Special Conversion Thread: Frogs n' Toads


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Amphibian, poisonous frogs (physalaemus)
CLIMATE/TERRAIN: Tropical Forest
FREQUENCY: Uncommon
ORGANIZATION: Solitary
ACTIVITY CYCLE: Any
DIET: Carnivore
INTELLIGENCE: Animal (1)
TREASURE: N
ALIGNMENT: Neutral
NO. APPEARING: 1
ARMOR CLASS: 8
MOVEMENT: 3, hop 3
HIT DICE: 1-1 (1-2 hps)
THAC0: 20
NO. OF ATTACKS: Nil
DAMAGE/ATTACK: Nil
SPECIAL ATTACKS: Poison
SPECIAL DEFENSES: Nil
MAGIC RESISTANCE: Nil
SIZE: T (1-2” long)
MORALE: Average (10)
XP VALUE: 65

Though there are several sub-species of poisonous frogs, all are brightly colored with vivid streaks of pink, yellow, green, red, or orange. The brilliant colors are usually a warning sign that the secretions of the frog are fatal. There is no known natural cure for this venom.

Combat: Frogs pass on their poison to others through touch, most likely someone steps on one with bare feet or picks one up because it looks “pretty.” Its poison glands are found on either side of its head, and when the frog feels threatened it secretes a creamy substance from its skin.

Anyone touching a poisonous frog must make a saving throw vs. poison for every round they remain in contact with the creature. If there is an open wound in the general area there is a cumulative penalty of -2. The venom of poisonous frogs is both cardiotoxic and neurotoxic, containing. a variety of chemicals that affect the nervous system in different ways. If a saving throw is successful, it means the poison was not absorbed into the victim’s system that round.

Failing the poison save means the toxin has been absorbed into the bloodstream in some measure. If the poison was not introduced into an open wound (such as a cut on the hand or the tip of a dart), the victim suffers from nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and inflammation of the area. If introduced into the bloodstream the toxin causes instant paralysis, severe convulsions, and death in 1-4 rounds.

Habitat: Poisonous frogs are only found in tropical environments where water is plentiful. Male frogs scent mark their territories in an effort to attract females, and “chirp” loudly when their territory is threatened by other frogs.

Ecology: Tadpoles are born in a pool of water inside a bromeliad plant. They then wiggle onto the back of their father, who carries them to deeper water, where they are left to fend for themselves. The venom of the poisonous frog can be extracted by roasting it over a fire, causing the poison to flow out of the glands as the skin contracts.

Source: Dragon Magazine #237 (1997)
 

Poison:
If introduced by Contact: Fort Save DC X
Primary effect: Nausea for 1d6 minutes
Secondary effect: Nausea for 1d2 hours

If introduced by ingestion or injury: Fort Save DC X
Primary effect: Paralyzation for 1d10 rounds
Secondary effect: Death
 

Just noticed that these are Tiny frogs. What ever happened to Diminutive? Aren't real frogs mostly Diminutive? ;)

More seriously, I think dhaga's on the right track.
 

freyar said:
Just noticed that these are Tiny frogs. What ever happened to Diminutive? Aren't real frogs mostly Diminutive? ;)
Well the standard toad certainly is. Although these poisonous frogs are even smaller at 1-2 inches so they could even be Fine.

More seriously, I think dhaga's on the right track.
It might be easier to just have two poisons - one contact, the other injested or injury.

Regards
Mortis
 

Sizes were a bit different in prior editions, that's for certain.

I like going with Fine. The world needs more Fine creatures. :)

Mortis said:
It might be easier to just have two poisons - one contact, the other injested or injury.

Agreed.
 

Downsizing other frogs to Fine yields...

Str 1, Dex 20-22, Con 10, Int 1, Wis 10-14, Cha 4-10

Borrow this?

Skills: A killer frog has a +8 racial bonus on all Hide and Jump checks.
 

Mortis said:
It might be easier to just have two poisons - one contact, the other injested or injury.

Agreed.

Anyone touching the frog must succeed at a Fort save or succumb to the effects of the frog's poision.

ContactPoison (Ex): Contact, Fort DC X, initial effect nauseated for 1d6 minutes, secondary effect nauseated for 1d2 hours. The save DC is Constitution-based.

If the poison is introduced directly into the bloodstream, the effects are much worse.

BloodPoison (Ex): Injury, Fort DC X, initial effect paralyzation for 1d10 rounds, secondary effect death. The save DC is Constitution-based.

Shade said:
Borrow this?

Skills: A killer frog has a +8 racial bonus on all Hide and Jump checks.
Yes.

For abilities, should we up the Con a bit to make the poison harder to resist?
Something like: Str 1, Dex 20, Con 14, Int 1, Wis 10, Cha 10?
 

dhaga said:
For abilities, should we up the Con a bit to make the poison harder to resist?

I'd prefer to keep it at 10 and give them Ability Focus and/or a racial bonus to increase the DC.
 


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