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Alternative PowersThe powers possessed by dragons described in thisbook and in the Monster Manual are typical of chromaticdragons, but they are but a sampling of thoseavailable. This section presents alternative dragonpowers that you can substitute for others to make newand interesting dragon opponents.Black Dragon PowersAs creatures of fens and bogs, black dragons reflectthe pervasive decay found in such forlorn places.The following alternative powers reflect black dragons’chosen environments and demonstrate talentsto let them to take advantage of the native flora andfauna.Animate PlantsThis power is designed to be used by an ancient blackdragon instead of vitriolic spray.C Animate Plants (standard; recharge ⚄ ⚅) ✦ ZoneClose burst 5; level + 2 vs. Reflex; 1d10 + one-half level damage,and the target is restrained (save ends). The burst creates a zoneof entangling plants that remains in place as long as the dragon’sspace is entirely within the zone. All creatures other than thedragon treat the area within the zone as diffi cult terrain.Stinging VerminThis power works best for an elder or ancient blackdragon. It replaces vitriolic spray.Stinging Vermin aura 5; any creature that starts its turn withinthe aura takes 10 damage and is blinded and slowed until thestart of its next turn.Blue Dragon PowersBlue dragons love violent storms, and they make theirlairs in sea caves, remote islands, and other placesexposed to stormy weather. These alternative powersreflect their control of thunder and lightning.MirageAn elder or ancient blue dragon can have this powerin place of thunderclap.A Mirage (standard; recharge ⚅) ✦ Illusion, PsychicBurst 3 within 20; level + 4 vs. Will; psychic damage equal tothat from that dragon’s thunderclap, and the target is blinded(save ends).ThunderboltAny blue dragon can use this power instead of lightningburst.A Thunderbolt (standard; recharge ⚄ ⚅) ✦ ThunderArea burst 2 within 10; level + 4 vs. Fortitude; thunder damageequal to that from the dragon’s lightning burst, and the target isdeafened (save ends). This power does not deal half damage ona miss.Brown Dragon PowersIn the cruel desert environment, burrowing offersbrown dragons relief from the sun. A few brown dragonslose the ability to fly, instead spending all theirtime beneath the ground.Rising BiteAny brown dragon can have this power in place of itsfly speed.M Rising Bite (standard; recharge ⚄ ⚅)The brown dragon moves up to its burrow speed just below thesurface of the ground, avoiding opportunity attacks as it passesunderneath other creatures’ spaces. As it burrows beneath thespace of a creature on the ground, the dragon makes a biteattack against the creature.SinkholeThis power, for an ancient brown dragon, replacessand cloud.A Sinkhole (standard; recharge ⚄ ⚅) ✦ ZoneArea burst 5 within 20; level + 3 vs. Reflex; 3d10 + Constitutionmodifier damage, and the target is restrained (save ends). Theburst creates a zone of collapsing sand that remains in placeuntil the end of the encounter. All creatures other than thedragon treat the area within the zone as diffi cult terrain.Strike from BelowInstead of quicksand vortex, an elder or ancient browndragon can use this power.M Strike from Below (standard; encounter)The brown dragon moves up to half its burrow speed just belowthe surface of the ground, makes two claw attacks, and thenmoves up to half its burrow speed again. This movement doesnot provoke opportunity attacks.Gray Dragon PowersSome gray dragons have acid running through theirveins, allowing them to deliver a caustic bite or retaliatewith an acidic spray against foes who harm them.Others increase their horrifying aspect to makeenemies hesitate in battle.Acid SprayAny gray dragon can swap warding tail for this power.ALTERNATIVE POWERSCHAPTER 4 | New Monsters251