I want to run my group of PnP players through a tower infested with bugbears, and the basement has a special key which they get off of the chief; which he gives to them. Now the basement is infested with giant spiders, and a special gift. A bulette. Now the party SHOULD be level five when they get there, maybe even six if all goes well. I was just wondering if I down played the bulette enough for them. Here are the stats I gave it.

Juvenile Bulette
Large Magical Beast
HD: 5D10+40 (65)
Initiative: +1
Speed: 30 ft. (burrow 10 ft.)
AC: 18 (-1 size, +1 dex, +8 natural)
Touch: 10, Flat footed: 18
BaB/Grapple: +6/+17
Attack: Bite +9(D12+6)
Full Attack: Bite +9(D12+6), 2 claws +6(2D4+3)
Special Attack: Leap
Saves: Fort: 10, Ref: 7, Will: 5
Abilites: Str 23, Dex 13, Con 19, Int 2, Wis 13, Cha 6
Skills: Jump +15, Listen +8, Spot +2
Feats: Alertness, Iron will, Track
Challenge Rating: 5-6

So is this down graded enough? Comments please, and soon as we may play within next few days.

the AC isn't rediculous, and their's o spell resistance or Damage reduction. While the strength and what not may make for some problems (especially a full attack), given if you've got at least 4 players I don't see why they should have much problem with it. It hsould provide a challenge, just not be indominable. Even with a party consisting of one 5th / 6th level caster a fighter based class (which will average some 40 hp himself) and whtever else, when you add flanking and multiple damage sources a round potentially, I think it's a fine encounter.

Thanks. The group consists one 1 half elf rogue, 1 dwarf cleric, 1 elf sorcerer, and 1 human samurai. So I think it will work out quite fine also. THanks for the input.

happy to be the 3.5 sage