Converting prehistoric animals

[Mortis]

For speed, do we want to give it just a land speed, or also a swim speed?

The wikipedia entry does mention that some of them could swim so yes a swim speed seems reasonable.

Some eurypterids have paddles, which were used to propel themselves through water. Some argue that the paddles were also used for digging. Underneath, in addition to the pair of swimming appendages the creature had 4 pairs of jointed legs for walking, and two small claws at the front

Its AC converts to 17 per the conversion guidelines. That would result in a +7 natural armor bonus. A Medium monstrous scorpion has a +4 natural armor bonus. Is +7 too high?

No I don't reckon +7 is too high.

Regards
Mortis

 

[Shade]

Speed 20 ft., swim 10 ft.?

 

[Mortis]

Speed 20 ft., swim 10 ft.?

Looks OK.

Regards
Mortis

 

[RavinRay]

Actually I'd reverse those speeds, even for amphibious species, and definitely they can't use the Run action on land. I've got to check with other statted amphibious creatures, though.

 

[Shade]

Actually I'd reverse those speeds, even for amphibious species, and definitely they can't use the Run action on land. I've got to check with other statted amphibious creatures, though.

Sounds good. You're the expert.

 

[Mortis]

Abilities: Str 15, Dex 11, Con 13, Int -, Wis 10, Cha 2
Skills: -
Feats: 2

A mindless vermin doesn't generally have any feats, still we could give it a bonus one.

I'm happy with switching the speeds around too.

CR 2?

...and looks down except for the flavour text.

Regards
Mortis

 

[Shade]

Good catch on the (should lack) feats.

Updated. I'll work on flavor text soon.

 

[RavinRay]

Oh, BTW, if you want to see a video of a eurypterid and how it moves, check out the Walking With Monsters video from BBC at YouTube. It's in the first half.

Edit: If you go through the entire 12-part series, there are several beasties there that might be on BOZ's list which can serve as inspiration for statting them. I'll go back and list the critters which appear in the videos.

 

[Shade]

Cool, I'll have to check that out.

 

[Raven Crowking]

Cool, I'll have to check that out.

It's very cool. I have the DVD!

RC