In the process of typing in Dragotha's stat block, I've run across a couple of things that I'd appreciate some clarification/interpretation on. Please, anyone feel free to chime in with how you handled these.
First, his Paralyzing Gaze is listed under his Special Attacks, and once you make your save, you're immune to it. I'm assuming this is a normal gaze attack, however, wherein everyone within the range (40') is affected unless they avert or close their eyes. Or was this intended to be a separate attack option that requires a standard action for Dragotha to meet a specific individual's eyes? (This may seem to be a stupid question, but I seem to recall at least one other critter during this adventure path that had a gaze attack which required a standard action, and that's thrown me off here.)
Second, Dragotha's two breath weapons. The first is standard, but the second (death wind) indicates it does the listed damage plus the results of the wind. Does this mean there's no Reflex save against this attack? Or should a Reflex save against the damage portion have been included? (Or a Will save, given the type of damage?)
I treated Dragotha's gaze attack just like a normal one -- PCs within 40' are affected, with no actions on Dragotha's part, unless they close or avert their eyes.
As for the death wind, I think they're no save for the damage, but there's a Fort save to resist the tornado-force wind effects.
Okay, thanks to both of you for the replies. I'm a bit concerned about the no-save for the damage part of that one breath weapon (why would he ever use the other one), but I suppose there've been enough negative-energy-wielding critters by then that the PCs could be expected to have some defenses (Death Ward etc).
.... but I suppose there've been enough negative-energy-wielding critters by then that the PCs could be expected to have some defenses (Death Ward etc).
I was just pouring over Dragothas stat block last night in future preparation as well. When I saw the breath weapon, I thought exactly the opposite: the negative energy damage will be countered by death ward, and even if it where not, its a drop in the bucket next to the 20d10 fire damage that the regular breath attack will deal. Granted its fire and 80% of the party will have some sort of protection to it, but we're still talking 20 - 200 points of damage (average 100) AND dont forget he can quicken it, make it clinging (half damage next round), and recover breath faster.
My dillemna with Dragotha will be to go with an anti-magic field or not. An anti-magic field will seriously put the hurting on PCs, but will also make Dragotha and his allies spell abilities (to include breath weapons) useless. In my campaign, Xzyanth has survived attacks on PCs, and will return to Dragotha's side in the Tabernacle when the PCs meet him. So, the PCs will have to contend with Dragotha, Xzyanth (many of his fighting abilities are purely melee oriented), and perhaps a Worm-Drake or 2.
Don't feel bad for these PCs. I sure don't.
Okay, thanks to both of you for the replies. I'm a bit concerned about the no-save for the damage part of that one breath weapon (why would he ever use the other one)
I think it says the death wind can only be used once a day.