Converting monsters from Dungeon Magazine

[Shade]

Let's go with strong CR 9 and "fling".

Updated.

All done?

 

[demiurge1138]

All done!

 

[Shade]

Botswanna Golgalarka

This wagon has a glassteel window and strong iron bars. It is home to an unusual animal that looks much like a fat, brown, 5'-long lizard with six tiny legs and a long neck and tail. A huge sign proclaims:

"Botswanna Golgalarka
Rare Tropical Carnivorous Beast
Kills Prey by Screaming
Only One in Captivity"

The botswanna golgalarka (AC 0; MV 15"; HD 8; hp 60; #AT 1 bite; Dmg 1-8; SA ultrasonic breath weapon; AL NG) can, three times per day, create a powerful cone of ultrasonic waves that reaches a maximum distance of 70 feet with a 10'-width at that distance. Most victims are not aware of the attack, since the sound is beyond the range of the human ear. However, demi-humans and keen-hearing humanoids have a 50% chance to notice the lower harmonics of the beam if no other sounds are present. The sound stuns a victim for 10 rounds and causes cellular damage equal to the hit points of the golgalarka. A successful save vs. breath weapon results in being stunned for one round and taking only half damage.

These animals feed on small mammals and are found only in dense tropical environments. They are 3' tall and 5' long. The golgalarka is an extremely rare species; it is rumored that they originally came from an outer plane. They seem to have an ability to sense alignments, and treat those of good alignment with respect. This specimen was captured by Mordo; it greatly desires to be free and tries to communicate with anyone it believes might be able to free it.

Originally appeared in Dungeon Magazine #7 (1987).

 

[freyar]

Medium magical beast, I guess. I can see arguments for or against extraplanar, depending on how we interpret the flavor text.

 

[demiurge1138]

Let's make them extraplanar. Native to the Beastlands, perhaps, for the Good leanings?

 

[freyar]

Sounds good (har har) to me. Compare to Medium constrictor snakes for physical stats (those are Str 17, Dex 17, Con 13, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 2)?

 

[Shade]

So Medium Magical Beast (Extraplanar)?

Some other ability scores for inspiration...

Monitor Lizard (M): Str 17, Dex 15, Con 17, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 2
Basilisk (M): Str 15, Dex 8, Con 15, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 11
Jhakar (M): Str 14, Dex 15, Con 19, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 10
Komodo Dragon (M): Str 19, Dex 12, Con 17, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 2

 

[demiurge1138]

I think the monitor lizard has appropriate physical ability scores.

 

[Shade]

Added to Homebrews using the monitor lizard ability scores.

What shall we do with ability scores? No Int is given, but the fact that they are of good alignment and "attempt to communicate" would indicate to me at least a modicum of intelligence.

 

[demiurge1138]

Let's go Int 4-7, somewhere in that range. Not smart, but sapient.