Post/Author/DateTime

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Master Bates 03-17-04, 10:01 AM

I've decided to chuck a few of these nasties at my PCs (they're 8th level), since I've never really experimented with plant creatures before. Browsing over its stats and abilities, though, I was slightly disturbed by what I saw. If I'm correct, the shambler deals 6d6+17 damage on a round where both its attacks hit, and it makes a successful grapple attempt: 4d6+10 from the two slams, plus 2d6+7 from the constrict ability. I'm not that well versed in the mechanics of grappling, but I'd assume that it would only get 1 grapple check on its turn, and if this attack succeeds then it will automatically deal the damage for its slam attacks (since both were required to hit in order to start a grapple) AND the damage from constricting. 6d6+17 damage each successful grapple seems like a horrendous amount for a CR 6 creature. That kind of damage will squeeze the life out of many 8th level characters pretty quickly, let alone somebody who's 6th level. And let's face it - with the shambler's size bonus and great strength, it's probably going to win most of its grapple checks. Am I correct in my above ramblings, or is there some caveat that I've missed, which prevents the shambling mound from causing so much damage in a single round?