Dragonnel

This creature looks like a great dragon, at least 20 feet long with a serpentine body, long slender wings and a pointed snout or beak that resembles that of a pteranodon. Its body is colored reddish-violet with lighter shades on its underbelly. A ridge of maroon-colored spines runs the length of its body down the center of its back. A mane of frills, white in color, rings its head.

Dragonnel (CR 6)

Huge Magical Beast
Alignment: Neutral Evil
Initiative: +0
Senses: Darkvision 60 feet, Low-Light Vision; Perception +0

Speed: 40 feet, Fly 100 feet (poor)
Space: 15 feet

Defense

Armor Class: 18, touch 8, flat-footed 18 (+10 natural, -2 size)
Hit Points: 76 (8d10+32)
Saving Throws: Fort +10, Ref +6, Will +2

Offense

Melee: bite +12 (2d6+6), 2 claws +12 (1d8+6)
Reach: 10 feet (15 feet with bite)

Statistics

Str	Dex	Con	Int	Wis	Cha
22 (+6)	11 (+0)	18 (+4)	4 (-3)	11 (+0)	8 (-1)

Base Attack Bonus: +8
CMB +16
CMD 26 (30 vs. Trip)

Feats: Cleave, Fly-by Attack, Skill Focus (Fly), Snatch

Skills: Fly +6

Languages: Common (cannot speak)

Special Abilities

NONE

Ecology

Environment: Temperate Hills
Organization: solitary or pack (2-4)
Treasure: none


Dragonnels are believed to be either related to dragons or an abomination of dragon and pteranodon, as they share the physical characteristics of both those monsters. Dragonnels are semi-intelligent and use this ability to their advantage when hunting or stalking prey. Dragonnels are fierce hunters, though some have been trained by evil humanoids as mounts and guardians. A typical dragonnel is about 25 feet long. A dragonnel prefers to attack from the air, flying above its prey and then plunging to strike with its claws and bite. A solitary dragonnel is usually either hunting or returning to its lair from hunting, while more than one dragonnel usually indicates a mated pair or family. In such a case, all dragonnels attack in concert with one another and usually fight to the death.

Training a Dragonnel

A dragonnel requires training before it can bear a rider in combat. To be trained, a dragonnel must have a friendly attitude toward the trainer (this can be achieved through a successful Diplomacy check). Training a friendly dragonnel requires six weeks of work and a DC 25 Handle Animal check. Riding a dragonnel requires an exotic saddle. A dragonnel can fight while carrying a rider, but the rider cannot also attack unless he or she succeeds on a Ride check.

Dragonnel eggs are worth 4,500 gp apiece on the open market, while young are worth 9,000 gp each. Professional trainers charge 1,500 gp to rear or train a dragonnel. Carrying Capacity: A light load for a dragonnel is up to 1,038 pounds; a medium load, 1,039-2,076 pounds, and a heavy load, 2,077-3,120 pounds.

Credit

The Dragonnel originally appeared in the First Edition Monster Manual II (© TSR/Wizards of the Coast, 1983) and is used by permission.

Copyright Notice

Author Scott Greene, based on original material by Gary Gygax.