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Converting monsters from Dungeon Magazine

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Ice serpent: Int animal; AL N(E); AC 4; MV 18 ; HD 9; hp 45 ; THACO 11 ; #AT 2 ; Ding 2-12/3-12 ; SA +3 to surprise, constriction; SZ G (45' long, 1' diameter); ML 16 ; XP 2,000 ; MC (snake, giant constrictor, variant).

The ice serpent attacks twice in a round, once with a bite and once with a lash of its tail. The tail-lash can send man-size or smaller creatures flying through the air for great distances. Instead of using its normal bite/lash attacks, the ice serpent can opt to constrict its prey for 3-12 hp damage per round. If using its constriction attack, the serpent does not need to roll to hit each round.

Ice serpents are covered in white fur, to match the snowy realms where they live. The coloration of the serpent gives it a greater than normal chance to surprise opponents. The fur of ice serpents is much prized for making warm, waterproof garments that protect the wearer from extremely cold weather. The fur can be sold for up to 40 gp per square yard.

Originally appeared in Dungeon Magazine #27 (1991).
 

It's listed as N(E). I say we make it a Magical Beast.

The tail lash should have a Str-based knockback ability, similar, but not identical, to Awesome Blow.
 

Agreed on magical beast.

What would you make different than Awesome Blow in the tail lash? I might take out the -4 attack penalty, but I'm not seeing much difference.

Physical stats from the giant constrictor: Str 25, Dex 17, Con 13, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 2. Improved grab, constrict 1d8+1-1/2 Str like constrictor or not?
 

I'd like to see the -4 penalty gone, but other than that, not much should be different. Unless we decided to, like the bull's rush, make knockback move the victim based on how much they failed the save by.

Physical ability scores look alright, but we should boost them by a size category, since these are Gargantuan. Ditto sizing up the constriction.

They're going to need a rather large bonus to Hide checks from camouflage if they're to remain hidden.
 

We'll keep the options open on the tail, I guess.

True enough on the size. Str 33, Dex 17, Con 17, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 2? Constrict 2d6+1-1/2 Str?

How about max ranks in Hide plus a +4 racial Hide bonus, increasing to +12 in snowy environments?
 



Added to Homebrews.

I think we need to boost the HD. A giant constrictor has 11 HD, and becomes Gargantuan at 17 HD. So I'd recommend boosting to 17 HD. Thoughts?
 


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