Drider Write up by Mike Mears May Showcase what Replaces the Save or Die Mechanic

[Roman]

From Mike Mearls' blog:

Drider, Common CR 6

CE Large Aberration (elf)
Init +7; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Listen +7, Spot +7
Languages Elf, Undercommon
AC 20, touch 12, flat-footed 17
hp 78 (12 HD); DR 10/magic
Immune sleep effects
Immune poison
Fort +6, Ref +7, Will +11
Speed 40 ft. (8 squares); climb 20 ft.
Melee falchion +12/+7 (2d6+6) and
bite +10 (1d4+2 and poison)
Ranged thrown web +11 (entangle)
Ranged longbow +11/+6 (1d8+4)
Space 10 ft; Reach 10 ft.
Base Atk +9; Grp +17
Atk Options clinging assault, power attack, sneak attack +2d6
Special Actions cloak of shadows, entangling web, spells
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 7th)
1/day – lightning bolt (DC 15)
2/day – dimension door, ray of enfeeblement (touch +11)
Abilities Str 19, Dex 17, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 13, Cha 14

Feats Combat Casting, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Multiattack, Power Attack

Skills Bluff +8, Diplomacy +10, Disguise +2 (+4 acting), Hide +5, Intimidate +4, Listen +7, Move Silently +9, Spot +7

Gear falchion, longbow, 20 arrows

Clinging Assault (Ex): As a standard action, make a touch attack against adjacent foe to catch in web as below.

Cloak of Shadows (Su): Swift action, gain +4 on next Hide check this round.

Web (Ex): Reflex save (DC 18) or creature cannot move until Strength, Dexterity, or Escape Artist check (DC 15).

Drow Paralysis Poison: Fortitude save DC 18, 1 point of paralysis. Each point is –1 square movement, each 2 points is –1 attacks and AC. If points are greater than Constitution bonus + 2, save at start of turn or be paralyzed for 1 round, save every round. No secondary effects, fades in 5 minutes.

Link: http://www.gleemax.com/Comms/Pages/Communities/BlogPost.aspx?blogpostid=17276&pagemode=2&blogid=8838


This is a 3.5E monster write up, but I think it shows (in the paralysis poison description) that the save or die mechanic is out of the picture for 4E to be replaced by gradated worsening of one's condition. I must say, I really, really like what is being done here, as points of paralysis accumulate, you become slower and slower, until you cannot move at all. It is much less either/or than the save or die of 3.X edition and seems more flavorful too. Good stuff!

 

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