Converting original D&D and Mystara monsters

[Shade]

This suggests to me that you can use somatic components; after all, your arms aren't pinned.

Agreed. Although, we could just go for the simplification of the similar-themed choker...

Constrict (Ex): A choker deals 1d3+3 points of damage with a successful grapple check against a Large or smaller creature. Because it seizes its victim by the neck, a creature in the choker’s grasp cannot speak or cast spells with verbal components.

 

[Shade]

Added what we've got so far to Homebrews.

 

[freyar]

Sure, we don't have to allow somatic components.

 

[Shade]

Extended reach for tendrils?

Any other special abilities?

 

[freyar]

Let's give it 10 ft on tendrils, and we can go either way on the grass garrote (what's there, or the choker-like ability).

I don't see the need for any other special abilities. Maybe CR 1 because it's not too easy to spot at 1st level?

 

[Shade]

Agreed on all that. Does anyone have a preference for grass garrotte vs. improved grab/constrict?

 

[freyar]

There's not a whole lot of difference, really. The garrote might be a little more deadly due to the suffocation rules, and it allows us a little more freedom with allowing somatic components, etc. But I'm ok with the choker-type constrict, too.

 

[Shade]

Actually, let's stick with grass garrote, since constrict doesn't really allow for suffocation rather than standard damage.

Updated.


Environment: Temperate and warm plains and hills?

Organization: Solitary or patch (2-x)

Treasure: None?

Advancement: 2-4 HD (Medium); 5-8 HD (Large); 9-12 HD (Huge) and see text?

Advanced Grab Grasses

For each additional 5-foot-square of space, a grab grass gains an additional tendril attack.

 

[freyar]

I like all that, and let's let a patch be 2d6.

For the garrote, how about adding a line that somatic components are not restricted?

 

[Shade]

Updated.

+4 racial bonus on grapple checks?