Converting monsters from the second edition Monstrous Compendiums

[Mortis]

I think we'll need to change "threatens the same target" to "occupies the same space", since they never threaten.

Agreed.

Regards
Mortis

 

[BOZ]

OK, but i think "occupies the same space" is not quite right either. it needs to encompass all creatures that can attack the target. if say 2 dragon beetles are in one space, 3 are in another, 1 in another, and 4 in still another against a Large or larger target, they all should benefit from swarmfighting.

how about "occupies the target's space" as used elsewhere in the ability?

 

[Mortis]

OK, but i think "occupies the same space" is not quite right either. it needs to encompass all creatures that can attack the target. if say 2 dragon beetles are in one space, 3 are in another, 1 in another, and 4 in still another against a Large or larger target, they all should benefit from swarmfighting.

That's why, I think, Shade says "space" and not "square" - two different things a creature's space may consist of more than one space. Of course I could be completely wrong.

how about "occupies the target's space" as used elsewhere in the ability?

That would work as well.

Regards
Mortis

 

[Shade]

Yes, occupies the target's space is what I intended.

 

[BOZ]

good deal. let's work on the venom.

The second attack form is a stinger that delivers a dose of venom on a successful hit. The stinger's physical damage is negligible, and the poison only affects drakes, dragons, and dray. To others, the sting is only slightly more bothersome than a normal insect bite. It hurts a little at first, then itches, but produces no other harmful effects.

Dragon beetles produce venom that doesn't harm humans or demihumans. If a drake, dragon, or dray is hit by a dragon beetle's stinger, it must make a saving throw versus poison. A successful save inflicts 1d10 points of damage. A failed save causes 2d10 points of damage and mark the area around the insertion point with a burning red scar.

The second attack is a stinger that delivers a dose of venom on a successful hit. The stinger's physical damage is negligible, and the poison only affects dragons and dragon-kin such as drakes, pseudodragons, and wyverns. To others, the sting is only slightly more bothersome than a normal insect bite. It hurts a little at first, then itches, but produces no other harmful effects.

Dragon beetles produce venom that doesn't harm humans or demihumans. If a dragon or dragon-kin is hit by a dragon beetle's stinger, it must make a saving throw versus poison. A successful save inflicts 1d10 points of damage. A failed save causes 2d10 points of damage and marks the area around the insertion point with a burning red scar.

 

[Shade]

How's this?

Dragonbane Venom (Ex): Dragon beetles secrete a venom that is only harmful to creatures of the dragon type. Sting, Fortitude DC X, initial damage 1d10 hp, secondary damage 2d10 hp. The save DC is Constitution-based.

If you want, we could have its itchiness impose a -1 penalty on Dex-based skill and ability checks to non-dragons.

 

[BOZ]

naahhh... i don't think that's necessary.

you want to go straight damage for the venom or ability damage? i'm actually fine with either.

i'm thinking +4 racial bonus to raise the DC up from 10.

 

[Shade]

I think straight ability damage is probably better in this case. With a high-HD dragon that somehow failed its save, it could lose some serious hps due to Con loss, even a point or two here or there.

+4 racial bonus sounds great.

 

[BOZ]

posting what i have so far in homebrews.

 

[Shade]

I think it needs Weapon Finesse as a bonus feat.