(s) and possibly darkvision (since it usually comes with the magical beast type).

 

[demiurge1138]

Two claw attacks, darkvision... can we do anything to zazz it up? Improved grab + swallow whole?

 

[freyar]

I'd agree with improved grab & swallow whole. I'd also suggest extended reach on the tail slap. Maybe some additional resistance to certain kinds of spells? (Or maybe not.)

 

[demiurge1138]

Well, its "resistance to spells" is just immunity to spells that affect animals as written. We could definitely improve it, though.

 

[freyar]

Well, its "resistance to spells" is just immunity to spells that affect animals as written. We could definitely improve it, though.

Yeah, I agree; since it's a magical beast, it technically doesn't need anything else. But there's so little going for it otherwise, I think it might be worthwhile.