Draconomicon: Shadow Dragons of Different Age Classes

[lkj]

Hey folks,
I've got the Draconomicon: Chromatic Dragons. I'm want to use the Shadow Dragon. However, the only age class provided is elder, and it's too powerful for my current purposes. I want to use a young or an adult shadow dragon.

First-- Is there a web enhancement or DDI article that I missed that has the other age classes for these dragons?

Second-- If not, is there a standard method for how I can 'back down' the elder dragon to a younger age class?

In general I realize that the dragons of different age classes have roughly the same abilities, but toned down. I'm just not clear what the formula is.

I'd really appreciate some help.

Thanks,
AD

 

[chaotix42]

No to both.

The DMG gives guidelines but suggests that you don't raise or lower a monster's level more than 5. I'd suggest looking at other dragons of a level you want to use and swap powers. Use the younger dragon's hit points, defenses, etc. but substitute in whatever makes a shadow dragon a shadow dragon - use the younger dragon's damage dice for its breath weapon but change the damage type to match the shadow dragon's. Stuff like that.

 

[lkj]

Thanks. That's sort of what I figured. But it seemed worth asking.

AD