I thought I’d take a look at flight. It’s a pretty common ability, even in real life. It should be possible for creatures to fly.
Fairly close again, I think. 75% of the creatures can pay for their flight out of the slots available at their tier, and it’s not that hard to come up with supplementary talents to fill out where they don’t quite fit. I can easily account for a bit better than 90% of the flying monsters from the RSRD.
As you might expect, outsiders and creatures with the Air or Incorporeal subtypes are the most problematic… but still reconcilable.
Flight Matrix
I devised this matrix of creature sizes and flight maneuverability, used to match size, maneuverability, and talent slot.
Flight Talent
You have a flight speed equal to your base speed. The cost is equal to the tier indicated in the intersection between your size and the maneuverability.
| Perfect | Good | Average | Poor | Clumsy | |
| Fine | Basic | Basic | Basic | Basic | Basic |
| Diminutive | Expert | Basic | Basic | Basic | Basic |
| Tiny | Heroic | Expert | Basic | Basic | Basic |
| Small | Master | Heroic | Expert | Basic | Basic |
| Medium | Champion | Master | Heroic | Expert | Basic |
| Large | Legendary | Champion | Master | Heroic | Expert |
| Huge | Epic | Legendary | Champion | Master | Heroic |
| Gargantuan | Epic+ | Epic | Legendary | Champion | Master |
| Colossal | Epic++ | Epic+ | Epic | Legendary | Champion |
Tiny creatures being able to fly with average maneuverability is a Basic talent. Many birds have it, for example. As creatures get bigger, they are either clumsier fliers (if they keep to the same tier for the talent – a Medium creature with Basic flight is going to be clumsy) or more fantastic fliers (paying a higher-tier slot – a Medium creature with average maneuverability needs to pay an Heroic slot for the ability).
RSRD Monsters and Flight
I built a chart of all flying monsters from the RSRD (ignoring templates) and worked out the talent slot that would be needed for the combination of their size and maneuverability (see farther below for the full chart, ordered by monster). Of the 217 monsters entered, 152 could have their base flight ability satisfied by a slot of a tier no higher than the creature’s. This leaves 55 that require a slot that is higher than the creature has available based on its level.
Monsters with Flight ‘Too Good’
| Monster | CR | Tier | Size | Flight | Base | Speed | Flight Tier | Difference |
| Elemental, Air, Huge |
7 |
Heroic | Huge | Perfect |
0 |
100 |
Epic |
4 |
| Arrowhawk, Elder |
8 |
Heroic | Large | Perfect |
0 |
60 |
Legendary |
3 |
| Belker |
6 |
Heroic | Large | Perfect |
30 |
50 |
Legendary |
3 |
| Elemental, Air, Medium |
3 |
Expert | Medium | Perfect |
0 |
100 |
Champion |
3 |
| Elemental, Air, Large |
5 |
Heroic | Large | Perfect |
0 |
100 |
Legendary |
3 |
| Elemental, Air, Greater |
9 |
Master | Huge | Perfect |
0 |
100 |
Epic |
3 |
| Elemental, Air, Elder |
11 |
Master | Huge | Perfect |
0 |
100 |
Epic |
3 |
| Genie, Djinni |
5 |
Heroic | Large | Perfect |
20 |
60 |
Legendary |
3 |
| Genie, Efreeti |
8 |
Heroic | Large | Perfect |
20 |
40 |
Legendary |
3 |
| Genie, Janni |
4 |
Expert | Medium | Perfect |
30 |
20 |
Champion |
3 |
| Invisible Stalker |
7 |
Heroic | Large | Perfect |
30 |
30 |
Legendary |
3 |
| Wasp, Giant |
3 |
Expert | Large | Good |
20 |
60 |
Champion |
3 |
| Allip |
3 |
Expert | Medium | Perfect |
0 |
30 |
Champion |
2 |
| Arrowhawk, Adult |
5 |
Heroic | Medium | Perfect |
0 |
60 |
Champion |
2 |
| Bee, Giant |
1 |
Expert | Medium | Good |
20 |
80 |
Master |
2 |
| Bralani |
6 |
Heroic | Medium | Perfect |
40 |
100 |
Champion |
2 |
| Dire Bat |
2 |
Expert | Large | Good |
20 |
40 |
Champion |
2 |
| Eagle, Giant |
3 |
Expert | Large | Average |
10 |
80 |
Master |
2 |
| Elemental, Air, Small |
1 |
Expert | Small | Perfect |
0 |
100 |
Master |
2 |
| Griffon |
4 |
Expert | Large | Average |
30 |
80 |
Master |
2 |
| Hippogriff |
2 |
Expert | Large | Average |
50 |
100 |
Master |
2 |
| Mephit, Air |
3 |
Expert | Small | Perfect |
30 |
60 |
Master |
2 |
| Mephit, Dust |
3 |
Expert | Small | Perfect |
30 |
50 |
Master |
2 |
| Mephit, Ice |
3 |
Expert | Small | Perfect |
30 |
50 |
Master |
2 |
| Nightmare |
5 |
Heroic | Large | Good |
40 |
90 |
Champion |
2 |
| Ogre Mage |
8 |
Heroic | Large | Good |
40 |
40 |
Champion |
2 |
| Owl, Giant |
3 |
Expert | Large | Average |
10 |
70 |
Master |
2 |
| Pegasus |
3 |
Expert | Large | Average |
60 |
120 |
Master |
2 |
| Ravid |
5 |
Heroic | Medium | Perfect |
20 |
60 |
Champion |
2 |
| Roc |
9 |
Master | Gargantuan | Average |
20 |
80 |
Legendary |
2 |
| Shadow |
3 |
Expert | Medium | Good |
0 |
40 |
Master |
2 |
| Spectre |
7 |
Heroic | Medium | Perfect |
40 |
80 |
Champion |
2 |
| Spider Eater |
5 |
Heroic | Large | Good |
30 |
60 |
Champion |
2 |
| Archon, Lantern |
2 |
Expert | Small | Perfect |
0 |
60 |
Master |
2 |
| Arrowhawk, Juvenile |
3 |
Expert | Small | Perfect |
0 |
60 |
Master |
2 |
| Cloaker |
5 |
Heroic | Large | Average |
10 |
40 |
Master |
1 |
| Couatl |
10 |
Master | Large | Good |
20 |
60 |
Champion |
1 |
| Demon, Quasit |
2 |
Expert | Tiny | Perfect |
20 |
50 |
Heroic |
1 |
| Devil, Erinyes |
8 |
Heroic | Medium | Good |
30 |
50 |
Master |
1 |
| Devil, Imp |
2 |
Expert | Tiny | Perfect |
20 |
50 |
Heroic |
1 |
| Eagle |
0.5 |
Basic | Small | Average |
10 |
80 |
Expert |
1 |
| Harpy |
4 |
Expert | Medium | Average |
20 |
80 |
Heroic |
1 |
| Lammasu |
8 |
Heroic | Large | Average |
30 |
60 |
Master |
1 |
| Lillend |
7 |
Heroic | Large | Average |
20 |
70 |
Master |
1 |
| Nightmare, Cauchemar |
11 |
Master | Large | Good |
40 |
90 |
Champion |
1 |
| Nightshade, Nightwing |
14 |
Champion | Huge | Good |
20 |
60 |
Legendary |
1 |
| Praying Mantis, Giant |
3 |
Expert | Large | Poor |
20 |
40 |
Heroic |
1 |
| Rast |
5 |
Heroic | Medium | Good |
5 |
60 |
Master |
1 |
| Shadow, Greater |
8 |
Heroic | Medium | Good |
0 |
40 |
Master |
1 |
| Sprite, Pixie |
4 |
Expert | Small | Good |
20 |
60 |
Heroic |
1 |
| Vargouille |
2 |
Expert | Small | Good |
0 |
30 |
Heroic |
1 |
| Will-O’-Wisp |
6 |
Heroic | Small | Perfect |
0 |
50 |
Master |
1 |
| Wraith |
5 |
Heroic | Medium | Good |
0 |
60 |
Master |
1 |
| Wraith, Dread |
11 |
Master | Large | Good |
0 |
60 |
Champion |
1 |
| Yrthak |
9 |
Master | Huge | Average |
20 |
60 |
Champion |
1 |
Frequency of Deviation
| Tiers Too High | Frequency |
| 1 | 20 |
| 2 | 23 |
| 3 | 11 |
| 4 | 1 |
Examination
Even a superficial examination shows that most of the creatures that don’t fit the planned pattern have flight as a major component of their role. Many are incorporeal, don’t have a land speed at all, or are outsiders and/or have the Air subtype. In other words, it may well be reasonable that they be so unusually good at flying.
Resolution
I have several avenues to resolve the discrepancies above.
First, I could just downgrade the creatures’ flight. Sure, an air elemental is a being of air, but I’ve noticed that tornadoes aren’t noted for being very agile. Hard to predict their line of travel, perhaps, but they aren’t terribly nimble. I’ll certainly hold this as an option.
Second, I could shift the creatures’ tier up. In some cases the difference between the creature’s tier and the slot tier needed for the indicated flight maneuverability is small and the creature is already near the tier boundary (Erinyes, Eagle, Harpy, Lammasu, Greater Shadow, and Pixie are all within one level of the correct tier). This isn’t really common enough to be a good solution, I think – just over 10% of the problem cases).
Third, use the Flight talent presented above a starting point, and have additional talents improve the maneuverability. Similar talents can adjust the flying speed. This is probably the best solution, in part because the creatures in question have their flight as a major element of their abilities.
Fourth, make improved flight maneuverability a benefit of having the Air or Incorporeal subtypes. I suppose this is kind of like using the Improved Flight talent described below, but it’s bundled with other aspects of being an Air creature. Increasing maneuverability by one step per tier might take care of a lot of these.
Of course, all of the above can be combined. The Elder Arrowhawk above (CR 8, Heroic Creature, with the equivalent of Legendary Flight) could take Heroic Improved Flight (increasing his maneuverability two steps, to Champion), increasing his flight to almost what is described in the RSRD. Giving him one more level gives him a Master slot for Flight, then Heroic Improved Flight gets him the additional maneuverability needed. Or I might just downgrade him a little, does he really need Perfect flight?
Additional Flight Talents
Improved Flight Talent
You must have Flight at the same or higher tier than you take Improved Flight.
| Tier | Benefit |
| Expert | Your flight maneuverability is increased by one step. |
| Heroic | Your flight maneuverability is increased by two steps. |
| Master | Your flight maneuverability is increased by three steps. |
| Champion | Your flight maneuverability is increased by four steps. |
Faster Flight
You can fly faster than indicated by the Flight talent. You must have Flight at the same or higher tier than you Faster Flight.
| Tier | Benefit |
| Basic | Your flight speed is twice your base speed (or base speed for your size, if you have no land speed). |
| Expert | Your flight speed is three times your base speed (or base speed for your size, if you have no land speed). |
| Heroic | Your flight speed is four times your base speed (or base speed for your size, if you have no land speed). |
| Master | Your flight speed is five times your base speed (or base speed for your size, if you have no land speed). |
| Champion | Your flight speed is six times your base speed (or base speed for your size, if you have no land speed). |
| Legendary | Your flight speed is seven times your base speed (or base speed for your size, if you have no land speed). |
Flight speeds are often higher than base speeds. This might be a silly tax, and it may be simpler to give higher flight speed either as a function of maneuverability (agile fliers get higher speed) or of tier (gargantuan dragons are clumsy fliers, but they go fast… in a straight line).
Conclusion
Again, not a perfect fit. That I can get 75% of them straight out is a good sign, with another 10% or so close and 10% more… not too far off. Between them I’ve got probably 90% or so that can be corrected through the use of an additional talent (Improved Flight, or Air or Incorporeal subtypes, depending what I do). If I need to add a third talent (Greater Flight) so creatures with such a significant aspect of their power being flight and mobility can pay for this, I’m okay with it. I have a number of ways of dealing with creatures that don’t quite fit, so while this isn’t as great a fit as the Silver Dragon stuff was yesterday I’m fairly happy with it.
Maybe tomorrow I’ll look into statting up Air Elementals. It shouldn’t take too long, they really don’t have much going for them other than mobility.
Appendix: Full List of Flying Creatures
| Monster | CR | Tier | Size | Flight | Base | Speed | Flight Tier | Difference |
| Allip |
3 |
Expert | Medium | Perfect |
0 |
30 |
Champion |
2 |
| Angel, Astral Deva |
14 |
Champion | Medium | Good |
50 |
100 |
Master |
-1 |
| Angel, Planetar |
16 |
Champion | Large | Good |
30 |
90 |
Champion |
0 |
| Angel, Solar |
23 |
Epic | Large | Good |
50 |
150 |
Champion |
-2 |
| Archon, Lantern |
2 |
Expert | Small | Perfect |
0 |
60 |
Master |
2 |
| Archon, Trumpet |
14 |
Champion | Medium | Good |
40 |
90 |
Master |
-1 |
| Arrowhawk, Adult |
5 |
Heroic | Medium | Perfect |
0 |
60 |
Champion |
2 |
| Arrowhawk, Elder |
8 |
Heroic | Large | Perfect |
0 |
60 |
Legendary |
3 |
| Arrowhawk, Juvenile |
3 |
Expert | Small | Perfect |
0 |
60 |
Master |
2 |
| Avoral |
9 |
Master | Medium | Good |
40 |
90 |
Master |
0 |
| Bat |
0.1 |
Basic | Diminutive | Good |
5 |
40 |
Basic |
0 |
| Bee, Giant |
1 |
Expert | Medium | Good |
20 |
80 |
Master |
2 |
| Belker |
6 |
Heroic | Large | Perfect |
30 |
50 |
Legendary |
3 |
| Bralani |
6 |
Heroic | Medium | Perfect |
40 |
100 |
Champion |
2 |
| Chimera |
7 |
Heroic | Large | Poor |
30 |
50 |
Heroic |
0 |
| Cloaker |
5 |
Heroic | Large | Average |
10 |
40 |
Master |
1 |
| Cockatrice |
3 |
Expert | Small | Poor |
20 |
60 |
Basic |
-1 |
| Couatl |
10 |
Master | Large | Good |
20 |
60 |
Champion |
1 |
| Darkmantle |
1 |
Expert | Small | Poor |
20 |
30 |
Basic |
-1 |
| Demon, Balor |
20 |
Legendary | Large | Good |
40 |
90 |
Champion |
-1 |
| Demon, Nalfeshnee |
14 |
Champion | Huge | Poor |
30 |
40 |
Master |
-1 |
| Demon, Quasit |
2 |
Expert | Tiny | Perfect |
20 |
50 |
Heroic |
1 |
| Demon, Succubus |
7 |
Heroic | Medium | Average |
30 |
50 |
Heroic |
0 |
| Demon, Vrock |
9 |
Master | Large | Average |
30 |
50 |
Master |
0 |
| Devil, Erinyes |
8 |
Heroic | Medium | Good |
30 |
50 |
Master |
1 |
| Devil, Horned (Cornugon) |
16 |
Champion | Large | Average |
20 |
50 |
Master |
-1 |
| Devil, Imp |
2 |
Expert | Tiny | Perfect |
20 |
50 |
Heroic |
1 |
| Devil, Pit Fiend |
20 |
Legendary | Large | Average |
40 |
60 |
Master |
-2 |
| Dire Bat |
2 |
Expert | Large | Good |
20 |
40 |
Champion |
2 |
| Dragon, Blue, Wyrmling |
3 |
Expert | Small | Average |
40 |
100 |
Expert |
0 |
| Dragon, Black, Wyrmling |
3 |
Expert | Tiny | Average |
60 |
100 |
Basic |
-1 |
| Dragon, Black, Very Young |
4 |
Expert | Small | Average |
60 |
100 |
Expert |
0 |
| Dragon, Blue, Very Young |
4 |
Expert | Medium | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Expert |
0 |
| Dragon, Black, Young |
5 |
Heroic | Medium | Poor |
60 |
150 |
Expert |
-1 |
| Dragon, Blue, Young |
6 |
Heroic | Medium | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Expert |
-1 |
| Dragon, Blue, Juvenile |
8 |
Heroic | Large | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Heroic |
0 |
| Dragon, Black, Juvenile |
7 |
Heroic | Medium | Poor |
60 |
150 |
Expert |
-1 |
| Dragon, Black, Young Adult |
9 |
Master | Large | Poor |
60 |
150 |
Heroic |
-1 |
| Dragon, Blue, Young Adult |
11 |
Master | Large | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Heroic |
-1 |
| Dragon, Black, Adult |
11 |
Master | Large | Poor |
60 |
150 |
Heroic |
-1 |
| Dragon, Blue, Adult |
14 |
Champion | Huge | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Master |
-1 |
| Dragon, Black, Mature Adult |
14 |
Champion | Huge | Poor |
60 |
150 |
Master |
-1 |
| Dragon, Blue, Mature Adult |
16 |
Champion | Huge | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Master |
-1 |
| Dragon, Black, Old |
16 |
Champion | Huge | Poor |
60 |
150 |
Master |
-1 |
| Dragon, Blue, Old |
18 |
Legendary | Huge | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Master |
-2 |
| Dragon, Black, Very Old |
18 |
Legendary | Huge | Poor |
60 |
150 |
Master |
-2 |
| Dragon, Blue, Very Old |
19 |
Legendary | Huge | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Master |
-2 |
| Dragon, Black, Ancient |
19 |
Legendary | Huge | Poor |
60 |
150 |
Master |
-2 |
| Dragon, Blue, Ancient |
21 |
Epic | Gargantuan | Clumsy |
40 |
200 |
Master |
-3 |
| Dragon, Black, Wyrm |
20 |
Legendary | Gargantuan | Clumsy |
60 |
150 |
Master |
-2 |
| Dragon, Blue, Wyrm |
23 |
Epic | Gargantuan | Clumsy |
40 |
200 |
Master |
-3 |
| Dragon, Black, Great Wyrm |
22 |
Epic | Gargantuan | Clumsy |
60 |
200 |
Master |
-3 |
| Dragon, Blue, Great Wyrm |
25 |
Epic+ | Gargantuan | Clumsy |
40 |
200 |
Master |
-4 |
| Dragon, Brass, Wyrmling |
3 |
Expert | Tiny | Average |
60 |
150 |
Basic |
-1 |
| Dragon, Brass, Very Young |
4 |
Expert | Small | Average |
60 |
150 |
Expert |
0 |
| Dragon, Brass, Young |
6 |
Heroic | Medium | Poor |
60 |
200 |
Expert |
-1 |
| Dragon, Brass, Juvenile |
8 |
Heroic | Medium | Poor |
60 |
200 |
Expert |
-1 |
| Dragon, Brass, Young Adult |
10 |
Master | Large | Poor |
60 |
200 |
Heroic |
-1 |
| Dragon, Brass, Adult |
12 |
Master | Large | Poor |
60 |
200 |
Heroic |
-1 |
| Dragon, Brass, Mature Adult |
15 |
Champion | Huge | Poor |
60 |
200 |
Master |
-1 |
| Dragon, Brass, Old |
17 |
Legendary | Huge | Poor |
60 |
200 |
Master |
-2 |
| Dragon, Brass, Very Old |
19 |
Legendary | Huge | Poor |
60 |
200 |
Master |
-2 |
| Dragon, Brass, Ancient |
20 |
Legendary | Huge | Poor |
60 |
200 |
Master |
-2 |
| Dragon, Brass, Wyrm |
21 |
Epic | Gargantuan | Clumsy |
60 |
250 |
Master |
-3 |
| Dragon, Brass, Great Wyrm |
23 |
Epic | Gargantuan | Clumsy |
60 |
250 |
Master |
-3 |
| Dragon, Bronze, Wyrmling |
3 |
Expert | Small | Average |
40 |
100 |
Expert |
0 |
| Dragon, Bronze, Very Young |
5 |
Heroic | Medium | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Expert |
-1 |
| Dragon, Bronze, Young |
7 |
Heroic | Medium | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Expert |
-1 |
| Dragon, Bronze, Juvenile |
9 |
Master | Large | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Heroic |
-1 |
| Dragon, Bronze, Young Adult |
12 |
Master | Large | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Heroic |
-1 |
| Dragon, Bronze, Adult |
15 |
Champion | Huge | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Master |
-1 |
| Dragon, Bronze, Mature Adult |
17 |
Legendary | Huge | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Master |
-2 |
| Dragon, Bronze, Old |
19 |
Legendary | Huge | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Master |
-2 |
| Dragon, Bronze, Very Old |
20 |
Legendary | Huge | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Master |
-2 |
| Dragon, Bronze, Ancient |
22 |
Epic | Gargantuan | Clumsy |
40 |
200 |
Master |
-3 |
| Dragon, Bronze, Wyrm |
23 |
Epic | Gargantuan | Clumsy |
40 |
200 |
Master |
-3 |
| Dragon, Bronze, Great Wyrm |
25 |
Epic+ | Gargantuan | Clumsy |
40 |
200 |
Master |
-4 |
| Dragon, Copper, Wyrmling |
3 |
Expert | Tiny | Average |
40 |
100 |
Basic |
-1 |
| Dragon, Copper, Very Young |
5 |
Heroic | Small | Average |
40 |
100 |
Expert |
-1 |
| Dragon, Copper, Young |
7 |
Heroic | Medium | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Expert |
-1 |
| Dragon, Copper, Juvenile |
9 |
Master | Medium | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Expert |
-2 |
| Dragon, Copper, Young Adult |
11 |
Master | Large | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Heroic |
-1 |
| Dragon, Copper, Adult |
14 |
Champion | Large | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Heroic |
-2 |
| Dragon, Copper, Mature Adult |
16 |
Champion | Huge | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Master |
-1 |
| Dragon, Copper, Old |
19 |
Legendary | Huge | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Master |
-2 |
| Dragon, Copper, Very Old |
20 |
Legendary | Huge | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Master |
-2 |
| Dragon, Copper, Ancient |
22 |
Epic | Huge | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Master |
-3 |
| Dragon, Copper, Wyrm |
23 |
Epic | Gargantuan | Clumsy |
40 |
200 |
Master |
-3 |
| Dragon, Copper, Great Wyrm |
25 |
Epic+ | Gargantuan | Clumsy |
40 |
200 |
Master |
-4 |
| Dragon, Gold, Wyrmling |
5 |
Heroic | Medium | Poor |
60 |
200 |
Expert |
-1 |
| Dragon, Gold, Very Young |
7 |
Heroic | Large | Poor |
60 |
200 |
Heroic |
0 |
| Dragon, Gold, Young |
9 |
Master | Large | Poor |
60 |
200 |
Heroic |
-1 |
| Dragon, Gold, Juvenile |
11 |
Master | Large | Poor |
60 |
200 |
Heroic |
-1 |
| Dragon, Gold, Young Adult |
14 |
Champion | Huge | Poor |
60 |
200 |
Master |
-1 |
| Dragon, Gold, Adult |
16 |
Champion | Huge | Poor |
60 |
200 |
Master |
-1 |
| Dragon, Gold, Mature Adult |
19 |
Legendary | Huge | Poor |
60 |
200 |
Master |
-2 |
| Dragon, Gold, Old |
21 |
Epic | Gargantuan | Clumsy |
60 |
250 |
Master |
-3 |
| Dragon, Gold, Very Old |
22 |
Epic | Gargantuan | Clumsy |
60 |
250 |
Master |
-3 |
| Dragon, Gold, Ancient |
24 |
Epic | Gargantuan | Clumsy |
60 |
250 |
Master |
-3 |
| Dragon, Gold, Wyrm |
25 |
Epic+ | Colossal | Clumsy |
60 |
250 |
Champion |
-3 |
| Dragon, Gold, Great Wyrm |
27 |
Epic+ | Colossal | Clumsy |
60 |
250 |
Champion |
-3 |
| Dragon, Green, Wyrmling |
3 |
Expert | Small | Average |
40 |
100 |
Expert |
0 |
| Dragon, Green, Very Young |
4 |
Expert | Medium | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Expert |
0 |
| Dragon, Green, Young |
5 |
Heroic | Medium | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Expert |
-1 |
| Dragon, Green, Juvenile |
8 |
Heroic | Large | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Heroic |
0 |
| Dragon, Green, Young Adult |
11 |
Master | Large | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Heroic |
-1 |
| Dragon, Green, Adult |
13 |
Champion | Huge | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Master |
-1 |
| Dragon, Green, Mature Adult |
16 |
Champion | Huge | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Master |
-1 |
| Dragon, Green, Old |
18 |
Legendary | Huge | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Master |
-2 |
| Dragon, Green, Very Old |
19 |
Legendary | Huge | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Master |
-2 |
| Dragon, Green, Ancient |
21 |
Epic | Gargantuan | Clumsy |
40 |
200 |
Master |
-3 |
| Dragon, Green, Wyrm |
23 |
Epic | Gargantuan | Clumsy |
40 |
200 |
Master |
-3 |
| Dragon, Green, Great Wyrm |
25 |
Epic+ | Gargantuan | Clumsy |
40 |
200 |
Master |
-4 |
| Dragon, Red, Wyrmling |
4 |
Expert | Medium | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Expert |
0 |
| Dragon, Red, Very Young |
5 |
Heroic | Large | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Heroic |
0 |
| Dragon, Red, Young |
7 |
Heroic | Large | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Heroic |
0 |
| Dragon, Red, Juvenile |
10 |
Master | Large | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Heroic |
-1 |
| Dragon, Red, Young Adult |
13 |
Champion | Huge | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Master |
-1 |
| Dragon, Red, Adult |
15 |
Champion | Huge | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Master |
-1 |
| Dragon, Red, Mature Adult |
18 |
Legendary | Huge | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Master |
-2 |
| Dragon, Red, Old |
20 |
Legendary | Gargantuan | Clumsy |
40 |
200 |
Master |
-2 |
| Dragon, Red, Very Old |
21 |
Epic | Gargantuan | Clumsy |
40 |
200 |
Master |
-3 |
| Dragon, Red, Ancient |
23 |
Epic | Gargantuan | Clumsy |
40 |
200 |
Master |
-3 |
| Dragon, Red, Wyrm |
24 |
Epic | Gargantuan | Clumsy |
40 |
200 |
Master |
-3 |
| Dragon, Red, Great Wyrm |
26 |
Epic+ | Gargantuan | Clumsy |
40 |
200 |
Master |
-4 |
| Dragon, Silver, Wyrmling |
4 |
Expert | Small | Average |
40 |
100 |
Expert |
0 |
| Dragon, Silver, Very Young |
5 |
Heroic | Medium | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Expert |
-1 |
| Dragon, Silver, Young |
7 |
Heroic | Medium | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Expert |
-1 |
| Dragon, Silver, Juvenile |
10 |
Master | Large | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Heroic |
-1 |
| Dragon, Silver, Young Adult |
13 |
Champion | Large | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Heroic |
-2 |
| Dragon, Silver, Adult |
15 |
Champion | Huge | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Master |
-1 |
| Dragon, Silver, Mature Adult |
18 |
Legendary | Huge | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Master |
-2 |
| Dragon, Silver, Old |
20 |
Legendary | Huge | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Master |
-2 |
| Dragon, Silver, Very Old |
21 |
Epic | Huge | Poor |
40 |
150 |
Master |
-3 |
| Dragon, Silver, Ancient |
23 |
Epic | Gargantuan | Clumsy |
40 |
200 |
Master |
-3 |
| Dragon, Silver, Wyrm |
24 |
Epic | Gargantuan | Clumsy |
40 |
200 |
Master |
-3 |
| Dragon, Silver, Great Wyrm |
26 |
Epic+ | Gargantuan | Clumsy |
40 |
200 |
Master |
-4 |
| Dragon, White, Wyrmling |
2 |
Expert | Tiny | Average |
60 |
150 |
Basic |
-1 |
| Dragon, White, Very Young |
3 |
Expert | Small | Average |
60 |
150 |
Expert |
0 |
| Dragon, White, Young |
4 |
Expert | Medium | Poor |
60 |
200 |
Expert |
0 |
| Dragon, White, Juvenile |
6 |
Heroic | Medium | Poor |
60 |
200 |
Expert |
-1 |
| Dragon, White, Young Adult |
8 |
Heroic | Large | Poor |
60 |
200 |
Heroic |
0 |
| Dragon, White, Adult |
10 |
Master | Large | Poor |
60 |
200 |
Heroic |
-1 |
| Dragon, White, Mature Adult |
12 |
Master | Huge | Poor |
60 |
200 |
Master |
0 |
| Dragon, White, Old |
15 |
Champion | Huge | Poor |
60 |
200 |
Master |
-1 |
| Dragon, White, Very Old |
17 |
Legendary | Huge | Poor |
60 |
200 |
Master |
-2 |
| Dragon, White, Ancient |
18 |
Legendary | Huge | Poor |
60 |
200 |
Master |
-2 |
| Dragon, White, Wyrm |
19 |
Legendary | Gargantuan | Clumsy |
60 |
250 |
Master |
-2 |
| Dragon, White, Great Wyrm |
21 |
Epic | Gargantuan | Clumsy |
60 |
260 |
Master |
-3 |
| Dragonne |
7 |
Heroic | Large | Poor |
40 |
30 |
Heroic |
0 |
| Eagle |
0.5 |
Basic | Small | Average |
10 |
80 |
Expert |
1 |
| Eagle, Giant |
3 |
Expert | Large | Average |
10 |
80 |
Master |
2 |
| Elemental, Air, Small |
1 |
Expert | Small | Perfect |
0 |
100 |
Master |
2 |
| Elemental, Air, Medium |
3 |
Expert | Medium | Perfect |
0 |
100 |
Champion |
3 |
| Elemental, Air, Large |
5 |
Heroic | Large | Perfect |
0 |
100 |
Legendary |
3 |
| Elemental, Air, Huge |
7 |
Heroic | Huge | Perfect |
0 |
100 |
Epic |
4 |
| Elemental, Air, Greater |
9 |
Master | Huge | Perfect |
0 |
100 |
Epic |
3 |
| Elemental, Air, Elder |
11 |
Master | Huge | Perfect |
0 |
100 |
Epic |
3 |
| Gargoyle |
4 |
Expert | Medium | Average |
40 |
60 |
Heroic |
-1 |
| Genie, Djinni |
5 |
Heroic | Large | Perfect |
20 |
60 |
Legendary |
3 |
| Genie, Efreeti |
8 |
Heroic | Large | Perfect |
20 |
40 |
Legendary |
3 |
| Genie, Janni |
4 |
Expert | Medium | Perfect |
30 |
20 |
Champion |
3 |
| Ghaele |
13 |
Champion | Medium | Perfect |
50 |
150 |
Champion |
0 |
| Griffon |
4 |
Expert | Large | Average |
30 |
80 |
Master |
2 |
| Harpy |
4 |
Expert | Medium | Average |
20 |
80 |
Heroic |
1 |
| Harpy Archer |
11 |
Master | Medium | Average |
20 |
80 |
Heroic |
-1 |
| Hawk |
0.3 |
Basic | Tiny | Average |
10 |
60 |
Basic |
0 |
| Hippogriff |
2 |
Expert | Large | Average |
50 |
100 |
Master |
2 |
| Homunculus |
1 |
Expert | Tiny | Good |
20 |
50 |
Expert |
0 |
| Inevitable, Zelekhut |
9 |
Master | Large | Average |
50 |
60 |
Master |
0 |
| Invisible Stalker |
7 |
Heroic | Large | Perfect |
30 |
30 |
Legendary |
3 |
| Lammasu |
8 |
Heroic | Large | Average |
30 |
60 |
Master |
1 |
| Lammasu, Golden Protector |
13 |
Champion | Large | Average |
30 |
60 |
Master |
-1 |
| Lillend |
7 |
Heroic | Large | Average |
20 |
70 |
Master |
1 |
| Manticore |
5 |
Heroic | Large | Clumsy |
30 |
50 |
Expert |
-1 |
| Mephit, Air |
3 |
Expert | Small | Perfect |
30 |
60 |
Master |
2 |
| Mephit, Dust |
3 |
Expert | Small | Perfect |
30 |
50 |
Master |
2 |
| Mephit, Earth |
3 |
Expert | Small | Average |
30 |
40 |
Expert |
0 |
| Mephit, Fire |
3 |
Expert | Small | Average |
30 |
50 |
Expert |
0 |
| Mephit, Ice |
3 |
Expert | Small | Perfect |
30 |
50 |
Master |
2 |
| Mephit, Magma |
3 |
Expert | Small | Average |
30 |
50 |
Expert |
0 |
| Mephit, Ooze |
3 |
Expert | Small | Average |
30 |
50 |
Expert |
0 |
| Mephit, Salt |
3 |
Expert | Small | Average |
30 |
40 |
Expert |
0 |
| Mephit, Steam |
3 |
Expert | Small | Average |
30 |
50 |
Expert |
0 |
| Mephit, Water |
3 |
Expert | Small | Average |
30 |
40 |
Expert |
0 |
| Nightmare |
5 |
Heroic | Large | Good |
40 |
90 |
Champion |
2 |
| Nightmare, Cauchemar |
11 |
Master | Large | Good |
40 |
90 |
Champion |
1 |
| Nightshade, Nightwalker |
16 |
Champion | Huge | Poor |
40 |
20 |
Master |
-1 |
| Nightshade, Nightwing |
14 |
Champion | Huge | Good |
20 |
60 |
Legendary |
1 |
| Ogre Mage |
8 |
Heroic | Large | Good |
40 |
40 |
Champion |
2 |
| Owl |
0.25 |
Basic | Tiny | Average |
10 |
40 |
Basic |
0 |
| Owl, Giant |
3 |
Expert | Large | Average |
10 |
70 |
Master |
2 |
| Pegasus |
3 |
Expert | Large | Average |
60 |
120 |
Master |
2 |
| Praying Mantis, Giant |
3 |
Expert | Large | Poor |
20 |
40 |
Heroic |
1 |
| Pseudodragon |
1 |
Expert | Tiny | Good |
15 |
60 |
Expert |
0 |
| Rast |
5 |
Heroic | Medium | Good |
5 |
60 |
Master |
1 |
| Raven |
0.16 |
Basic | Tiny | Average |
10 |
40 |
Basic |
0 |
| Ravid |
5 |
Heroic | Medium | Perfect |
20 |
60 |
Champion |
2 |
| Roc |
9 |
Master | Gargantuan | Average |
20 |
80 |
Legendary |
2 |
| Shadow |
3 |
Expert | Medium | Good |
0 |
40 |
Master |
2 |
| Shadow, Greater |
8 |
Heroic | Medium | Good |
0 |
40 |
Master |
1 |
| Spectre |
7 |
Heroic | Medium | Perfect |
40 |
80 |
Champion |
2 |
| Sphinx, Androsphinx |
9 |
Master | Large | Poor |
50 |
80 |
Heroic |
-1 |
| Sphinx, Criosphinx |
7 |
Heroic | Large | Poor |
30 |
60 |
Heroic |
0 |
| Sphinx, Gynosphinx |
8 |
Heroic | Large | Poor |
40 |
60 |
Heroic |
0 |
| Sphinx, Hieracosphinx |
5 |
Heroic | Large | Poor |
30 |
90 |
Heroic |
0 |
| Spider Eater |
5 |
Heroic | Large | Good |
30 |
60 |
Champion |
2 |
| Sprite, Grig |
1 |
Expert | Tiny | Poor |
20 |
40 |
Basic |
-1 |
| Sprite, Pixie |
4 |
Expert | Small | Good |
20 |
60 |
Heroic |
1 |
| Stirge |
0.5 |
Basic | Tiny | Average |
10 |
40 |
Basic |
0 |
| Vargouille |
2 |
Expert | Small | Good |
0 |
30 |
Heroic |
1 |
| Wasp, Giant |
3 |
Expert | Large | Good |
20 |
60 |
Champion |
3 |
| Will-O’-Wisp |
6 |
Heroic | Small | Perfect |
0 |
50 |
Master |
1 |
| Wraith |
5 |
Heroic | Medium | Good |
0 |
60 |
Master |
1 |
| Wraith, Dread |
11 |
Master | Large | Good |
0 |
60 |
Champion |
1 |
| Wyvern |
6 |
Heroic | Large | Poor |
20 |
60 |
Heroic |
0 |
| Yrthak |
9 |
Master | Huge | Average |
20 |
60 |
Champion |
1 |
Works pretty well, great stuff. I like that you related manoeuvrability to size, it’s basically the common-sense approach (no idea why D&D proper doesn’t apply this when increasing monster size). I agree that the “Improved Flight” talents are probably the best way to resolve most of your outliers.
I suppose that — if I wanted to be a huge nerd about it — manoeuvrability should depend on *mass* (and hence Huge air elementals are manoeuvrable because they aren’t that *dense*), but considering most creatures have about the same density it’d be a whole lot more work for the same outcome. Luckily, nobody involved with role-playing games is a huge nerd. ;-)
4 days without an update? He’s up to something! Hopefully coming up with new interesting conclusions. :-)
(Or maybe just has a cold. It’s that time of year again!)
Nothing quite so cool, though I’ve done some preliminary work on natural attacks.
Crunch time on my project at work (going into client UAT… two weeks ahead of schedule) and some personal changes (diet, exercise, sleep), plus shifting schedules for the kids (martial arts, soccer, school stuff) have caused my time to be somewhat limited the last week or two.
Getting better, though. Once the UAT starts I’m more or less hands off unless things break in a big way; I’ve already booked off Thursday and Friday this week. I should be able to get some more material written soon.
Relating maneuverability to size was the only way I could make it work, to be honest. Too many animals (generally low-tier creatures) have the ability to fly for me to have the talent at too high a tier, but medium creatures flying at all is mildly incredible in real life.
So, I compromised. Medium creatures can do so as a Basic talent, but really not very well. I picture human-sized creatures with big, big wings that can hardly get off the ground, and can’t corner well at all. Tiny creatures, on the other hand, can fly ‘normally’ (average maneuverability) at this tier, and that seems right.
As an Heroic ability (levels 5-8), though, it’s not out of place. Yes, it’s a ‘permanent ability’ (unlike the spell), but you’re paying a permanent cost. I’m okay with this.
Come to that, the spell gives better maneuverability and speed… but can be dispelled. Spell is ‘better’, but limited duration. Again, I’m okay with this.
Of course, the more I work on Echelon, the more I become comfortable with player characters being awesome.
Which is something I’m *more* than okay with.
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