dragon-magic-oef

TWILIGHT GUARDIANS IN FAERÛN
Twilight guardians can appear almost anywhere in Faerûn,
though they are most commonly seen in the less populated
areas of the world. Many have been spotted in the High
Forest and throughout the Savage Frontier, while others
live in the jungles of the Chiltan Peninsula and the forests
of Cormanthor.
VELROC
“The only thing more irritating than humans attacking our homes
is a half-mad spawn that thinks it’s a real dragon.”
—Ayunken-kocoi, gold dragon
The creature stands upright on two thick hind legs, a pair of leathery
wings stretched from side to side. Its sleek body and slender neck
resemble that of a true dragon, though its head seems more like that
of a hawk or falcon. Occasional sparks of magical energy drift off
the creature’s body, settling to the ground or winking out of existence
as quickly as they appeared.
target. A spell can’t target a creature beyond its normal
range. If no other creature is in range, the spell simply
fails to have any effect.
Snatch (Ex) Against Medium or smaller creatures, rake with
talons for 1d8+9 per round.
Spell Hijack (Su) A velroc has the ability to send a spell
targeted at it back upon its caster. Whenever a spellcaster
fails to overcome the velroc’s spell resistance, the velroc
can hijack the spell. On its next turn, the velroc can use a
standard action to cast the hijacked spell as though it
were the original caster. All spell variables, including
range, duration, and save DC function as though cast by
the original caster, though the velroc remains the point of
origin of the spell.
Velrocs are dangerous, impulsive dragons that have evolved
from standard dragons that made their homes in wild magic
zones. Though no longer bound to these wild magic lands,
velrocs still retain the unpredictable magic wielded by
their true dragon ancestors. The creatures can be incredibly
destructive and are known to fly into fits of rage at the slightest
offense. Their legendary tempers make red dragons seem
calm and patient by comparison.
CHAPTER 4
DRACONIC
BEASTS
Velroc CR 12
Always CN Large dragon
Init +3; Senses darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision (4 ×
human); Listen +12, Spot +8
Aura magic distortion 120 ft.
Languages Common, Draconic, Elven
AC 25, touch 12, flat-footed 22; Dodge, Mobility
(–1 size, +3 Dex, +13 natural)
hp 152 (16 HD); DR 10/magic
Immune sleep, paralysis
SR 21
Fort +13, Ref +13, Will +12
Speed 30 ft. (6 squares), fly 60 ft. (good)
Melee 4 talons +22/+17/+12/+7 (1d8+9)
Space 10 ft.; Reach 5 ft.
Base Atk +16; Grp +26
Atk Options Flyby Attack, Snatch (up to Medium target)
Special Actions spell hijack
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 16th):
1/day—antimagic field
Abilities Str 22, Dex 17, Con 16, Int 12, Wis 14, Cha 11
Feats Dodge, Flyby Attack, Improved Natural Attack (talons),
Mobility, Snatch B (treat as Huge creature), Weapon Focus
(talons)
Skills Balance +14, Concentration +13, Escape Artist +10,
Handle Animal +8, Hide +10, Intimidate +12, Knowledge
(arcana) +15, Knowledge (history) +7, Knowledge (nature)
+9, Knowledge (the planes) +7, Listen +12, Move Silently
+14, Ride +6, Sense Motive +6, Spellcraft +13, Spot +8,
Survival +7, Use Rope +4
Advancement see text
Magic Distortion Aura (Su) Velrocs generate an aura that
disrupts spells cast in range, causing them to veer off
course as though deflected by an unseen magical
distortion. Whenever a spellcaster within the radius of
this aura (120 feet) casts a spell with a range other than
personal or touch, the caster must succeed on a
Concentration check (DC 25 + the spell’s level) or the
spell is distorted by the velroc’s aura. When this happens,
the spell instead targets the creature nearest the original
STRATEGIES AND TACTICS
Velrocs are exceptionally acrobatic fliers, and their combat
tactics focus on their mobility and their skill at reaching
great speeds in the air. Possessing no forelimbs like most
dragons, velrocs prefer to swoop down and grab opponents
off the ground, using their Flyby Attack and Snatch feats to
grapple and carry off a victim. (Velrocs are treated as Huge
for the purpose of the Snatch feat, allowing them to snatch
up creatures of Medium or smaller size.) Then they fly high
into the air, either dropping their prey and letting gravity take
care of the rest, or dashing the creature against rocks or another
hard surface. Velrocs rarely engage in melee combat for
any length of time, instead swooping in and out before their
quarry can mount a successful counterattack. However, they
enjoy taunting their victims right up until the end.
SAMPLE ENCOUNTER
Violent and predatory, velrocs are likely to strike out at any
creature that dares to cross their path.
Dangerous Crossings (EL 12): A velroc rests atop a cliffside
overlooking a commonly traveled road through an open
grassland. When a caravan or other group of travelers passes
below, it swoops down and tries to carry off a horse for food.
If faced with opposition, the velroc decides to punish the
lesser beings for their defiance. It targets spellcasters first,
hoping to draw spells that it can hijack and turn on the rest
of its opponents, occasionally snatching up armored foes and
flinging them far away.
ECOLOGY
Velrocs have inherited all of the arrogance and legendary
anger of their dragon ancestors. Fiercely territorial, they
live solitary lives, coming together only to mate. Even then,
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