Converting "Real World" Animals and Vermin

[Cleon]

I'm no expert on the subject, but it does sound a bit farfetched.

I'm fine changing them to Magical Beast. Shall I update them accordingly?

Hmm, would they still be eligible for the Elder Serpent template?

 

[Shade]

I'm fine changing them to Magical Beast. Shall I update them accordingly?

Hmm, would they still be eligible for the Elder Serpent template?

“Elder serpent” is an acquired template that can be added to any snakelike animal or magical beast...

No worries.

 

[Cleon]

No worries.

Shall I convert it to a Magical Beast then?

 

[Shade]

Shall I convert it to a Magical Beast then?

Yep.

 

[Cleon]

Yep.

Updating Working Draft.

We need to increase the Charisma since it's got a Charisma-based attack.

I'm thinking enough to give it a +1 Cha bonus, like a Krenshar.

So, Charisma 12?

 

[Shade]

So, Charisma 12?

Works for me.

 

[Cleon]

Works for me.

Updating Working Draft.

Now, what about the venom? The original monster was supposed to have a particularly potent poison.

1d10/1d10 Con and a +2 racial bonus to the DC?

That's only DC 13, so I'm tempted to make the bonus +4.

 

[freyar]

That Con damage seems too high for a 3HD critter. Actually, maybe we could bump the HD to at least 5. Rather than add a racial bonus to the poison, how about we reduce the Dex a little in favor of a higher Con?

 

[Cleon]

That Con damage seems too high for a 3HD critter. Actually, maybe we could bump the HD to at least 5. Rather than add a racial bonus to the poison, how about we reduce the Dex a little in favor of a higher Con?

I'd be willing to reduce it to 1d8 Con, like a 3E Phase Spider, but insist on it being more than a standard 3E Viper Snake's 1d6 Con.

Hmm, come to think of it an AD&D Phase spider has a "save at -2 or die" just like the Giant Cobra, so giving them both the same Con poison in 3E would make sense.

I'm reluctant to increase the HD.

The SRD Phase Spider's poison is DC 17, so giving the Giga-Cobra DC 15 seems appropriate. If the racial bonus bothers you, I'd much rather add Ability Focus (poison) - a feat the 3E Phase Spider has, incidentally - than increasing the Con to 16-17.

 

[Shade]

Damage like a phase spider seems reasonable.

I'm OK with a slight racial bonus or Ability Focus.