It is important to note that the term ‘bulletproof’ does not mean ‘completely immunity to bullets’. Materials which are bulletproof resist the impact, yet too many bullets, or one very well placed shot, can find a way through.
I mention this, because when we go to make Snallgaster as a D&D critter, and we see the phrase “bulletproof hide”, we should know that we don’t have to get too silly with the armour class. Having said that, having a bulletproof body is only one of a few things that make the Snallygaster a very real threat.
Snallygaster
In the end I gave the Snallygaster an AC of 19. That is the same Armour Class as steel. That’s a pretty good stat for a creature not wearing armour; a character sporting a full set of plate mail has an AC of 18.
Steel as a guide also made sense, as its apparently what the Snallygasters fangs are made from. Thinking biologically about a fantasy bird for a second, it stands to reason that the beast would have teeth sharp and strong enough to pierce its own hide; otherwise members of the species could never actually harm each other when asserting dominance or when defending themselves from their own kin.
The artwork influenced the stats a fair bit here. I decided to add a swim speed as the body of the Snallygaster is very crocodilian. I choose a pile of d4s for the fangs, rather than a few larger dice, because instead of large fangs the Snallygaster is sporting what look like half a dozen wood saws in its mouth.
The fact that this is not a dragon, but everyone in the wizarding word thought it was a dragon, is definitely something you can use in game. Describe the scaly body flying ever-closer to the low level party and watch them panic that a dragon is upon them, then reveal to the more perceptive of them, that the creature seems to have more bird like features. Phew, not a dragon…
…then, as it gets too close for comfort, point out the obscene amount of teeth in its giant beak, and the violent curiosity in its eyes.
Thank You For Reading
Not many Fantastic Beasts left for the Dungeons & Dragons treatment. You can find the full list here!
Gamer Peak 