Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Edition Wiki
(Created page with "__NOTOC__ {{Creature | image = | caption = Art from 2nd Edition Monstrous Manual | source = 2nd Edition Monstrous Manual | name ...")
 
(Created page with "__NOTOC__ {{Creature | image = | caption = Art from 2nd Edition Monstrous Manual | source = 2nd Edition Monstrous Manual | name ...")
 
Line 4: Line 4:
 
| caption = Art from 2nd Edition Monstrous Manual
 
| caption = Art from 2nd Edition Monstrous Manual
 
| source = 2nd Edition Monstrous Manual
 
| source = 2nd Edition Monstrous Manual
| name = Dracolich
+
| name = Green Dragon
| terrain&climate = See below
+
| terrain&climate = Sub-tropical and temperate forest and subterranean
 
| frequency = Very rare
 
| frequency = Very rare
| organization = Solitary
+
| organization = Solitary or clan
| activitycycle = Night
+
| activitycycle = Any
 
| diet = Special
 
| diet = Special
| intelligence = As per individual dragon
+
| intelligence = Very (11-12)
| treasure = B, H, S, T
+
| treasure = Special
| alignment = Evil (any)
+
| alignment = Lawful evil
| numberappearing = 1
+
| numberappearing = 1 (2-5)
| armorclass = See below
+
| armorclass = 0 (base)
| movement = As per former dragon type
+
| movement = 9, Fl 30 (C), Sw 9
| hitdice = As per former dragon type
+
| hitdice = 13 (base)
| thac0 = As per former dragon type
+
| thac0 = 7 (at 13 HD)
| noofattacks = As per former dragon type
+
| noofattacks = 3+special
| damageattack = See below
+
| damageattack = 1-8/1-8/2-20 (2d10)
| specialattack = Breath weapon and spell use
+
| specialattack = Special
| specialdefenses = Spell immunities and spell use
+
| specialdefenses = Variable
| magicalresistance = See below
+
| magicalresistance = Variable
| size = As per individual dragon
+
| size = G (36' base)
| moral = See below
+
| moral = Elite (15-16)
| xp = As per individual dragon, plus 1,000 (both dracolich and host must bedestroyed)
+
| xp = Variable
 
}}
 
}}
The dracolich is an undead creature resulting from the unnatural transformation of an evil dragon. The mysterious Cult of the Dragon practices the powerful magic necessary for the creation of the dracolich, though other practitioners are also rumored to exist.
 
   
  +
Green dragons are bad tempered, mean, cruel, and rude. They hate goodness and good-aligned creatures. They love intrigue and seek to enslave other woodland creatures, killing those who cannot be controlled or intimidated.
A dracolich can be created from any of the evil dragon subspecies. A dracolich retains the physical appearance of its original body, except that its eyes appear as glowing points of light floating in shadowy eye sockets. Skeletal or semi-skeletal dracoliches have been observed on occasion.
 
   
  +
A hatchling green dragon's scales are thin, very small, and a deep shade of green that appears nearly black. As the dragon ages, the scales grow larger and become lighter, turning shades of forest, emerald, and olive green, which helps it blend in with its wooded surroundings. A green dragon's scales never become as thick as other dragons', remaining smooth and flexible.
The senses of a dracolich are similar to those of its original form; it can detect invisible objects and creatures (including those hidden in darkness of fog) within a 10-foot radius per age category and also possesses a natural clairaudience ability while in its lair equal to a range of 20 feet per age category. A dracolich can speak, cast spells, and employ the breath weapon of its original form; it can cast each of its spells once per day and can use its breath weapon once every three combat rounds. Additionally, a dracolich retains the intelligence and memory of its original form.
 
  +
  +
Green dragons speak their own tongue, a tongue common to all evil dragons, and 12% of hatchling green dragons have an ability to communicate with any intelligent creature. The chance to possess this ability increases 5% per age category of the dragon.
   
 
===Combat===
 
===Combat===
  +
Green dragons initiate fights with little or no provocation, picking on creatures of any size. If the target creature intrigues the dragon or appears to be difficult to deal with, the dragon will stalk the creature, using its environment for cover, until it determines the best time to strike and the most appropriate tactics to use. If the target appears formidable, the dragon will first attack with its breath weapon, magical abilities, and spells. However, if the target appears weak, the dragon will make its presence known quickly for it enjoys evoking terror in its targets. When the dragon has tired of this game, it will bring down the creature using its physical attacks so the fight lasts longer and the creature's agony is prolonged.
Dracoliches are immune to charm, sleep, enfeeblement, polymorph, cold (magical or natural), electricity, hold, insanity, and death spells or symbols. They cannot be poisoned, paralyzed, or turned by priests. They have the same magic resistance as their original forms; only magical attacks from wizards of 6th level or higher, or from monsters of 6 or more Hit Dice have a chance of affecting dracoliches.
 
   
  +
Sometimes, the dragon elects to control a creature, such as a human or demi-human, through intimidation and suggestion. Green dragons like to question men, especially adventurers, to learn more about their society, abilities, what is going on in the countryside, and if there is treasure nearby.
The Armor Class of a dracolich is equal to the Armor Class of its original form, bettered by -2 (for example, if the AC of the original form was -1, the AC of the dracolich is -3). Attacks on a dracolich, due to its magical nature, do not gain any attack or damage roll bonuses.
 
   
  +
'''Breath weapon/special abilities:''' A green dragon's breath weapon is a cloud of poisonous chlorine gas that is 50' long, 40' wide, and 30 feet high. Creatures within the cloud may save versus breath weapon for half damage. A green dragon casts its spells at 6th level, adjusted by its combat modifier.
Initially, a dracolich has the same morale rating as its original form. However, after a dracolich is successful in its first battle, its morale rating permanently becomes Fearless (19 base); this assumes that the opponent or opponents involved in the battle had a Hit Dice total of at least 100% of the Hit Dice of the dracolich (for instance, a 16-HD dracolich must defeat an opponent or opponents of at least 16 total HD to receive the morale increase). Once a dracolich receives the morale increase, it becomes immune to magical fear as well.
 
   
  +
From birth, green dragons are immune to gasses. As they age, they gain the following additional powers:
The dracolich has a slightly stronger ability to cause fear in opponents than it did in its original form; opponents must roll their saving throws vs. spell with a -1 penalty (in addition to any other relevant modifiers) to resist the dracolich's fear aura. The gaze of the dracolich's glowing eyes can also paralyze creatures within 40 yards if they fail their saving throws (creatures of 6th level {or 6 Hit Dice}or higher gain a +3 bonus to their saving throws). If a creature successfully saves against the gaze of a dracolich, it is permanently immune to the gaze of that particular dracolich.
 
  +
:'''Juvenile:''' water breathing.
 
  +
:'''Adult:''' suggestion once a day.
The attack routine of a dracolich is similar to that of its original form; for example, a dracolich that was originally a green dragon will bring down a weak opponent with a series of physical attacks, but it will stalk more formidable opponents, attacking at an opportune moment with its breath weapon and spells.
 
  +
:'''Mature adult:''' warp wood three times a day.
 
  +
:'''Old:''' plant growth once a day.
All physical attacks, such as clawing and biting, inflict the same damage as the dracolich's original form, plus 2d8 points of chilling damage. A victim struck by a dracolich who fails a saving throw vs. paralyzation is paralyzed for 2d6 rounds. Immunity to cold damage, temporary or permanent, negates the chilling damage but not the paralyzation. Dracoliches cannot drain life levels.
 
  +
:'''Very old:''' entangle once a day.
 
  +
:'''Wyrm:''' pass without trace three times a day.
All dracoliches can attempt undead control (as per a potion of undead control) once every three days on any variety of undead with 60 yards. The undead's saving throws against this power suffer a -3 penalty; if the undead control is successful, it lasts for one turn only. While undead control is in use, the dracolich cannot use other spells. If the dracolich interrupts its undead control before it has been used for a full turn, the dracolich must still wait three days before the power can be used again.
 
 
If a dracolich or proto-dracolich is slain, its spirit immediately returns to its host. If there is no corpse in range for it to possess, the spirit is trapped in the host until such a time -- if ever -- that a corpse becomes available. A dracolich is difficult to destroy. It can be destroyed outright by power word, kill or a similar spell. If its spirit is currently contained in its host, destroying the host when a suitable corpse is not within range effectively destroys the dracolich. Likewise, an active dracolich is unable to attempt further possessions if its host is destroyed. The fate of a disembodied dracolich spirit -- that is, a spirit with no body or host -- is unknown, but it is presumed that it is drawn to the lower planes.
 
   
 
===Habitat/Society===
 
===Habitat/Society===
  +
Green dragons are found in sub-tropical and temperate forests, the older the forest and bigger the trees, the better. The sights and smells of the woods are pleasing to the dragon, and it considers the entire forest or woods its territory. Sometimes the dragon will enter into a relationship with other evil forest-dwelling creatures, which keep the dragon informed about what is going on in the forest and surrounding area in exchange for their lives. If a green dragon lives in a forest on a hillside, it will seek to enslave hill giants, which the dragon considers its greatest enemy. A green dragon makes its lair in underground chambers far beneath its forest.
The creation of a dracolich is a complex process involving the transformation of an evil dragon by arcane magical forces, the most notorious practitioners of which are members of the Cult of the Dragon. The process is usually a cooperative effort between the evil dragon and the wizards, but especially powerful wizards have been known to coerce an evil dragon to undergo the transformation against its will.
 
   
  +
The majority of green dragons encountered will be alone. However, when a mated pair of dragons and their young are encountered, the female will leap to the attack. The male will take the young to a place of safety before joining the fight. The parents are extremely protective of their young, despite their evil nature, and will sacrifice their own lives to save their offspring.
Any evil dragon is a possible candidate for transformation, although old dragons or older with spell-casting abilities are preferred. Once a candidate is secured, the wizards first prepare the dragon's host, an inanimate object that will hold the dragon's life force. The host must be a solid item of not less than 2,000 gp value resistant to decay (wood, for instance, is unsuitable). A gemstone is commonly used for a host, particularly ruby, pearl, carbuncle, and jet, and is often set in the hilt of a sword or other weapon. The host is prepared by casting enchant an item upon it and speaking the name of the evil dragon; the item may resist the spell by successfully saving vs. spell as an 11th-level wizard. If the spell is resisted, another item must be used for the host. If the spell is not resisted, the item can then function as a host. If desired, glassteel can be cast upon the host to protect it.
 
   
 
===Ecology===
Next, a special potion is prepared for the evil dragon to consume. The exact composition of the potion varies according to the age and type of the dragon, but it must contain precisely seven ingredients, among them a potion of evil dragon control, a potion of invulnerability, and the blood of a vampire. When the evil dragon consumes the potion, the results are determined as follows (roll percentile dice):
 
  +
Although green dragons have been known to eat practically anything, including shrubs and small trees when they are hungry enough, they especially prize elves. If the forest is on a hillside, hill giants will hunt the younger dragons, which they consider a delicacy.
   
  +
{| class="article-table"
{|
 
! Roll
+
! Age
  +
! Body<br>Lgt. (')
! Result
 
  +
! Tail<br>Lgt. (')
  +
! AC
  +
! Breath<br>Weapon
  +
! Spells<br>Wizard
  +
! MR
  +
! Treas.<br> Type
  +
! XP<br>Value
 
|-
 
|-
| 01-10
+
| 1
  +
| 2-7
| No effect.
 
  +
| 2-5
  +
| 3
  +
| 2d6+1
  +
| Nil
  +
| Nil
  +
| Nil
  +
| 5,000
 
|-
 
|-
| 11-40
+
| 2
  +
| 7-16
| Potion does not work. The dragon suffers 2d12 points of damage and is helpless with convulsions for 1-2 rounds.
 
  +
| 5-15
  +
| 2
  +
| 4d6+2
  +
| Nil
  +
| Nil
  +
| Nil
  +
| 7,000
 
|-
 
|-
| 41-50
+
| 3
  +
| 16-35
| Potion does not work. The dragon dies. A full wish or similar spell is needed to restore the dragon to life; a wish to transform the dragon into a dracolich results in another roll on this table.
 
  +
| 15-31
  +
| 1
  +
| 6d6+3
  +
| Nil
  +
| Nil
  +
| Nil
  +
| 8,000
 
|-
 
|-
| 51-00
+
| 4
  +
| 35-44
| Potion works.
 
  +
| 31-40
  +
| 0
  +
| 8d6+4
  +
| 1
  +
| Nil
  +
| ½H
  +
| 11,000
  +
|-
  +
| 5
  +
| 44-53
  +
| 40-48
  +
| -1
  +
| 10d6+5
  +
| 2
  +
| 15%
  +
| H
  +
| 13,000
  +
|-
  +
| 6
  +
| 53-62
  +
| 48-56
  +
| -2
  +
| 12d6+6
  +
| 3
  +
| 20%
  +
| H
  +
| 14,000
  +
|-
  +
| 7
  +
| 62-71
  +
| 56-64
  +
| -3
  +
| 14d6+7
  +
| 4
  +
| 25%
  +
| H
  +
| 15,000
  +
|-
  +
| 8
  +
| 71-80
  +
| 64-72
  +
| -4
  +
| 16d6+8
  +
| 4 1
  +
| 30%
  +
| Hx2
  +
| 16,000
  +
|-
  +
| 9
  +
| 80-89
  +
| 72-80
  +
| -5
  +
| 18d6+9
  +
| 4 2
  +
| 40%
  +
| Hx2
  +
| 18,000
  +
|-
  +
| 10
  +
| 89-98
  +
| 80-86
  +
| -6
  +
| 20d6+10
  +
| 4 3
  +
| 45%
  +
| Hx2
  +
| 19,000
  +
|-
  +
| 11
  +
| 98-107
  +
| 86-96
  +
| -7
  +
| 22d6+11
  +
| 4 4
  +
| 50%
  +
| Hx3
  +
| 21,000
  +
|-
  +
| 12
  +
| 107-116
  +
| 96-104
  +
| -8
  +
| 24d6+12
  +
| 5 4
  +
| 55%
  +
| Hx3
  +
| 22,000
 
|}
 
|}
If the potion works, the dragon's spirit transfers to the host, regardless of the distance between the dragon's body and the host. A dim light within the host indicates the presence of the spirit. While contained in the host, the spirit cannot take any actions; it cannot be contacted nor attacked by magic. The spirit can remain in the host indefinitely.
 
 
Once the spirit is contained in the host, the host must be brought within 90 feet of a reptilian corpse; under no circumstances can the spirit possess a living body. The spirit's original body is ideal, but the corpse of any reptilian creature that died or was killed within the previous 30 days is suitable.
 
 
The wizard who originally prepared the host must touch the host, cast a magic jar spell while speaking the name of the dragon, then touch the corpse. The corpse must fail a saving throw vs. spell for the spirit to successfully possess it; if it saves, it will never accept the spirit. The following modifiers apply to the roll:
 
: -10 if the corpse is the spirit's own former body (which can be dead for any length of time).
 
: -4 if the corpse is of the same alignment as the dragon.
 
: -4 if the corpse is that of a true dragon (any type).
 
: -3 if the corpse is that of a firedrake, ice lizard, wyvern, or fire lizard.
 
: -1 if the corpse is that of a dracolisk, dragonne, dinosaur, snake, or other reptile.
 
 
If the corpse accepts the spirit, it becomes animated by the spirit. If the animated corpse is the spirit's former body, it immediately becomes a dracolich; however, it will not regain the use of its voice and breath weapon for another seven days (note that it will not be able to cast spells with verbal components during this time). At the end of seven days, the dracolich regains the use of its voice and breath weapon.
 
 
If the animated corpse is not the spirit's former body, it immediately becomes a proto-dracolich. A proto-dracolich has the mind and memories of its original form, but has the hit points and immunities to spells and priestly turning of a dracolich. A proto-dracolich can neither speak nor cast spells; further, it cannot cause chilling damage, use a breath weapon, or cause fear as a dracolich. Its strength, movement, and Armor Class are those of the possessed body.
 
 
To become a full dracolich, a proto-dracolich must devour at least 10% of its original body. Unless the body has been dispatched to another plane of existence, a proto-dracolich can always sense the presence of its original body, regardless of the distance. A proto-dracolich will tirelessly seek out its original body to the exclusion of all other activities. If its original body has been burned, dismembered, or otherwise destroyed, the proto-dracolich need only devour the ashes or pieces equal to or exceeding 10% of its original body mass (total destruction of the original body is possible only through use of a disintegrate or similar spell; the body could be reconstructed with a wish or similar spell, so long as the spell is cast in the same plane as the disintegration). If a proto-dracolich is unable to devour its original body, it is trapped in its current form until slain.
 
 
A proto-dracolich transforms into a full dracolich within seven days after it devours its original body. When the transformation is complete, the dracolich resembles its original body; it can now speak, cast spells, and employ the breath weapon of its original body, in addition to having all of the abilities of a dracolich.
 
 
The procedure for possessing a new corpse is the same as explained above, except that the assistance of a wizard is no longer necessary (casting magic jar is required only for the first possession). If the spirit successfully re-possesses its original body, it once again becomes a full dracolich. If the spirit possesses a different body, it becomes a proto-dracolich and must devour its former body to become a full dracolich.
 
 
A symbiotic relationship exists between a dracolich and the wizards who create it. The wizards honor and aid their dracolich, as well as providing it with regular offerings of treasure items. In return, the dracolich defends its wizards against enemies and other threats, as well as assisting them in their various schemes. Like dragons, dracoliches are loners, but they take comfort in the knowledge that they have allies.
 
 
Dracoliches are generally found in the same habitats as the dragons from which they were created; dracoliches created from green dragons, for instance, are likely to be found in subtropical and temperate forests. Though they do not live with their wizards, their lairs are never more than a few miles away. Dracoliches prefer darkness and are usually encountered at night, in shadowy forests, or in underground labyrinths.
 
 
===Ecology===
 
Dracoliches are never hungry, but they must eat in order to refuel their breath weapons. Like dragons, dracoliches can consume nearly anything, but prefer the food eaten by their original forms (for instance, if a dracolich was originally a red dragon, it prefers fresh meat). The body of a destroyed dracolich crumbles into a foul-smelling powder within a few hours; this powder can be used by knowledgeable wizards as a component for creating potions of undead control and similar magical substances.
 
   
 
{{MM Monsters}}
 
{{MM Monsters}}

Revision as of 09:03, 8 June 2020

Green dragons are bad tempered, mean, cruel, and rude. They hate goodness and good-aligned creatures. They love intrigue and seek to enslave other woodland creatures, killing those who cannot be controlled or intimidated.

A hatchling green dragon's scales are thin, very small, and a deep shade of green that appears nearly black. As the dragon ages, the scales grow larger and become lighter, turning shades of forest, emerald, and olive green, which helps it blend in with its wooded surroundings. A green dragon's scales never become as thick as other dragons', remaining smooth and flexible.

Green dragons speak their own tongue, a tongue common to all evil dragons, and 12% of hatchling green dragons have an ability to communicate with any intelligent creature. The chance to possess this ability increases 5% per age category of the dragon.

Combat

Green dragons initiate fights with little or no provocation, picking on creatures of any size. If the target creature intrigues the dragon or appears to be difficult to deal with, the dragon will stalk the creature, using its environment for cover, until it determines the best time to strike and the most appropriate tactics to use. If the target appears formidable, the dragon will first attack with its breath weapon, magical abilities, and spells. However, if the target appears weak, the dragon will make its presence known quickly for it enjoys evoking terror in its targets. When the dragon has tired of this game, it will bring down the creature using its physical attacks so the fight lasts longer and the creature's agony is prolonged.

Sometimes, the dragon elects to control a creature, such as a human or demi-human, through intimidation and suggestion. Green dragons like to question men, especially adventurers, to learn more about their society, abilities, what is going on in the countryside, and if there is treasure nearby.

Breath weapon/special abilities: A green dragon's breath weapon is a cloud of poisonous chlorine gas that is 50' long, 40' wide, and 30 feet high. Creatures within the cloud may save versus breath weapon for half damage. A green dragon casts its spells at 6th level, adjusted by its combat modifier.

From birth, green dragons are immune to gasses. As they age, they gain the following additional powers:

Juvenile: water breathing.
Adult: suggestion once a day.
Mature adult: warp wood three times a day.
Old: plant growth once a day.
Very old: entangle once a day.
Wyrm: pass without trace three times a day.

Habitat/Society

Green dragons are found in sub-tropical and temperate forests, the older the forest and bigger the trees, the better. The sights and smells of the woods are pleasing to the dragon, and it considers the entire forest or woods its territory. Sometimes the dragon will enter into a relationship with other evil forest-dwelling creatures, which keep the dragon informed about what is going on in the forest and surrounding area in exchange for their lives. If a green dragon lives in a forest on a hillside, it will seek to enslave hill giants, which the dragon considers its greatest enemy. A green dragon makes its lair in underground chambers far beneath its forest.

The majority of green dragons encountered will be alone. However, when a mated pair of dragons and their young are encountered, the female will leap to the attack. The male will take the young to a place of safety before joining the fight. The parents are extremely protective of their young, despite their evil nature, and will sacrifice their own lives to save their offspring.

Ecology

Although green dragons have been known to eat practically anything, including shrubs and small trees when they are hungry enough, they especially prize elves. If the forest is on a hillside, hill giants will hunt the younger dragons, which they consider a delicacy.

Age Body
Lgt. (')
Tail
Lgt. (')
AC Breath
Weapon
Spells
Wizard
MR Treas.
Type
XP
Value
1 2-7 2-5 3 2d6+1 Nil Nil Nil 5,000
2 7-16 5-15 2 4d6+2 Nil Nil Nil 7,000
3 16-35 15-31 1 6d6+3 Nil Nil Nil 8,000
4 35-44 31-40 0 8d6+4 1 Nil ½H 11,000
5 44-53 40-48 -1 10d6+5 2 15% H 13,000
6 53-62 48-56 -2 12d6+6 3 20% H 14,000
7 62-71 56-64 -3 14d6+7 4 25% H 15,000
8 71-80 64-72 -4 16d6+8 4 1 30% Hx2 16,000
9 80-89 72-80 -5 18d6+9 4 2 40% Hx2 18,000
10 89-98 80-86 -6 20d6+10 4 3 45% Hx2 19,000
11 98-107 86-96 -7 22d6+11 4 4 50% Hx3 21,000
12 107-116 96-104 -8 24d6+12 5 4 55% Hx3 22,000

Template:MM Monsters