Toxic Broodling

*Art by by Kristian Juul Rasmussen (AKA skrir on Deviant Art)

[Below you'll find the third of five new monsters (the first being the Storm Broodling) for both 3rd and 4th edition Dungeons and Dragons. While the description works for both, you'll find the 3rd edition stats on the left and the 4th edition stats on the right.]

Unlink the other broodlings we've already covered, the toxic broodling is a crafty and intelligent foe. Although sages say it must serve Queen Anzu, no one knows in what function.

Toxic Broodling
The creature you see before you has mottled scales of purple and green. It has four legs and although it has a viscious looking set of teeth, it is the strange pale green gas it exhudes from its mouth that alarms you most.

Toxic Broodling CR 3
LE Medium magical beast
Init +0 Senses darkvision 60ft, low-light vision, Listen +9, Spot +9
Languages Common

AC 15, touch 10, flat-footed 15
( +5 natural)
hp 21 (2 HD)
Resist acid 5; immune poison
Fort +8, Ref +3, Will +4

Speed 30ft
Melee bite +4 melee (1d6 +1)
Space 5ft.; Reach 5ft.
Base Atk +2; Grp +3
Atk Options choking gas, acidic exhale

Abilities Str 12, Dex 11, Con 20, Int 14, Wis 16, Cha 6
Feats Improve Natural Armor
Skills Bluff +4, Diplomacy +4, Listen +9, Spot +9

Choking Gas (Ex): The broodling releases a poisonous gas which weakens it's enemies. This attack is a 15ft cone, those affected must make a Fortitude save (DC 15) or take 1d2 points of Stregth and 1d2 points of Constitution damage. Once an opponent has been affected by a specific toxic broodlings choking gas, it is immune for 1 day.

Acidic Exhale (Ex): The toxic broodling releases a mist comprised of corrosive gas (acid). Opponents within 10ft of the toxic broodling must make a Reflex save (DC 15 half) or take 1d10 acid damage.

The toxic broodling is a mystery. Some sages believe the toxic broodling is the basis for all other broodling varieties, the missing link between what was and what is. The lack of an elemental nature supports this theory, as does Queen Anzu's general lack of purpose for the toxic broodling. Nevertheless their high intellect makes them invaluable tools for the Insect Queen.

Strategies and Tactics
A toxic broodling starts off battle by weakening its enemies with choking gas, and then positions itself within 10ft of as many enemies as possible to line up an acidic exhale. After it softens enemies up using these abilities it moves into melee combat against weaker opponents, attempting to do as much damage as possible.

Unlike most broodlings, if the battle turns against a toxic broodling the creature will quickly flee, possibly even plead with its enemies for a second chance.

Environment
A toxic broodling prefers swamps or caves with natural gas deposits. It finds areas with clean air stifling and uncomfortable.

Typical Physical Characteristics
The toxic broodling, like the other varieties stands on six legs. It has sturdy scales, that start off a pale green and become purple as the scale grows away from the skin. While it has wicked looking claws the toxic broodling doesn't utilize them in combat, it uses them as often as its vestigial horns.

Alignment
Although not every Child of Anzu shares their loyalty and devotion broodlings are lawful evil. They care little for other creatures except for how they work into Lady Anzu's grand plot, but among their own kind they are fiercely protective.