SJCC: Dragondev

>>        As Billy and his followers wander off, Grigree turns to Nilaroo
>>and asks, "We better go an catch some fish.  I'm getting hungry again."

    Let's hope that they aren't the ones to get caught!

Dragondev

Climate/Terrain: Any space
Frequency: Uncommon
Organization: Solitary
Activity Cycle: Any
Diet: Carnivore
Intelligence: Semi-intelligent (2)
Treasure: Nil
Alignment: Neutral
No. Appearing: 1

Armor Class: 2
Movement: 18
Hit Dice: 3+2
THAC0: 16
No. of Attacks: 1
Damage/Attack: 1d4+2
Special Attacks: Surprise
Special Defenses: None
Magic Resistance: Standard
Size: S (3-5' long)
Morale: Steady (11)
XP Value: 120

The dragondev is one of the small, yet fierce predators that dwell in
wildspace. The dragondev grows up 5 feet long. Its skin is pitch black and
seems to absorb light, rendering it nearly invisible. However, the dragondev
may produce light when it wishes as it is covered by bioluminescent
photophores. It uses these lights to aid in camouflage or attract unwary
creatures to its toothy maw.

Combat: In combat the dragondev relies on its numerous teeth. This vicious
bite does 1d4+2 points of damage. The dragondev also uses surprise to gain
an advantage over its victims. Its body is pitch black, well suited to the
shadows of asteroids and depths of wildspace. It also has numerous
photophores along its body that light up at will in order to aid in
camouflage. The dragondev's camouflage abilities allow it to sneak up on
opponents, surprising them 3 in 6. Likewise, the dragondev's camouflage
abilities are responsible for its high armor class. In addition, all ranged
attacks directed at a dragondev at a distance of 10-50 feet are at -2 to
hit, 51-100 feet -4, and over 100 feet impossible. Of course, these ranges
may be extended by artificial sources of light. Finally, the dragondev
possesses organs over its eyes that project a beam of radiation. This beam
is invisible to all except those possessing magical vision such as True
Sight. This unknown form of radiation allows the dragondev to see in the
depths of wildspace, even in pitch darkness. This beam also allows the
dragondev to see invisible creatures.

Habitat/Society: Dragondev sail about debris or asteroid fields. They eat
the various small devs that lair or come to feed within these rocky
habitats. The dragondev needs air to survive, but is a very efficient
respirator. It can go for hours without needing to breath and can even lie
dormant for days until an air source (such as a ship!) becomes available.
Still, they will not stray far from breathable atmospheres. The dragondev is
considered a pest by spacers, albeit a dangerous one. Unlike scavvers, the
dragondev is content to eat smaller prey and will not attack ships or
humanoids unless very hungry or provoked. Note that phosphorescent light
sources tend to attract these creatures, curious to see if it is some
creature worth eating. Conversely, they avoid artificial light sources such
as torches or Light spells.

Ecology: The dragondev preys upon the smaller creatures of wildspace. It
will occasionally strike at larger creatures if it can surprise a lone
target. The dragondev is not actively hunted by other predators, although
large ones may snack on a dragondev if they are hungry and the opportunity
presents itself.


John McCloud
jmccloud@????????.???.net