Drake, Lacephyr
Armour Class: 7
Hit Dice: 1+1*
Move: 90' (30')
fly 150' (50')
Attacks: 2 claws + 1 bite
Damage: 1-4 + special
No. Appearing: 2-12
Save As: F1
Morale: 8
Treasure Type: U
Alignment: Neutral
XP Value: 19
The smallest of the drake breeds, the lacephyr is also the most gregarious and has been readily trained by humans and humanoids, notably the inhabitants of the mountainous Northlands. Ranging from the size of a falcon to a housecat in the body, a lacephyr is notable for its long trailing tail and its large, dark-opal eyes. The scales of wild lacephyr are found in many colours -- deep, if dull, blues, greens, roses, ambers, creams and earth-colours -- with slightly darker mottled feathers. The various strains of long-domesticated lacephyr are considerably more vibrant.
Lacephyr attack exclusively from the air, inflicting a total of 1-4 hit points of damage from their claws and fangs. The venom of a lacephyr dazes for a single round on a failed save (with a +2 bonus to the roll) -- but the drake may also spit its venom every four rounds up to a range of 10'. The venom ignites in the air, inflicting 2-5 hit points of damage on contact.
Showing posts with label theme: drakes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label theme: drakes. Show all posts
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Monster: Drake, Helian
Drake, Helian
Armour Class: 4
Hit Dice: 3+2*
Move: 90' (30')
fly 150' (50')
Attacks: 2 claws + 1 bite
Damage: 1/4/1-4/1-6 + special
No. Appearing: 1-6
Save As: F3
Morale: 8
Treasure Type: U
Alignment: Lawful
XP Value: 75
Uniformly lightly built and scaled in a pale bluish-grey, its feathering a few shades darker, the helian drake appears slender and relatively harmless compared to other drake breeds. Scattered amongst its normal scales are keeled scales of a luminescent, milky hue; in dim light or darkness -- or when the creature wills it -- these scales, as well as the drake's eyes and claws, light with a bewitching green glow. Helian drakes take advantage of the fascination their lights can provoke whenever possible.
In combat a helian drake attacks with claws and bite as do other drakes, inflicting 1-4 and 1-6 hit points of damage respectively. Their venomous bite dulls the senses, penalizing initiative and Armour Class by -2 for 2-8 turns if a save is failed; this penalty is cumulative with the mesmerism of their light-scales, which cause a -2 penalty to all rolls if the victim fails a save vs. charm.
Armour Class: 4
Hit Dice: 3+2*
Move: 90' (30')
fly 150' (50')
Attacks: 2 claws + 1 bite
Damage: 1/4/1-4/1-6 + special
No. Appearing: 1-6
Save As: F3
Morale: 8
Treasure Type: U
Alignment: Lawful
XP Value: 75
Uniformly lightly built and scaled in a pale bluish-grey, its feathering a few shades darker, the helian drake appears slender and relatively harmless compared to other drake breeds. Scattered amongst its normal scales are keeled scales of a luminescent, milky hue; in dim light or darkness -- or when the creature wills it -- these scales, as well as the drake's eyes and claws, light with a bewitching green glow. Helian drakes take advantage of the fascination their lights can provoke whenever possible.
In combat a helian drake attacks with claws and bite as do other drakes, inflicting 1-4 and 1-6 hit points of damage respectively. Their venomous bite dulls the senses, penalizing initiative and Armour Class by -2 for 2-8 turns if a save is failed; this penalty is cumulative with the mesmerism of their light-scales, which cause a -2 penalty to all rolls if the victim fails a save vs. charm.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Monster: Drake, Cerastes
Drake, Cerastes
Armour Class: 6
Hit Dice: 3+5*
Move: 90' (30')
fly 180' (60')
Attacks: 2 claws + 1 bite
Damage: 1/4/1-4/1-8 + special
No. Appearing: 1-4
Save As: F4
Morale: 9
Treasure Type: U
Alignment: Chaotic
XP Value: 75
Scaled in mottles duns and greys, with variegated feathers in browns and darker greys on wings and legs, the cerastes is a stalking, cunning sort of predator. Against its cryptic colouration its lemon-yellow eyes stand out brightly -- as do the paired long, low crests of translucent reddish horn that run the length of its skull. Cerastes are belligerent creatures, territorial and defensive. The crests of a cerastes may each be powered and administered as a cure for poison.
A cerastes attacks from ambush whenever possible, diving to attack with claws and bite and inflicting 1-4 and 1-8 hit points of damage respectively. If lunging from a perch or trapped upon the ground a cerastes will bite only, using its claws as stabilizers. The corrosive saliva of a cerastes functions as a biological acid; on the round following a bite from this drake, the victim suffers another 1-6 hit points of damage.
Armour Class: 6
Hit Dice: 3+5*
Move: 90' (30')
fly 180' (60')
Attacks: 2 claws + 1 bite
Damage: 1/4/1-4/1-8 + special
No. Appearing: 1-4
Save As: F4
Morale: 9
Treasure Type: U
Alignment: Chaotic
XP Value: 75
Scaled in mottles duns and greys, with variegated feathers in browns and darker greys on wings and legs, the cerastes is a stalking, cunning sort of predator. Against its cryptic colouration its lemon-yellow eyes stand out brightly -- as do the paired long, low crests of translucent reddish horn that run the length of its skull. Cerastes are belligerent creatures, territorial and defensive. The crests of a cerastes may each be powered and administered as a cure for poison.
A cerastes attacks from ambush whenever possible, diving to attack with claws and bite and inflicting 1-4 and 1-8 hit points of damage respectively. If lunging from a perch or trapped upon the ground a cerastes will bite only, using its claws as stabilizers. The corrosive saliva of a cerastes functions as a biological acid; on the round following a bite from this drake, the victim suffers another 1-6 hit points of damage.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Monster: Drake, Aeolian
Drake, Aeolian (Gareth's Drake)
Armour Class: 5
Hit Dice: 5+5*
Move: 120' (40')
fly 180' (60')
Attacks: 1 bite
Damage: 1-10 + poison
No. Appearing: 1-2 (2-8)
Save As: F6
Morale: 9
Treasure Type: U
Alignment: Neutral
XP Value: 300
Largest of the known breeds of drake, the aeolian drake masses as large in the body as a good-sized horse and -- with the correct breeding and training -- is as amenable to being used as a mount. Aeolian drakes have smaller, rounder scales in variegated patterns of violet and grey, violet-black feathering shading to grey, and brilliant yellow eyes. Slightly stockier and shorter in neck and tail, aeolian drakes prefer a head-on approach to most obstacles.
In combat an aeolian drake bites, inflicting 1-10 hit points of damage, and unlike smaller drakes an aeolian drake seldom attacks with its claws. The poison of an aeolian drake is relatively weak, causing only 2-8 turns of dizziness if the saving throw is failed; if its bite is not enough to subdue an opponent an aeolian prefers to use its frozen wind if possible -- beating its wings rapidly, the drake creates a field of bitter cold in a 5x30' line, inflicting 2-12 hit points of damage.
Armour Class: 5
Hit Dice: 5+5*
Move: 120' (40')
fly 180' (60')
Attacks: 1 bite
Damage: 1-10 + poison
No. Appearing: 1-2 (2-8)
Save As: F6
Morale: 9
Treasure Type: U
Alignment: Neutral
XP Value: 300
Largest of the known breeds of drake, the aeolian drake masses as large in the body as a good-sized horse and -- with the correct breeding and training -- is as amenable to being used as a mount. Aeolian drakes have smaller, rounder scales in variegated patterns of violet and grey, violet-black feathering shading to grey, and brilliant yellow eyes. Slightly stockier and shorter in neck and tail, aeolian drakes prefer a head-on approach to most obstacles.
In combat an aeolian drake bites, inflicting 1-10 hit points of damage, and unlike smaller drakes an aeolian drake seldom attacks with its claws. The poison of an aeolian drake is relatively weak, causing only 2-8 turns of dizziness if the saving throw is failed; if its bite is not enough to subdue an opponent an aeolian prefers to use its frozen wind if possible -- beating its wings rapidly, the drake creates a field of bitter cold in a 5x30' line, inflicting 2-12 hit points of damage.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Monster: Drake, Syrene
Drake, Syrene
Armour Class: 6
Hit Dice: 3+5*
Move: 120' (40')
fly 150' (50')
Attacks: 2 claws + 1 bite or 1 bite
Damage: 1-4/1-4/1-6 + special or 1-6 + poison
No. Appearing: 1-4 (2-8)
Save As: F4
Morale: 9
Treasure Type: U
Alignment: Neutral
XP Value: 75
Long and sinuous of line even for a drake, the syrene is lean-bodied, shallow-chested and possessed of an excessively long neck and tail. Though it prefers to be airborne when at all possible, when ground-bound the syrene is as likely to glide serpentlike along the ground as it is to walk upon its legs; it also climbs through undergrowth, grasping with its claws. The syrene is occasionally prone to aggression; the size of a large wolf, it is rare amongst drakes in being of a single colour -- in this case, pure white.
From the air a syrene attacks with claws and bite, inflicting 1-4 and 1-6 hit points of damage respectively; when on the ground it bites unless a target comes within range of its claws while it is coiled, in which case it will also strike with claws. The fangs of a syrene are serrated and suitable for tearing gobbets of flesh -- any wound inflicted by a syrene's bite will continue to bleed at a rate of 2 hit points per round until treated.
Armour Class: 6
Hit Dice: 3+5*
Move: 120' (40')
fly 150' (50')
Attacks: 2 claws + 1 bite or 1 bite
Damage: 1-4/1-4/1-6 + special or 1-6 + poison
No. Appearing: 1-4 (2-8)
Save As: F4
Morale: 9
Treasure Type: U
Alignment: Neutral
XP Value: 75
Long and sinuous of line even for a drake, the syrene is lean-bodied, shallow-chested and possessed of an excessively long neck and tail. Though it prefers to be airborne when at all possible, when ground-bound the syrene is as likely to glide serpentlike along the ground as it is to walk upon its legs; it also climbs through undergrowth, grasping with its claws. The syrene is occasionally prone to aggression; the size of a large wolf, it is rare amongst drakes in being of a single colour -- in this case, pure white.
From the air a syrene attacks with claws and bite, inflicting 1-4 and 1-6 hit points of damage respectively; when on the ground it bites unless a target comes within range of its claws while it is coiled, in which case it will also strike with claws. The fangs of a syrene are serrated and suitable for tearing gobbets of flesh -- any wound inflicted by a syrene's bite will continue to bleed at a rate of 2 hit points per round until treated.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Monster: Drake, Hypnale
Drake, Hypnale
Armour Class: 6
Hit Dice: 2*
Move: 90' (30')
fly 150' (50')
Attacks: 2 claws + 1 bite or 1 bite
Damage: 1-3/1-3/1-4 + poison or 1-4 + poison
No. Appearing: 1-3
Save As: F2
Morale: 7
Treasure Type: U
Alignment: Neutral
XP Value: 25
One of the smaller breeds of drake -- roughly the size of the average dog in the body -- the hypnale has dove-coloured mottled scales, brassy wings, leg feathering and dorsal stripe, and dark eyes. Its ears are tipped with tufts, as is its excessively long tail. Quiet and retiring creatures as drakes go, hypnale are not inclined towards conflict and prefer to flee when possible except when defending their lairs or eggs. By inclination, hypnale prefer the blood of their prey.
In combat a hypnale will bite, inflicting 1-4 hit points of damage; if there is enough room for the drake to be airborne it will dive at targets with talons and fangs, inflicting 1-3 hit points per talon in addition to its bite damage. The bite of a hypnale is venomous; if the victim fails a save vs. poison they will fall unconscious for 2-8 turns. A second save then determines whether the victim will receive another 1-4 hit points of damage or -- on a failed save -- die. A hypnale will seek to drink the blood of unconscious victims at a rate of one hit point per round.
Armour Class: 6
Hit Dice: 2*
Move: 90' (30')
fly 150' (50')
Attacks: 2 claws + 1 bite or 1 bite
Damage: 1-3/1-3/1-4 + poison or 1-4 + poison
No. Appearing: 1-3
Save As: F2
Morale: 7
Treasure Type: U
Alignment: Neutral
XP Value: 25
One of the smaller breeds of drake -- roughly the size of the average dog in the body -- the hypnale has dove-coloured mottled scales, brassy wings, leg feathering and dorsal stripe, and dark eyes. Its ears are tipped with tufts, as is its excessively long tail. Quiet and retiring creatures as drakes go, hypnale are not inclined towards conflict and prefer to flee when possible except when defending their lairs or eggs. By inclination, hypnale prefer the blood of their prey.
In combat a hypnale will bite, inflicting 1-4 hit points of damage; if there is enough room for the drake to be airborne it will dive at targets with talons and fangs, inflicting 1-3 hit points per talon in addition to its bite damage. The bite of a hypnale is venomous; if the victim fails a save vs. poison they will fall unconscious for 2-8 turns. A second save then determines whether the victim will receive another 1-4 hit points of damage or -- on a failed save -- die. A hypnale will seek to drink the blood of unconscious victims at a rate of one hit point per round.
On Drakes
From the field notes of Salan Kir'ith:
"Of interest to all those worthies who call themselves Naturalists are the Drakes, or Dragon-Serpents. These draconic beasts reveal themselves as akin to the Wyvern and Lindwurm in their natures, and yet a greater step again from the purity that is Dragon; of their own peculiarities there are many, and worthy of comment.
"In stance the Drake resembles the common Wyvern, being of two limbs and two wings. The gape is wide, and filled with a multitude of perilous fangs; and much as the Wyvern, the Drake is no match for the Dragon in intellect. But in the detail lies the great differences.
"For the Drake bears no venomous Barb in its long and coiling tail, though some of the kinds be venomous in nature. Its limbs resemble more the Pounces of a Falcon or Fish-Eagle, with great curving talons and a fringe of feathers; likewise the Wings are broad and feathered, as unlike to those of a Dragon as to those of a Dragon-fly, though the remainder of its form be cloaked in close-lying, patterned Scales. The colours of Drakes are varied, both by individual and by breed, from the white of Adamant to the near-black of storm clouds.
"In the head of the Drake are still other singularities. In conformation the skull of a Drake is much like a meeting of Dragon and Wolf; in a like manner the head bears two tufted and expressive Ears as those of a canine or Deer, where draconian horns would rightfully rest.
"In disposition do some breeds of Drake resemble the Canine tribe also, being amenable to breaking to the leash, at it were; it is perhaps a great fortune that the greatest of Drakes, the Wind-Drake or Gareth's Drake, possesses the greatest potential. Indeed, these Drakes of the Wind are tamed to bear a human rider in the rarified kingdoms of the North and so take the place of Horses.
Of the lesser Drakes, the Cerastes is known to be used as a guardian of noble fortunes, and the Least Drake a companion and hunting-kite for the Northman as the southerner may course Hawks."
"Of interest to all those worthies who call themselves Naturalists are the Drakes, or Dragon-Serpents. These draconic beasts reveal themselves as akin to the Wyvern and Lindwurm in their natures, and yet a greater step again from the purity that is Dragon; of their own peculiarities there are many, and worthy of comment.
"In stance the Drake resembles the common Wyvern, being of two limbs and two wings. The gape is wide, and filled with a multitude of perilous fangs; and much as the Wyvern, the Drake is no match for the Dragon in intellect. But in the detail lies the great differences.
"For the Drake bears no venomous Barb in its long and coiling tail, though some of the kinds be venomous in nature. Its limbs resemble more the Pounces of a Falcon or Fish-Eagle, with great curving talons and a fringe of feathers; likewise the Wings are broad and feathered, as unlike to those of a Dragon as to those of a Dragon-fly, though the remainder of its form be cloaked in close-lying, patterned Scales. The colours of Drakes are varied, both by individual and by breed, from the white of Adamant to the near-black of storm clouds.
"In the head of the Drake are still other singularities. In conformation the skull of a Drake is much like a meeting of Dragon and Wolf; in a like manner the head bears two tufted and expressive Ears as those of a canine or Deer, where draconian horns would rightfully rest.
"In disposition do some breeds of Drake resemble the Canine tribe also, being amenable to breaking to the leash, at it were; it is perhaps a great fortune that the greatest of Drakes, the Wind-Drake or Gareth's Drake, possesses the greatest potential. Indeed, these Drakes of the Wind are tamed to bear a human rider in the rarified kingdoms of the North and so take the place of Horses.
Of the lesser Drakes, the Cerastes is known to be used as a guardian of noble fortunes, and the Least Drake a companion and hunting-kite for the Northman as the southerner may course Hawks."
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