First, I'd like to say that I liked the Darkfang and the Shadowfang. I'll probably be using the Vinelord too (Jungle game, plant monsters galore).
But I wanted to ask your advise on monster making. Three questions, really.
I notice, for instance, that you made the Shadowfang a level 8, after adding the slither, but despite the ability that's very skirmisher-ish, it's still a soldier.
So my first question is: how many and what kinds of abilities can you add to a monster before its role changes?
My second question is: how many abilities can you add to an existing monster before its level rises?
The explanation for these questions are because I plan on taking your standard ghoul, strip out the undead qualities (resistances and vulnerability), and slap on these powers:
[Melee] Tongue (standard; at will): Reach 4; +9 vs. Reflex; 1d6+4 damage, plus target is grabbed. Followup attack: +9 vs. Fortitude; Hit: target is pulled 1 square. Effect: If target is adjacent to the [monster], the [monster] makes a free basic attack.
Incredible Hop (move; recharge 6): The [monster] shifts 4 squares. If it has a target grabbed with its tongue, it makes an attack: +9 vs. Fortitude; Hit: target is pulled as many squares as the monster shifts; Miss: target escapes the grab.
How do you think that would impact the ghoul's level or role?
My third question: What I want to do is take your standard harpy, and your deathlock wight, and smash them together into an elite monster. Is that a good idea, powers wise?