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TemplatesAs described in the Dungeon Master’s Guide, you canadd a functional template to a monster to adapt it toa given purpose. The following new templates allowsyou to create interesting and unique foes that capturethe essence of dragonkind.DRACONIC CREATUREDragons have always been a source of fascination formortals. Many come to revere dragons as more thanbeings of rapacious hunger and cruelty that embodydevastation. Such people believe that they can harnessthe power of dragons to breed new, superior creaturesthat fuse their own abilities with those of dragonkind.Dragonspawn are the best-known result of suchmisguided efforts, beings created by Tiamat andother powers to harness the power of true dragonsin pliable servants. A great many creatures, though,claim ancestry from one variety of dragon or another.Such creatures are freaks and outcasts, despised fortheir malformed appearance and violent behavior.“Draconic” is a template that can be added to anynatural beast or humanoid. This template works bestwith brutes and soldiers. If you are modifying a nonplayercharacter, the fighter, warlord, and brawnyrogue classes are best suited to the template. The draconictemplate typically reflects a creature in serviceto or allied with dragons, or one that has been shapedby them. Draconic creatures might also be descendantsof those that once worked alongside dragons.The draconic template is an excellent way tocreate classic dragon hybrids, whether loyal servantsor hideous mutants. Adding it to a horse produces adragonne; adding it to a centaur gives you a dracotaur.Prerequisite: Natural beast or humanoidDRAGONGUARDThese trusted servants are among the few creaturesthat can fight alongside a dragon and not be treatedas fodder. A dragon has only one dragonguard, whichmight hold a leadership position in its forces or serveas an emissary to the outside world at the behest of itsreclusive master.A dragonguard retains this privilege only throughtotal loyalty. It must have a dragon patron; if thatpatron dies or dismisses it, the dragonguard loses thebenefit of the template. (It might be able to regainthem if it finds another dragon patron.)“Dragonguard” is a template that can be added toany creature to represent a loyal servant that fightsalongside a dragon without getting in its way. If youare modifying a nonplayer character, this templateworks best with the fighter class.DragonguardElite SoldierXP EliteDefenses +2 AC; +2 Fortitude; +2 Reflex; +2 WillHit Points +8 per level + Constitution scoreResist 10 + level against the type of damage dealt by thedragon patron’s breath weaponSaving Throws +2Action Points 1POWERSM Dragonguard’s Protection (immediate interrupt, whenan enemy adjacent to the dragonguard attacks its dragonpatron; at-will)The dragonguard makes a basic attack against thetriggering enemy.250Draconic CreatureElite Brute or SoldierNatural beast or humanoidXP EliteHit Points +10 per level + Constitution score (brute) or +8per level + Constitution score (soldier)Resist 5 at 1st level against the type of damage dealt by thedraconic creature’s breath weapon, 10 at 11th level, 15 at21st levelSaving Throws +2Speed The draconic creature gains a fly (clumsy) speed equalto one-half its land speed. If it already has a fly speed, usethe higher value and the better maneuverability.Action Points 1POWERSC Breath Weapon (standard; encounter) ✦ Acid, Cold,Fire, Lightning, or PoisonClose blast 4; level + 2 vs. Reflex; 2d8 + Constitutionmodifier damage of one of the following types: acid, cold,fire, lightning, or poison. The damage type does not changeonce it is chosen.CHAPTER 4 | New MonstersJOEL THOMAS