The Cyclopedia of Common Animals

I received my proof copies for print versions yesterday. While I thought the covers looked fantastic, there were issues with the interior. Specifically, some of the illustrations which used transparencies printed instead like photographic negatives, with the transparent portions appearing black.

I spent a good part of yesterday resolving the issues, creating new interior files, and uploading them to DriveThruRPG. As a result, though, I have to delay making print copies available until the proofs arrive. Hopefully, they will be beautiful and I can enable print then. It looks like another 2-3 weeks.

In the meantime, I have reduced the price on the pdf by $5.00 (to $7.50) until print is available. A little incentive to get this puppy into your hands as soon as possible!

I appreciate your support.

Let’s Convert the Monster Manual: Finishing the “D”s: Dragon Turtle, Dragonne, Dryad, and Dwarf

I am well aware that demons, devils, and dragons are useful when devising adventures, but they are less interesting to convert than the monsters remaining in the original Monster Manual. Part of this is simply because there are procedural ways to generate demons and dragons in DCC, so conversion is largely using these methods and tweaking the results to better match the original vision.

We are now about a third of the way through the monster content of this book. If that doesn’t seem like much to you, allow me to say that it seems like a lot to me.

I never used a dragon turtle in 1e, but I have used the 3e version when playtesting my own fantasy heartbreaker before settling on DCC. The DCC dragon generator allows for “turtle-like” dragons and steam breath weapons, but I am going to build my version from scratch, using the Cyclopedia of Common Animals turtles as a basis. Again, I have my eye on an eventual monster book.

I have used the 1e dryad, but AD&D’s wargaming roots show here with a creature that is a bit off to me. It is difficult to articulate exactly why, because the Monster Manual dryad isn’t really a fighter. I have included similar beings in Through the Dragonwall, and beings with a similar effect in The Revelation of Mulmo, and my goal here is to rewrite them in order to create a more fey version. In fact, though, my version is more deadly, so maybe I am completely off-base here.

Dwarves are, of course, to be found in the core rulebook, but there is no “Men and Magicians” type listing for them, so we will try to fix that here.

Dragon Turtle: Init +0; Atk bite +7 melee (1d12) or breath weapon; AC 17; HD 7d8+28; MV 10’ or swim 70’; Act 1d20; SP breath weapon (3/day, 60’ cone of steam with 20’ base, 3d8 damage, Fort DC 15 for half), capsize; SV Fort +12, Ref +0, Will +7; AL N.

Dragon turtles are highly evolved, and intelligent, reptiles, which usually inhabit desolate coastal regions but sometimes are found in large lakes. Although they prefer warm seas, they can be found in colder waters because they have their own internal heat. Some sages speculate that dragon turtles are, in fact, descended from dragons, and it is true that they have some draconic tendencies. Like dragons, dragon turtles collect and hoard treasure. Often this comes from wrecked ships, but a dragon turtle sometimes demands a toll for passage in its waters, and it has the ability to capsize even small merchant vessels (20% chance) if its demands are not met, and correspondingly smaller vessels are likewise easier for the creature to overturn.

Not every dragon turtle is the same. Roll 1d14:

1-7          No special abilities.

8              Dragon turtle can cast spells as a level 1d3 cleric.

9-10       Dragon turtle can cast spells as a level 1d5 wizard, and may be a source of spell knowledge for the spells it can cast.

11           Dragon turtle is bigger, gaining 2d4 additional Hit Dice. For every full 2 Hit Dice it increases, its attack rolls and saves gain a +1 bonus. For every 3 full Hit Dice it increases, its AC gains a +2 bonus. For every 4 full Hit Dice it increases, it gains another die of damage for its bite and breath weapon, and the save DC against its breath weapon is increased by +2.

12           Dragon turtle has legs like a snapping turtle rather than flippers like a sea turtle. Its land movement increases by +1d3 x 10’, but its swim speed decreases by the same amount.

13           Dragon turtle can pull in its limbs and eject steam from its shell, allowing it to fly with a move speed of 1d6 x 10’.

14           Roll twice and keep both results.

Dragonne: Init +3; Atk claw +6 melee (1d6+5) or bite +3 melee (1d8+3); AC 17; HD 9d8; MV 40’ or fly 60’; Act 3d20; SP roar; SV Fort +7, Ref +4, Will +4; AL N.

A gigantic lion with dragon-like scales and wings, a dragonne can use an action die to roar. All within 120’ must succeed in a DC 15 Will save or be weakened, suffering a -1d3 penalty to all Strength-based checks, melee attacks, and melee damage. Creatures within 30’ must also succeed in a DC 15 Fort save or be deafened for 2d6 hours.

Dryad: Init +2; Atk staff +1 melee (1d4) or short bow +3 ranged (1d6); AC 13; HD 2d6; MV 30’; Act 2d20; SP linked tree, tree walking, charm; SV Fort +2, Ref +5, Will +2; AL N.

All trees have spirits residing within them, but not all of these spirits can manifest themselves in the Fields We Know. Dryads, or hamadryads, are female spirits which reside within, and are linked to, oak trees. Not all oaks contain dryads, but any living oak tree might, and these beings are respected and feared by the common folk.

Oak trees hate humankind, and will revenge their slain kith if they can. Dryads can pass into and out of their tree at will, and can emerge from or travel via any oak tree within 100 yards of their linked tree. This linkage is so great that, should a dryad be forced to travel more than 300 yards from her linked tree, both she and the oak will wither and die in 1d6 weeks unless she returns. Likewise, if either the dryad is slain or the oak tree cut down, the other will wither and die in 1d6 days.

Dryads defend their trees with flint-tipped arrows and oaken staves, but they are seldom seen by groups of folk unless their trees are threatened. Solitary folk who speak with a dryad are charmed by the creature (as charm person, result 18-19) unless they succeed in a DC 15 Will save. These people are sometimes taken as lovers, disappearing from the lands we know for some time, but more often they are used as agents to protect or avenge the woodlands who are able to travel further than the dryads dare.

If a charmed person is taken as a lover, roll 1d7 + Luck modifier to determine how long they remain in the dryad’s abode:

1 or less      The lover never returns.

2-3              1d4 centuries in the Fields We Know, and the
                    lover ages 1d4 decades in the process.

4                  1d4 years.

5                  1d4 days.

6                  1d4 hours in the Fields We Know, but for the 
                     lover 1d4 years has passed.

7                  1d4 hours.

8 or more    1d4 hours, and the dryad grants their lover some boon or gift
                    (per judge).

Dwarven Commoner: Init +0; Atk staff +0 melee (1d4); AC 10; HD 1d4; MV 20’; Act 1d20; SP 60’ infravision; SV Fort +0, Ref +0, Will +0; AL L.

Dwarven Miner: Init +0; Atk pick +0 melee (1d6); AC 10; HD 1d6; MV 20’; Act 1d20; SP 60’ infravision; SV Fort +1, Ref +0, Will +0; AL L.

Dwarven Smith: Init +2; Atk hammer +2 melee (1d4+2); AC 10; HD 3d6; MV 20’; Act 1d20; SP 60’ infravision; SV Fort +2, Ref +1, Will +0; AL L.

Dwarven Master Smith: Init +3; Atk hammer +4 melee (1d4+3); AC 12; HD 6d6; MV 20’; Act 1d20; SP magic item creation, 60’ infravision; SV Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +4; AL L.

Dwarven master smiths are able to create magical armor, weapons, and metalwork as though they had the appropriate spells.

Dwarven Warrior: Init +0; Atk hand axe +2 melee (1d6+2) and shield bash +2 melee (1d3+2); AC 16; HD 1d10; MV 15’; Act 1d20 + 1d14; SP shield bash uses 1d14 action die; 60’ infravision; SV Fort +1, Ref +1, Will +1; AL L.

The average dwarven warrior wears chainmail and shield, and is armed with a hand axe.

Dwarven Lord: Init +2; Atk battleaxe +3 melee (1d10+3); AC 15; HD 3d10; MV 15’; Act 1d20; SP 60’ infravision; SV Fort +2, Ref +1, Will +1; AL L.

Dwarven King: Init +2; Atk short sword +3 melee (1d6+3); AC 15; HD 5d10; MV 15’; Act 1d20; SP 60’ infravision; SV Fort +3, Ref +1, Will +3; AL L.

These statistics may be used to represent average dwarves. If the judge wishes to differentiate mountain dwarves from those from mere hilly regions, they may allow mountain dwarves a +1 bonus to Fort saves and +1 hp per Hit Die.

Let’s Convert the Monster Manual: Tiamat, the Chromatic Dragon

Dungeon Crawl Classics doesn’t use the chromatic and metallic scheme of devising dragons which is prevalent in Dungeons & Dragons as well as in the original Monster Manual. When converting materials from D&D to DCC, I have found that completely reworking dragons into their DCC versions is the best policy. Sometimes, however, you might want to retain the original version more closely to match an environment, the dragon’s allies, or the tone of a module or module series. In converting the “name” dragons, players and judges should remember that DCC dragons are not the same as D&D dragons.

I do not believe that I ever used Tiamat as a DM, but I did encounter her once as a player. A friend of mine wanted to try DMing, and he wanted to start with a high-level game, giving us an XP budget to purchase levels and magic items, and allowing us to choose our own spells. I cautioned him against this, as the complexity of such a game and understanding just what high-powered 1e character could do (especially using Unearthed Arcana), but he forged ahead. In his mind, we would go on a grand campaign to defeat Tiamat. In reality, we went directly to her lair where, before she could act her consorts were all dead and she was nearly so. The combat, as I recall it, lasted one round, culminating in a retributive strike that killed Tiamat but which my wizard survived.

Good times. It was fun, but the DM was left stunned.

The dragon generator at Purple Sorcerer Games is highly recommended in this regard.

Tiamat, the Chromatic Dragon: Init +19; Atk claw +20 melee (1d8) or bite +20 melee (1d12) or tail slap +20 melee (1d20) or breath weapon or spell; AC 29; HD 19d12 (128 hp); MV 80’ or fly 160’; Act 8d20; SP breath weapon (1/day, cone of acid 40’ long with 20’ base, damage equal to Tiamat’s hit points, Fort DC 29 half), breath weapon (1/day, electricity, 1d4 line arcs 3d6 x 10’ long, damage equal to Tiamat’s hit points, Ref DC 29 half), breath weapon (1/day, cloud of poison gas 30’ radius up to 90’ away, Fort DC 29 or die), breath weapon (1/day, line of fire 120’ long and 10’ wide, damage equal to Tiamat’s hit points, Ref DC 29 half), breath weapon (1/day, cone of cold 60’ long with 20’ base, damage equal to Tiamat’s hit points, Fort DC 29 half), independent heads, retinue, frightful presence (Will DC 29 or flee in terror 1d4 turns), planar travel, devilish regeneration; SV Fort +19, Ref +19, Will +19; AL C.

Spells (+12 to spell check): (black) choking cloud, color spray, (blue) detect invisible, detect magic, (green) dispel magic, gust of wind, (red) lightning bolt, magic shield, (white) mirror image, and planar step.

Tiamat lairs upon a hell-plane which it is said she rules, and there she spawns evil chromatic dragons with her constant paramours – one of each chromatic dragon type, each of whom are among the most powerful of their kind. Tiamat has five heads, one for each type of evil chromatic dragon, each with its own breath weapon. The color of each head runs the length of their respective necks and into the forepart of Tiamat’s body as stripes, gradually blending over her back.

Tiamat’s heads can act or be targeted independently, taking 26 hit points of damage each before being put out of commission, but this damage does not affect her body. Each of Tiamat’s heads can cast two spells, as indicated above. When a given head is out of commission, she can no longer cast the associated spells. Because of this, Tiamat does not have an additional action die for spells, but must give up a bite attack for each spell she wishes to cast.

Tiamat can travel the planes noncorporeally at will, but if all heads are put out of commission, or her body is reduced to 50 hp or less, she is banished back to her own plane. While in this hell-plane, she regenerates all damage within 24 hours. Only if reduced to 0 hp in her own lair can Tiamat be truly destroyed.

Tiamat exemplifies the arrogance and greed of the worst of dragonkind. She hates all good as fiercely as she loves cruelty, and those who wish to obtain a patron bond with her must first convince an evil chromatic dragon to tutor them in the specifics of the ceremony. Both the dragon tutor and Tiamat will demand much treasure for this consideration, and none may bond with the chromatic dragon without undertaking 1d4+1 quests on her behalf. For her part, Tiamat hopes the weak and foolish will destroy themselves, leaving only the strongest to toil on her behalf.

Invoke Patron check results:

12-13     The insignificance of the caster causes Tiamat to barely pay attention to the invocation. She restores one lost spell to the caster’s mind before turning her attention elsewhere.

14-17     The caster breathes a cone of cold 40’ long with a 10’ base, causing 1d6 + CL damage to all creatures caught within it (Fort save DC 15 for half).

18-19     The caster breathes lightning in 1d4 lines, each 2d6 x 10’ long and 2’ wide. Any creature caught by these lines takes 2d7 + CL damage (Reflex DC 15 for half).

20-23     The caster spits a gout of acid in a 60’ cone with a 30’ base. All creatures in this area take 3d8 + CL damage (Fort DC 20 for half). Worse, any creature that fails this save takes an additional 1d8 damage each round for 1d6 rounds, as the acid eats into their flesh.

24-27     The caster breathes a 20’ diameter cloud of poisonous gas up to 20’ away. Any creature caught within this cloud, which persists 1d6 rounds, must succeed in a DC 20 Fort save or die.

28-29     The caster feels fire inside their lungs, and gains the ability to breathe fire in a 60’ cone with a 20’ base. The caster gains 1d5 +CL d10 for damage, and can divide those up however they desire, so long as at least 1d10 damage is done. The caster can breathe fire so long as they have any dice left for damage. When all the dice are used, the burning sensation is gone, and the caster can no longer use this ability. Every creature caught by the cones of fire takes damage (Reflex DC 25 for half).

30-31     The caster gains a pool of 5d5 +CL d12 which can be used to harness breath weapons. Each time  the caster decides to use a breath weapon, they must decide how many dice from the pool to use for damage, and then roll 1d5 to determine the form that the breath weapon takes. Every creature caught in the breath weapon is affected. When all the dice are used, the caster can no longer use this ability.

To determine the form of the breath weapon, roll 1d5: (1) cone of acid 40’ long with 20’ base, Fort DC 30 for half damage, (2), 1d4 line arcs of electricity, 1d6 x 10’ long each, Reflex DC 30 for half damage, (3), cloud of poison gas 20’ radius up to 10’ away, no damage (dice committed are lost) but Fort DC 30 or die, (4), line of fire 60’ long and 10’ wide, Reflex DC 30 for half damage, or (5) cone of cold 60’ long with 20’ base, Fort DC 30 for half damage.

32+         Tiamat transforms the caster instantly into a chromatic dragon. Roll 1d6 for type: (1) black, (2) blue, (3) green, (4) red, (5) white, or (6) allows caster to choose. The caster gains the attacks (including the action dice needed to use them, but not attack modifiers), AC, movement, save Reflex and Fortitude save modifiers, and breath weapon of the dragon type, but no additional abilities. The caster may still use spells as normal.

                This transformation lasts until the caster wills it to cease. Within the first CL hours, the caster may simply choose to end the transformation. Thereafter, the caster must succeed in a Will save to do so (DC 5 + full days spent in draconic form). Failure means that the caster cannot end the transformation that day.

If the caster ever rolls a natural “1” on this save, or if the DC is allowed to rise to 35, the caster completes transformation into a dragon of that type. Their old life and memories fall away and they become NPC monsters under the control of the judge. Should the caster’s companions be present when this occurs, things will probably take a turn for the worse.

Let’s Convert the Monster Manual: Bahamut, King of the Good Dragons

Dungeon Crawl Classics doesn’t use the chromatic and metallic scheme of devising dragons which is prevalent in Dungeons & Dragons as well as in the original Monster Manual. When converting materials from D&D to DCC, I have found that completely reworking dragons into their DCC versions is the best policy. Sometimes, however, you might want to retain the original version more closely to match an environment, the dragon’s allies, or the tone of a module or module series.

In converting the “name” dragons, players and judges should remember that DCC dragons are not the same as D&D dragons. I cannot recall ever using Bahamut when DMing, but then D&D doesn’t have the snazzy patron rules that DCC does, which allows even the most potent entities to have a meaningful “presence” in the game world. What’s more, stipulations for forming the patron bond even allowed me to include reasons to seek out other D&D-style metallic dragons.

As a (perhaps) interesting side note, the original 4e version of Dragora’s Dungeon made use of the chromatic dragon coding, and included images of Tiamat. When I did the DCC conversion for that, I invented the dragon-god Baphotet Kor to take Tiamat’s place. I was intentionally trying to sound pseudo-Mesopotamian to resonate with the original source, and “Baphotet” was intended to invoke “Bahamut” in the reader’s mind. Of course, this entity was very different from either named dragon in the Monster Manual, and became one of the driving catalysts behind the situation in Through the Dragonwall.

The dragon generator at Purple Sorcerer Games is highly recommended in this regard.

Bahamut, the Platinum Dragon: Init +22; Atk claw +23 melee (1d8) or bite +23 melee (1d12) or tail slap +23 melee (1d20) or wing buffet +23 melee (2d12) or breath weapon or spell; AC 32; HD 22d12 (168 hp); MV 80’ or fly 160’; Act 8d20 or 1d24 (spells); SP breath weapon (2/day, cone of cold 60’ long with a 40’ base, damage equal to Bahamut’s hp, Fort DC 32 for half), breath weapon (2/day, cloud of gas 50’ diameter up to 120’ away, Will DC 32 or become gaseous for 3d6 hours), breath weapon (2/day, cone of sonic vibration 60’ long with a 40’ base, damage equal to Bahamut’s hp, Fort DC 32 for half, disintegrates objects and beings at 0 hp), shapechange, retinue, travel noncorporeally and to other planes at will, spellcasting; SV Fort +22, Ref +22, Will +22; AL L.

          Spells (+14 to spell check): Banish, blessing, breathe life, cantrip, charm person, comprehend languages, detect evil, detect invisible, detect magic, dispel magic, food of the gods, gust of wind, holy sanctuary, knock, locate object, magic shield, neutralize poison or disease, planar step, protection from evil, read magic, remove curse, restore vitality, second sight, shatter, sleep, turn to stone, ward portal, and word of command.

The King of Good dragons, Bahamut the platinum dragon, dwells in a great fortified palace behind the east wind. Sages argue that his palace is on the elemental plane of air or some plane betwixt it and the various Heavens, but none may say with certainty save Bahamut and his court.

At times Bahamut roams the earth, aiding mortals of good will and punishing those who displease him. He often travels in human guise, but he may take any shape he chooses. Seven huge ancient gold dragons of highest abilities and loyalty serve as guards, companions, and advisors to Bahamut, and he is seldom without them.  One story tells of a sage tells of encountering an old hermit, with seven canaries singing sweetly as they flitted nearby. The sage relates that he would never have known that he was the platinum dragon in disguise except that a group of ogre and trolls happened by much to their sorrow….

The ceremony to bond with Bahamut must take place in the lair of a good metallic dragon, and must be under that dragon’s tutelage. In DCC, dragon alignment is not color-coded, so the would-be client wizard must take great care to ensure that the dragon they approach falls under the platinum dragon’s suzerainty. Not all good dragons recognize Bahamut as their ruler, and not all metallic dragons in DCC are good. As well, Bahamut only takes lawful client wizards of good moral character, so that more than one would-be client has been rejected by the King of Good Dragons. Even should these hazards be overcome, the tutor dragon will almost always desire some goodly reward for their service.

Invoke Patron check results:

12-13     The platinum dragon is busy elsewhere, but the caster sprouts metallic scales which grant some bonus to AC. Roll 1d5: (1) Brass scales (+1 AC), (2) Bronze scales (+2 AC), (3) Copper scales (+2 AC), (4) Silver scales (+3 AC), or (5) Gold scales (+1 AC). After 1d6 rounds the scales dissipate and are gone.

14-17     The caster breathes sonic energy at a single foe within 60 feet. The target takes 3d6 + CL damage (Fort save DC 15 for half).

18-19     Bahamut’s protection causes the caster to grow platinum scales, granting a +4 bonus to AC and Fort saves for 1d3 + CL turns. During this time, if struck by a critical hit, the caster may choose to reduce the protective bonus by +1 in order to avoid the critical effect (but not the normal damage) of the attack. This decision must be made before the exact result of the critical effect is determined. When the duration ends, or the bonus is reduced to +0, the scales evaporate and are gone.

20-23     Bahamut sends an average brass, bronze, or copper dragon (equal chance of each) to aid the caster. It takes 1d6 minutes for the dragon to arrive, and it leaves in 1d6 + CL rounds or until the current situation is resolved (whichever is longer). The dragon is free-willed and, while it will do its best to aid the caster, it also has the personality and temperament of its kind. The judge is encouraged to have these dragons be persistent individuals if they are sent to aid the caster more than once.

24-27     Sending divine power to aid the caster, Bahamut heals the caster and 1d5 + CL allies within 100’. All hit point damage is healed, poisons are neutralized, diseases are cured, and broken bones are fully and properly damaged without lowering any ability scores. Ability score damage is also healed, unless it is permanent or the result of spellburn. Further, the caster and affected allies gain a +2 bonus to AC and all saves for the next 1d3 + CL turns. 

28-29     Bahamut sends an average silver dragon to aid the caster. It takes 1d6 rounds for the dragon to arrive, and it leaves in 1d6 + CL turns or until the current situation is resolved (whichever is longer). The dragon is free-willed and, while it will do its best to aid the caster, it also has the personality and temperament of its kind. The judge is encouraged to have this dragons be a persistent individual if they are sent to aid the caster more than once.

30-31     Bahamut sends an average gold dragon to aid the caster. It arrives instantly, and it leaves in 1d6 + CL hours or until the current situation is resolved (whichever is longer). The dragon is free-willed and, while it will do its best to aid the caster, it also has the personality and temperament of its kind. The judge is encouraged to have this dragons be a persistent individual if they are sent to aid the caster more than once.

32+         Bahamut instantly transports the caster and all allies to his palace behind the east wind. There 3d30 days pass while wounds are healed, spells restored, and plans can be made with the benefit of the best advice. Thereafter, Bahamut casts blessing and protection from evil on the caster and whichever allies the spell result will allow before returning them to the exact time and place they came from.

Let’s Convert the Monster Manual: Metallic Dragons

Dungeon Crawl Classics doesn’t use the chromatic and metallic scheme of devising dragons which is prevalent in Dungeons & Dragons as well as in the original Monster Manual. When converting materials from D&D to DCC, I have found that completely reworking dragons into their DCC versions is the best policy. Sometimes, however, you might want to retain the original version more closely to match an environment, the dragon’s allies, or the tone of a module or module series.

Therefore, I am presenting average specimens of the metallic dragons in DCC terms, similar to what I did for the chromatic dragons. Regardless of alignment, all metallic dragons are good.

The dragon generator at Purple Sorcerer Games is highly recommended in this regard.

In my experience good-aligned dragons are used less often than adversarial (evil) ones. The obvious exception to this is the dragon that appears to be some vulnerable NPC, which is there just to teach the PCs a much-needed lesson in humility. To my mind, this is somewhat unfortunate, as trying to depict a monster’s point of view is one of the joys of role-playing.

Interestingly enough, the gold dragon is the only non-unique dragon in the original Monster Manual not to have a Latinate name. I have fixed that here.

Brass Dragon: Init +7; Atk claw +8 melee (1d8) or bite +8 melee (1d12) or breath weapon or spell; AC 17; HD 7d12; MV 50’ or fly 100’; Act 3d20 plus 1d16 (spells); SP breath weapon (3/day, 60’ cone of sleep gas with 20’ base, Fort DC 17 or fall into deep sleep for 2d6 turns), breath weapon (3/day, 20’ diameter cloud of fear gas up to 30’ away, Will DC 17 or flee in terror for 2d6 rounds), spellcasting (1d16+4, spells: enlarge, invoke patron, Nythuul's porcupine coat, and mirror image); SV Fort +7, Ref +7, Will +7; AL C.

The highly intelligent brass dragon (draco impudentus gallus) inhabits cavernous lairs in sandy desert regions. Quite forward by nature, and both selfish and greedy to boot, brass dragons love to converse with other creatures. When suitably flattered, they remember their better nature most of the time.

Bronze Dragon: Init +8; Atk claw +9 melee (1d8) or bite +9 melee (1d12) or tail slap +9 melee (1d20) or breath weapon or spell; AC 18; HD 8d12; MV 50’ or fly 100’; Act 4d20 plus 1d20 (spells); SP breath weapon (3/day, 1d4 forks of electricity 3d6x 10’ long, damage equal to hp, DC 18 Reflex for half), breath weapon (3/day, repulsion gas cloud 30’ diameter up to 60’ away, DC 20 Will or be pushed directly away from dragon 1d6 x 10’ per round for 1d6 rounds), dive bomb attack (from air, +4 to hit and +1d8 damage, claws and bite only), shapechange (animal shape), amphibious, spellcasting (1d20+4, spells: locate object, magic shield, and ropework); SV Fort +8, Ref +8, Will +8; AL L.

The rare bronze dragons (draco gerus bronzo) prefer to dwell in subterranean lairs near substantial bodies of water such as lakes or seas. Despite their love of wealth, bronze dragons are basically of beneficent nature. They often assume the form of some animal in order to observe the affairs of humans.

Copper Dragon: Init +6; Atk claw +7 melee (1d8) or bite +7 melee (1d12) or breath weapon; AC 16; HD 6d12; MV 50’ or fly 100’; Act 3d20; SP breath weapon (3/day, 60’ line of acid, damage equal to h
p, DC 16 Reflex for half), breath weapon (3/day, slowing gas up to 90’away, 1d3 x 10’ radius, DC 16 Fort or move speed and actions are halved for 1d6 minutes), poison (DC 16 Fort or 2d4Stamina damage), clear passage; SV Fort +6, Ref +6, Will +6; AL C.

The highly intelligent copper dragon (draco comes stabuli) is unfortunately rather selfish and greedy, so that their better nature is sometimes forgotten when a chance to gain treasure arises. They prefer to inhabit arid rocky regions in warmer climes, where they lair in caverns or caves if they can.

Gold Dragon: Init +12; Atk claw +13 melee (1d8) or bite +13 melee (1d12) or tail slap +13 melee (1d20) or breath weapon or spell; AC 22; HD 12d12; MV 50’ or fly 100’; Act 4d20 plus 1d24 (spells); SP breath weapon (3/day, 90’ cone of fire with 30’ base, damage equal to hp, DC 22 Reflex for half), breath weapon (3/day, cloud of poison gas up to 100’away, 1d3 x 10’ radius, 1d4 Stamina damage plus DC 22 Fort or additional damage equal to dragon’s hp), bless 1/day, shapechange (human or animal form), spellcasting (1d24+6, spells: chill touch, choking cloud, color spray, comprehend languages, ropework, and ward portal); SV Fort +12, Ref +12, Will +12; AL L.

The noble gold dragon (draco nobilis aurum) is wingless, but able to fly due to a special organ in its brain.

These dragons are geniuses, able to speak 1d5 languages (determined randomly, as wizards) in addition to the common and dragonic tongues. They average 1d8+50 feet long, and rarely sleep. Gold dragons are able to dwell in any climate, but their lairs are always of solid stone – whether a cave or a castle. Although they love precious metals and gems and use jewels and pearls as nourishment, all gold dragons are just and good, and do not allow greed to reduce them to ignoble actions.

Gold dragons are able to assume the form of animals or humanity, and when encountered are typically disguised as such. When they encounter good beings of noble purpose, they are able to bless one creature each day, granting them a +1 bonus to all rolls for 24 hours.

Silver Dragon: Init +10; Atk claw +11 melee (1d8) or bite +11 melee (1d12) or tail slap +11 melee (1d20) or wing buffer +11 melee (2d12) or breath weapon or spell; AC 20; HD 10d12; MV 50’ or fly 100’; Act 6d20 plus 1d20 (spells); SP breath weapon (3/day, 1d6 x 10’ cone of cold with 1d4 x 10’ base, damage equal to hp, DC 20 Fort for half), breath weapon (30’ cloud of paralyzing gas up to 90’ away, DC 20 Fort or paralyzed 1d6 minutes), shapechange (human or animal), immunity to cold, spellcasting (1d20+6, spells: charm person, feather fall, force manipulation, haste, invisibility, and locate object); SV Fort +10, Ref +10, Will +10; AL L.

Silver dragon (draco nobilis argentum) can sometimes be found on mountain peaks, cloud islands, and similar locations, Some sages claim that they can be found dwelling behind the winds and in the home of the King of Good Dragons as well. They can take the shapes of animals or humans, often appearing as kindly old men or fair damsels in the latter form.

Let’s Convert the Monster Manual: Chromatic Dragons

Dungeon Crawl Classics doesn’t use the chromatic and metallic scheme of devising dragons which is prevalent in Dungeons & Dragons as well as in the original Monster Manual. When converting materials from D&D to DCC, I have found that completely reworking dragons into their DCC versions is the best policy. Sometimes, however, you might want to retain the original version more closely to match an environment, the dragon’s allies, or the tone of a module or module series.

Therefore, I am presenting average specimens of the chromatic dragons in DCC terms, to be followed by the metallic and named dragons in later posts. Of course, I am intentionally modifying these creatures to be more in line with their source, while trying to make the resultant dragon work within its revised form. Regardless of alignment, all chromatic dragons are thoroughly evil.

The dragon generator at Purple Sorcerer Games is highly recommended in this regard.

Black Dragon: Init +9; Atk claw +10 melee (1d8) or bite +10 melee (1d12) or breath weapon; AC 19; HD 9d12; MV 50’ or fly 100’; Act 3d20; SP breath weapon (3/day, 60’ line of acid, damage equal to hp, DC 19 Reflex for half), charm reptiles (DC 19 Will negates), amphibious; SV Fort +9, Ref +9, Will +9; AL C.

The average black dragon (draco causticus sputern) is 30 feet long, dwelling in miasmal swamps or marshes, where they spend half their time sleeping. Roughly 30% of these dragons are capable of speech, and of those 10% know 1d4 random 1st level wizard spells, and can cast them with an extra d16 action die for this purpose, gaining a +3 bonus on the spell check.

Although they sometimes inhabit deep, dark caves, black dragons prefer locations where their reptilian allies and ability to breathe water as well as air lend them a tactical advantage. Fortunately, they are no smarter than the average human.

Blue Dragon: Init +10; Atk claw +11 melee (1d8) or bite +11 melee (1d12) or tail slap +11 melee (1d20) or dust cloud or breath weapon or spell; AC 20; HD 10d12; MV 50’ or fly 100’; Act 4d20 plus 1d20 (spells); SP breath weapon (3/day, 1d4 forks of electricity 3d6x 10’ long, damage equal to hp, DC 20 Reflex for half), dust cloud (1/turn), immunity to electrical and force damage, spellcasting (1d20+4, spells: magic shield, sleep, and ward portal); SV Fort +10, Ref +10, Will +10; AL L.

Blue dragons (draco electricus) prefer deserts and arid lands, lairing in vast cave or underground cavern complex. Blue dragons are awake 70% of the time. They are very intelligent, and their lawful nature allows them to control other creatures through fear and intimidation, so that even when a blue dragon is asleep its lair is almost constantly guarded.

When flying where sand or grit makes it possible, a blue dragon is capable of using two action dice to stir up a cloud of dust and sand 50’ wide at base and up to 10’ tall. Targets within suffocate (DC 20 Fort save or 1d4 Stamina loss per round), lasting 1d4+1 rounds.

Green Dragon: Init +6; Atk claw +7 melee (1d8) or bite +7 melee (1d12) or poisoned barbed tail +7 melee (1d20 plus poison) or breath weapon; AC 16; HD 6d12; MV 50’ or fly 100’; Act 4d20; SP breath weapon (3/day, poison cloud up to 90’away, 1d3 x 10’ radius, 1d3 Stamina damage plus DC 16 Fort or additional 1d6 Stamina damage), poison (DC 16 Fort or 2d4Stamina damage), clear passage; SV Fort +6, Ref +6, Will +6; AL L.

The green dragon (draco chlorinous nauseous respiratorus) is thankfully rare. They sleep 40% of the time, and are capable of speech 45% of the time. Most are no more intelligent than the average human, but 20% also have 1d3 levels in the wizard class (with all that entails).

Green dragons prefer underground lairs in or near wild, bleak forests of the bleaker wilder sort if possible. They are very nasty tempered, thoroughly evil, and resentful of any intrusion into their privacy. They can pass through vegetation without leaving any trace at will.

Red Dragon: Init +12; Atk claw +13 melee (1d8 plus snatch) or bite +13 melee (1d12) or tail slap +13 melee (1d20) or wing buffer +13 melee (2d12) or breath weapon or spell; AC 22; HD 12d12; MV 50’ or fly 100’; Act 6d20 plus 1d20 (spells); SP breath weapon (3/day, 90’ cone of fire with 30’ base, damage equal to hp, DC 22 Reflex for half), snatch, hypnotic stare (DC 22 Will negates), immunity to fire, spellcasting (1d20+6, spells: charm person, detect magic, detect invisible, and shatter); SV Fort +12, Ref +12, Will +12; AL C.

Red dragons (draco conflagratio horriblis) are exceptionally intelligent, and large for their size category at an average of 48’ long. They are usually found dwelling in great hills or mountainous regions, in caves or subterranean ruins whenever possible. They are very greedy, and seldom caught sleeping (20%).

On a successful claw attack, a red dragon snatches its target and automatically delivers 1d6 crushing damage each round. If flying, the dragon can drop the grabbed target from any height, causing 1d6 damage per 10’ fallen. Snatched creatures can attempt to escape with a DC 22 Strength check. While a creature is snatched, the dragon cannot use that claw or its associated action die.

Red dragons can also hypnotize targets with their gaze. A red dragon can gaze into the eyes of one target per round by using one action die to do so. A creature that meets the dragon’s gaze must make a DC 22 Will save or stand stupefied as long as the dragon holds its gaze.

White Dragon: Init +5; Atk claw +6 melee (1d8) or bite +6 melee (1d12) or breath weapon; AC 15; HD 5d12; MV 50’ or fly 100’; Act 3d20; SP breath weapon (3/day, 1d6 x 10’ cone of cold with 1d4 x 10’ bade, damage equal to hp, DC 15 Fort for half), ice-walking, immunity to cold; SV Fort +5, Ref +5, Will +5; AL C.

Relatively small and stupid, white dragons (draco rigidus frigidus) spend much of their time sleeping (60%) and only 20% are even capable of speech. They favor chilly regions, lairing in icy caves or deep subterranean places. Although not as intelligent as most other dragons, they are as evil and greedy as any. White dragons can move along icy floors and surfaces without fear of slipping.

Let’s Convert the Monster Manual: Dinosaurs!

When Gary Gygax compiled the original Monster Manual, he included 28 distinct entries in his “Dinosaurs” section. I have included 42 similar statblocks in the Cyclopedia of Common Animals, but there are still some entries that need conversion!

I remember there being a lot of interest in dinosaurs (and prehistory in general) during the 70s. This was driven in part, no doubt, by new discoveries, but also by older films and novels. Stop-motion dinosaurs appeared on the big screen earlier, but these films were being re-discovered on television broadcasts. Classic authors, like Edgar Rice Burroughs and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, were appearing in new editions due to the popularity of The Lord of the Rings. When I first started playing Holmes Basic (Christmas 1979), I kept a notebook of my own monster stats. Among these were a plethora of dinosaurs.

When I got my hands on The Isle of Dread, I was happy indeed. Not only was the island filled with prehistoric adventure, but it was a fairly large sandbox setting that could hold a multitude of stories. One of my patrons for the first Angels, Daemons, and Beings Between volume includes a patron spell which can bring saurians to “modern” settings, and includes the first version of my dinosaur statblocks for DCC. Discerning readers will note that I took care to keep these in line with what appears in the Cyclopedia. Similarly, The Mysterious Valley (DAMN #1) was written as a tribute to the late Ray Harryhausen, and I tried to keep stats consistent.

I was a little concerned that I would have to revamp the Cyclopedia of Common Animals based on the work done for this post. Going through this list actually makes me feel pretty satisfied with what I included!

Anatosaurus (Trachodon): See the Cyclopedia of Common Animals (Hadrosaur).

Ankylosaurus: See the Cyclopedia of Common Animals.

Antrodemus (AIlosaurus): See the Cyclopedia of Common Animals (Allosaur).

Apatosaurus (Brontosaurus): See the Cyclopedia of Common Animals (Large Sauropod).

Archelon lschyras: See the Cyclopedia of Common Animals.

Brachiosaurus: See the Cyclopedia of Common Animals (Large Sauropod).

Camarasaurus: See the Cyclopedia of Common Animals (Small Sauropod).

Ceratosaurus: See the Cyclopedia of Common Animals (Theropod).

Cetiosaurus: See the Cyclopedia of Common Animals (Large Sauropod).

Dinichtys: See the Cyclopedia of Common Animals.

Diplodocus: See the Cyclopedia of Common Animals (Large Sauropod).

Elasmosaurus: See the Cyclopedia of Common Animals.

Gorgosaurus: See the Cyclopedia of Common Animals (Theropod).

Iguanadon: See the Cyclopedia of Common Animals (Iguanodon).

Lambeosaurus: See the Cyclopedia of Common Animals (Hadrosaur).

Megalosaurus: See the Cyclopedia of Common Animals (Theropod).

Monoclonius: See the Cyclopedia of Common Animals.

Mosasaurus: See the Cyclopedia of Common Animals (Mosasaur).

Paleoscincus: Init -4; Atk spiked tail club +5 melee (2d12); AC 25; HD 7d8; MV 20’; Act 1d20; SP defensive armor (3d4, Ref DC 15 negates); SV Fort +12, Ref -4, Will -4; AL N.

These dinosaurs are related to the ankylosaurus, being 1d7+14 feet long and weighing 1d3+2 tons. Because of the armored spines radiating from their sides, large predators attempting to bite them must make a DC 15 Reflex save or take 3d4 damage, whether the attack succeeds or not. These creatures are sometimes aggressive if intruded upon.

Modern understanding of these saurians is not quite what was imagined when the Monster Manual was written, and this write-up of the “walking dreadnoughts” follows the AD&D 1e write-up. Largely known through fossil teeth, paleoscincus remains somewhat mysterious!

Pentaceratops: Init +2; Atk gore +3 melee (3d8), trample +1 melee (2d6), or bite +0 melee (1d4); AC 17; HD 4d8; MV 40’; Act 1d20; SP Charge (gore at +4 to hit and +3d4 damage, plus trample as a free attack if successful); SV Fort +5, Ref +0, Will -4; AL N.

At 1d3+17 feet long, and weighing 2-3 tons, the pentaceratops is an aggressive herbivore.

Plateosaurus: Init +0; Atk trample +0 melee (2d6) or tail sweep +2 melee (1d6); AC 15; HD 6d8; MV 20’ or 30’; Act 1d20; SP Tail sweep knocks prone unless DC 12 Strength check succeeds; SV Fort +5, Ref -2, Will -4; AL N.

At 1d8+25 feet long and weighing 1d3+7 tons, these dinosaurs can walk upright, reaching heights of 1d4+9 feet. They can move more quickly when on all fours, and are easily panicked.

Plesiosaurus: See the Cyclopedia of Common Animals (Plesiosaur).

Pteranodon: See the Cyclopedia of Common Animals (Pterosaurs) and the core rulebook (Pterodactyl, page 424).

Stegosaurus: See the Cyclopedia of Common Animals.

Styracosaurus: See the Cyclopedia of Common Animals.

Teratosaurus: Init +4; Atk bite +5 melee (3d6) or claw +7 melee (1d3); AC 15; HD 6d8; MV 40’; Act 1d20; SV Fort +6, Ref +4, Will +0; AL N.

Not a true dinosaur, the teratosaurs was a 20-foot-long quadrupedal reptile which hunts on plains or in forests, pursuing any creature which appears to be eatable.

Triceratops: See the Cyclopedia of Common Animals.

Tyrannosaurus Rex: See the Cyclopedia of Common Animals (Tyrannosaur).

The Cyclopedia of Common Animals is available here.

Signal Boost

Some time back, I wrote an adventure for David Baity, and he's been sitting on it like a miser hoarding gold. Well, the lost Owl Creek Mine is on the menu now!

Also, a Reference Guide which, let's be honest, is something y'all can use!

Check it out here!

If it isn't clear, the Refence Guide is the real thing here, and the adventure is an add-on. I hope it is an add-on people like, but the Guide is kinda essential!

Now Available!

This book contains over 500 statblocks for a diverse range of animals.

Does your wizard know Animal Summoning? Now you can summon a vast range of animals.

Are you a judge looking to build out your natural world? Herein, you will receive plenty of help to do that.

Revised Faerie Animal class? Yes.

Animals by climate, terrain, frequency, and continent? Of course.

Dinosaurs? Naturally.

But can I use it to make my own published DCC adventures? Generously so.

From aardvarks to zebu, every effort has been made to make this an indispensable work for the harried DCC judge!

If you want DCC stats for rabies, malaria, or dengue fever, you need look no further. If you want advice for using animals in your game, you're in luck. If you want to know how many doses of venom your thief can extract from that dead gila monster, well, I included that too. 

While only the pdf is available at this moment, print should follow in a few weeks, depending upon printer acceptance of contents and acceptance of proof copies.

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/524916/cycopedia-of-common-animals