Two new AD&D 1e Creatures...

Dec 13, 2024

Today I was sitting here and decided to dip into my DM Binder and complete the write ups I have of two new creatures I’ve been toying around with including in my campaign. The first is a Brimstone Goblin and I did it because I wanted to take the basic Goblin and make something else from it, ya know change it up a bit!

Then we have Emberclaw Dragon, which was following the same ideas I was using for the goblin. I wanted a new and different type of dragon to throw at the group as kind of a “mission big bad” for a short arc and this is what I came up with. I hope you enjoy!

Name: Brimstone Goblin

Frequency: Uncommon
Number Appearing: 2-20
Armor Class: 7
Move: 9"
Hit Dice: 1 + 1
% in Lair: 50%
Treasure Type: Q (Weaponry, Coins), C
No. of Attacks: 1
Damage/Attack: 1-6 (dagger or short sword)
Special Attacks: Firebombs, Scorched Step
Special Defenses: Nil
Magic Resistance: Standard
Intelligence: Low
Alignment: Chaotic Evil
Size: Small (3' tall)
Psionic Ability: Nil

Description:
Brimstone Goblins are a particularly fiery and malicious breed of goblins, known for their penchant for explosives and fire-based tactics. Their skin is a dark, soot-streaked green, and their eyes burn with an unnatural orange glow, as though they’ve absorbed the very flames of hell. These goblins are more unpredictable than their cousins, using firebombs and other incendiary devices in combat to sow chaos and destruction. They tend to live in areas where sulfuric or volcanic activity is common, such as underground caverns near magma flows or deep in the heart of scorched forests. Often, they work in small, guerrilla-style bands, ambushing travelers or raiding villages and towns. Brimstone Goblins are notorious for causing wildfires in forests or stealing from pyromancers and alchemists to obtain rare flammable materials.

In combat, the standard weapon for a Brimstone Goblin is a small, jagged dagger or short sword, which it wields with surprisingly quick reflexes, dealing 1-6 points of damage. Once per combat, a Brimstone Goblin can hurl a firebomb at an enemy, which deals 3d6 points of fire damage in a 5-foot radius. Any creature within this radius must save vs. breath weapon or suffer the full damage from this small glass vial filled with volatile chemicals, typically thrown at an enemy from a range of 15-20 feet. Additionally, Brimstone Goblins possess a unique ability called Scorched Step, allowing them to move through fire and smoke without harm. They can navigate through clouds of smoke or fire and avoid taking damage from fire-based spells or traps. Once per day, a goblin can step through a cloud of fire or smoke (such as from a firebomb or flame spell) and emerge from the opposite side unscathed.

Due to their innate connection to fire, Brimstone Goblins also have special defenses, including fire resistance, which allows them to take only half damage from fire spells, flame-based traps, and natural fire sources. Furthermore, they excel in ambush tactics, often working in groups to set up fires or explosions, forcing enemies into dangerous situations where the goblins can strike from hidden positions.

Name: Emberclaw Dragon
Frequency: Rare
Number Appearing: 1-2
Armor Class: 3
Move: 12" (Flying 24")
Hit Dice: 10 + 6
% in Lair: 80%
Treasure Type: H, P (Hoards gems, rare treasures, and magical items)
No. of Attacks: 3
Damage/Attack: 2-12 (bite), 1-10 (claw), 2-20 (tail)
Special Attacks: Fire Breath, Emberstorm
Special Defenses: Fire Immunity, Heat Aura
Magic Resistance: 40%
Intelligence: Very
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Size: Gargantuan (30-40 feet long)
Psionic Ability: Nil

Description:

The Emberclaw Dragon is a rare and powerful dragon known for its fiery breath and molten powers. Its scales are dark, with veins of bright orange and red running through them, and its eyes glow with a fierce light. Unlike other dragons, the Emberclaw has special heat-sensitive claws that can create bursts of flames with every swipe. This dragon usually lives in volcanic areas, high mountains with lava flows, or deep underground near sources of heat.

The Emberclaw is a solitary creature, mainly focused on protecting its treasure hoard, which often includes rare gems, magical artifacts, and molten metal that it creates with its fiery breath. It is said that this dragon can melt stone just by looking at it or create rivers of molten lava to trap adventurers.

In combat, the Emberclaw has several powerful attacks. It can bite its enemies with its huge jaws, causing 2-12 points of damage. Its sharp claws can slash through metal and stone, dealing 1-10 points of damage. If the claws land a critical hit, they can also ignite flammable objects, causing an extra 1d6 fire damage over the next two rounds. The dragon’s long, heavy tail can swing around with great force, dealing 2-20 points of damage and having a 25% chance to knock an enemy down if they’re within 10 feet.

One of the Emberclaw’s most fearsome abilities is its fire breath. It can unleash a cone of fire that is 40 feet long and 20 feet wide at the base, dealing 10d6 points of fire damage. Those caught in the fire can attempt to save against it to take half damage. If they are hit, they also catch fire for 1d4 rounds, taking an extra 2d6 fire damage each round unless they put the flames out. Once a day, the Emberclaw can create a storm of fiery embers, affecting an area with 60-foot radius that deals 1d6 fire damage to any creatures inside it every round. This storm also makes it hard to see, causing a -2 penalty to attack rolls for anyone in the area, and it lasts for three rounds while moving with the dragon.

The Emberclaw has special defenses that make it even more dangerous. It is completely immune to fire-based attacks, including powerful spells like Fireball or Flame Strike. Additionally, the intense heat around the dragon causes any creature within 10 feet to take 1d4 fire damage each round. This heat also creates a shimmering effect in the air, giving the Emberclaw a +2 bonus to all saving throws against cold-based spells or attacks.