Page 87 - Serpent Kingdoms

MONSTERS

contact, even if it is taking hit point damage. The sewerm uses Many different sorts of tree-hunting constrictors are called tree
this oil to prevent its victims from noticing its presence while pythons, but the most numerous in Faerûn is the one native to
it feeds. the Serpent Hills.
Bite, injury or contact, Fortitude DC 11; initial and second- The natural hue of this intelligent, tree-lurking constrictor
ary damage anesthetic. The save DC is Constitution-based. snake is a dull, greenish-brown, but its chameleon power allows it
Skills: In addition to the racial skill bonuses noted for all to blend in constantly with its surroundings. Its hue alters swiftly
snakes above, a sewerm has +8 racial bonus on Jump checks, and and automatically to match its surroundings, scale by scale.
its racial bonus on Hide checks is +8 instead of +4. It also has Thus, its protruding head might be sky blue, its midsection the
a +8 racial bonus on any Swim check to perform some special green of leaves, and its rear the brown shade of a branch. These
action or avoid a hazard. It can always choose to take 10 on a colors alter as it moves, keeping pace with its backgrounds.
Swim check, even if distracted or endangered. It can use the run
action while swimming, provided it swims in a straight line. COMBAT
Tree pythons are intelligent hunters that never forget previous
IN THE REALMS experiences. They are wise enough to drop onto the last creature
Sewerms are often found in the sewers of Waterdeep and the in a passing group, choose isolated targets, and avoid falling onto
fouled, fetid waters of the swamps in the northern Sword Coast glinting metal. Tree pythons usually hunt by night and sleep by
(including Mere of Dead Men and Stump Bog). The creatures day, but they have been known to follow promising prey tire-
are considered dangerous nuisances by Waterdeep’s Cellarers’ lessly, keeping pace and attacking it later while it slumbers.
and Plumbers’ Guild but are highly prized by the Guild of Constrict (Ex): On a successful grapple check, a tree python
Apothecaries and Physicians for the pain-deadening effects of deals 1d3+4 points of damage.
their venom. Improved Grab (Ex): To use this ability, a tree python must
hit with its bite attack. It can then attempt to start a grapple as
Tree Python a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity. If it
wins the grapple check, it establishes a hold and can constrict.
Medium Magical Beast Chameleon Scales (Ex): Because of its ever-changing scales,
Hit Dice: 3d10+6 (22 hp) a tree python blends in with its surroundings, gaining a +10
Initiative: +3 circumstance bonus on Hide checks.
Speed: 20 ft. (4 squares), climb 20 ft., swim 20 ft. Spring (Ex): A tree python can gather its coils and then
Armor Class: 16 (+3 Dex, +3 natural), touch 13, fl at-footed 16 launch itself in a jump. The Jump DCs for both long jumps and
Base Attack/Grapple: +3/+6 high jumps are halved, and no running start is required. Fur-
Attack: Bite +6 melee (1d3+4) thermore, when jumping down, the tree python takes damage as
Full Attack: Bite +6 melee (1d3+4) if it had dropped 90 fewer feet than it actually did.
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft. Skills: In addition to the racial skill bonuses noted for all
Special Attacks: Constrict 1d3+4, improved grab snakes above, a tree python has a +8 racial bonus on any Swim
Special Qualities: Chameleon skin, darkvision 60 ft., low-light check to perform some special action or avoid a hazard. It can
vision, scent, spring always choose to take 10 on a Swim check, even if distracted or
Saves: Fort +4, Ref +6, Will +2 endangered. It can use the run action while swimming, provided
Abilities: Str 17, Dex 17, Con 13, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 2 it swims in a straight line.
Skills: Balance +11, Climb +14, Hide +20, Listen +10, Spot +10,
Swim +11 IN THE REALMS
Feats: Alertness, Toughness Though they are most common in the Serpent Hills, tree py-
Environment: Temperate forests thons have spread quickly throughout Faerûn. They seize any
Organization: Solitary opportunity to drop onto a passing wagon, “ride” cargo lashed
Challenge Rating: 2 to packbeasts, and even cling to ropes with their jaws so as to be
Treasure: — dragged along. Some have even ridden the harnesses of fl ying
Alignment: Usually chaotic evil steeds in this manner. Tree pythons don’t seem to suffer any
Advancement: — pain or disability from holding on with their jaws for hours or
Level Adjustment: — even days, though extreme cold causes them to drop off and
search for warmer surroundings.
A faint hissing sound and a slithering movement suggest Tree pythons are smart enough to know when they’re vulner-
the presence of an unseen serpentine predator. Suddenly, the able. When wounded or in an exposed position, they seek to fl ee
fl ash of fangs from a leafy branch reveals the location of the and hide rather than face certain death.
crawling death.

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