Pseudo-dragon
Tiny dragons with deadly sting in their tails, lacking breath weapon
OSRIC
| Armor Class | 2 |
|---|---|
| Hit Dice | 2 |
| Number Encountered | 1 |
| Attacks | 1 |
| Damage | 1d3 |
| Move | 60-ft; 240-ft flying (AA:V) |
| Alignment | Neutral good |
| Intelligence | Average |
| XP | 3/200+2/hp |
| Size | Small (18-in) |
| Frequency | Very rare |
| Lair | 5% |
Pseudo-dragons are tiny dragons, dark red in colour, lacking the breath weapon of their large cousins but carrying a deadly sting in their tails. Because of the lack of a breath weapon, they are not generally counted among the true dragons. Pseudo-dragons can be be found in almost every climate save the very hottest and coldest, and prefer snug lairs such as small caves or hollow trees.
Special Abilities
Poison sting: The pseudo-dragon’s small size and great flying speed, coupled with the flexibility of its tail, grant a +4 bonus to stinging attacks. Any creature stung is allowed a save vs poison to negate the effects, otherwise the victim will fall into a death-like trance for 1d6 days. On the last day of the trance there is a 25% chance the victim will actually die.
Chameleon power: Pseudo-dragons have a chameleon ability and are able to change their normal dark red colouration to match their surroundings and becoming 80% undetectable to creatures not able to see invisible.
See invisible: Pseudo-dragons can themselves see invisible objects.
Magic resistance: These creatures also have an innate magic resistance and are able to grant this resistance to its human or demi-human companions by touch.
Telepathy: Pseudo-dragons are also able to communicate everything they see and hear to its companion via a limited form of telepathy at distances of up to 240-ft. These abilities make the pseudo-dragon a highly-prized familiar or pet.
Treasure: 50% chance 1d4 gems (lair: 50% chance of 10d4 gems).