Giant animal template?

[Ferret]

Like the Eagle-Giant eagle

 

[BOZ]

ask erica

 

[Grazzt]

Two things:

#1- there is no need for a giant animal template (see #2 for why)

#2- To make a larger version of an existing creature use the size advancement rules for monsters (page 12 in the MM).

 

[Ferret]

Going up in size doesn't usually mean It become a large magic beast

 

[Grazzt]

Going up in size doesn't usually mean It become a large magic beast

True. And if you look at the giant owl or giant eagle there really is no rhyme or reason why they are magical beasts anyway. Unless you count the Evasion special quality of the giant eagle (which seems to have been omitted from its description but is listed in the stat block) or the superior low-light vision of the giant owl.

I don't really think that qualifies them as magical beasts, but...

Anyway- back on topic.

If ya wanna make a giant creature that is a magical beast. Advance its size using the rules on page 12 of the MM, then change its HD type to d10 and recalculate its hp. Recalc saves and attack bonus based on magical beast. Also recalc skill points and feats. That would be the easiest way.

Check the Creature Catalog site. I have posted the "How to Create a Monster" article that WotC had in Dragon 276. That should definitely help ya as it does not skimp on the design rules like the MM seems to.

 

[Ferret]

Yup, I tried Rhyming and reasoning with the stats...And I've got the article thingy in .pdf

 

[Krishnath]

Hmm... This is how I create dire animals in three easy steps:

1. Advance the base creature to max.
2. Add one HD and increase the creature one size category.
3. Add one or two extraordinary abilities for flavor.

That how I do it.

 

[ColonelHardisson]

My guess is that the giant owl and giant eagle are considered magical because of their intelligence.

 

[Grazzt]

Hmm... This is how I create dire animals in three easy steps:

1. Advance the base creature to max.
2. Add one HD and increase the creature one size category.
3. Add one or two extraordinary abilities for flavor.

That how I do it.

Dire and Giant are two different things (well more or less). If you are wanting to create a Dire version of a normal animal just use Erica's template. It is in the Creature Catalog.

 

[Grazzt]

My guess is that the giant owl and giant eagle are considered magical because of their intelligence.

Doh! You are completely correct Colonel. I totally overlooked their Int scores.