Drake, Pine
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Climate/Terrain | Pine forests, north temperate regions in inhabited lands |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Organization | Clan |
| Activity Cycle | Day |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Intelligence | Animal (1) |
| Treasure | Nil |
| Alignment | Neutral |
| No. Appearing | 1d4 |
| Armor Class | 2 |
| Movement | 6/18 (MC A) |
| Hit Dice | 1 (4 hit points) |
| THAC0 | 20 |
| No. of Attacks | 3 |
| Damage/Attack | 1/1/1 |
| Special Attacks | See below |
| Special Defenses | Nil |
| Magic Resistance | Nil |
| Size | T (a little less than 1 foot wingspan) |
| Morale | Steady (11-12) |
| XP Value | 85 |
Description
Pine drakes are another species of the dragon family that has adapted to live among humans. It is theorized that once they are were much like other drakes, living among woodlands and hunting down prey, perhaps one day evolving into something comparable to the metallic and chromatic dragons, or maybe just filling an ecological niche.
Pine drakes at some point became aware of the human penchant for considering animals "cute," particularly if they are attractive, small, and seemingly "innocent" and inoffensive. Pine drakes play up their physical features to humans. Already attractive drakes, they are very small, generally less than a foot wingspan. They are a bright green on the back side and a bright yellow across the underside of their throats and bellies. Males have black colored heads, while females a soft green. Both genders have glittering liquid gold eyes.
In addition to a striking appearance and playful antics, the pine drakes have another innate secret weapon to win the hearts of humans. They can twice a day, at 6th level of ability, cast their own version of Charm Person Or Animal. Unless a successful saving throw is made versus spells, the victim will think the pine drakes the cutest thing he or she had ever seen, and wish to make sure they are fed, protected, and won't mind they accompanying him or her. The victim will go to great lengths to protect them from harm, and to make sure they are well fed. Attempts by other, non charmed individuals to disuade the victim will be unsuccessful for the duration of the spell (which is 8 to 10 days).
Upon the end of the duration of charm, the victim gets to make another save with a +1 bonus. If that is unsuccessful, the next day another can be made at a +2 bonus. This continues until the victim makes the save. At that point the victim is free to decide what to do with the drakes, though generally they will still be not inclined to harm them.
What a group of pine drake have successfully charmed a person do varies. Some simply encourage them to leave the area. Others need defenders for a time, to keep out orcs or bandits or what have you. Others, generally on an individual basis will seek to accompany them, hopefully to live the life of a pampered pet.
Pine drakes are not sentient, but are very bright for animals and can be taught tricks. They have no other know spell ability.
In combat they can claw, claw, bite if needed, but do no possess a breath weapon or any magical defensive measures.