A hiss within one's self [Archive] - Wizards Community

A hiss within one's self [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
The Vorpal Tribble
06-28-05, 04:23 PM Belly Serpent

Small Magical Beast
Hit Dice: 1d10+2 (7 hp)
Initiative: +3
Speed: 20 ft. (4 squares), climb 20 ft.
Armor Class: 18 (+3 dex, +4 natural, +1 size), touch 14, flat-footed 15
Base Attack/Grapple: +1/-1
Attack: Bite +5 melee (1d4 plus venom), or Caustic Spray +5 ranged (1d4 acid plus venom)
Full attack: Bite +5 melee (1d4 plus venom), or Caustic Spray +5 ranged (1d4 acid plus venom)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Caustic spray
Special Qualities: Darkvision 60 ft., empathic transfer, host protection, immunity to poison and polymorph, low-light vision, scent, union of the scales
Saves: Fort +4, Ref +5, Will +2
Abilities: Str 7, Dex 17, Con 14, Int 3, Wis 14, Cha 13
Skills: Climb +7, Listen +4, Spot +4
Feats: Great Fortitude, Weapon Finesse(B)
Environment: Warm Forest
Organization: Solitary
Challenge Rating: 3
Treasure: None
Alignment: Lawful Neutral
Advancement: 2-5 HD (Small), 6-10 HD (Medium)
Level Adjustment: -

A belly serphent is a most unique type of creature that forms a symbiotic relationship mostly with humanoids. Though they can change their color at will a belly serphent in its natural coloring appears as an impressively large cobra of a translucent, maggoty white hue with pale reddish-purple veins running through it. Upon choosing a host its scales take on the exact shade of his or her skin.

Belly serphents, though common enough in the wilds, are more commonly bred by primitive peoples in the midst of deep jungles. Usually these communities have some kind of high reguard for reptiles, some even to the point of worship. They reguard the bond with the belly serphents as nigh holy.

Belly serphents are only capable of producing offspring when their host has died and they have fully melded into the body. They take the gender of their former host and must find a mate whom has also has fully melded with one of the opposite gender. Such unions produce 2d6 offspring. They are birthed live and not from eggs like some tales claim. Within six months the serphents are full grown and ready to take a host.

Belly serphents are 8 feet long and weigh about 25 pounds, which is added to the host's weight after melding. They speak no language, but can understand its host on an empathic level.

Combat:
If melded a belly serphent lies in wait within the abdomen of their host, protruding out to spray their opponent with a caustic venom. The first attack made by a belly serphent is always considered a surprise attack. The serphent cannot fully leave the body of its host, but it can lunge out at a victim up to five feet away to bite. It is condidered a seperate entity that resides within the same space as its host.

If unmelded a belly serphent usually only attacks when it or its offspring are threatened.

Caustic Spray (Ex):
Once per round a Belly Serphent can shoot out a line of venom that has a range of 10 feet as a ranged touch attack. It deals 1d4 acid damage if it hits, and burns into the flesh to poison the victim. Unless the victim succeeds on a DC 12 fortitude save it takes 1d4 constitution damage initially, as well as 1d4 secondary damage. The save DC is constitution based.

Empathic Transfer (Ex):
A belly serphent can increase its host's hit point total with its own, but must retain at least one point for itself. The host in turn can boost its symbiont in the same fashion. Points taken heal naturally at the the serpant's or host's rate, whichever is better.

Host Protection (Ex): A melded belly serpent is treated as an attended magic item for the purpose of making saving throws, even if the serpent is specifically targeted. A belly serpent that is melded to its host is treated as a creature in a grapple for the purpose of striking at the serpent instead of the host (but the host is not considered grappled in turn).

Soothing Tune (Su):
A belly serphent can emit a pleasant, non-threatening thrumming sound that acts as a Charm spell cast by a 1st level caster (DC 12 will save negates). It does this to relax potential hosts in case they feel threatened by its presence. This is a sonic, mind-affecting effect. Save DC's are Charisma-based.

Union of the Scales (Su):
With consent a belly serphent fully melds with their host if he or she is medium to large in size, generally coiling around the stomach region and being absorbed within the flesh. This causes no pain to the host. A ring of scales about the host's midsection is a clear indication of the Holder of a belly serphent. Once melded a belly serphent and the host cannot be seperated unless with a limited wish, wish, miracle or similiar high-level spells.
The serphent and the host sense each other's emotions but the snake cannot speak. The host can direct it to stay hidden within, or bid it to reveal itself, or other simple mental commands. Unless told otherwise a belly serphent automatically attacks when its host comes under attack.
While melded the host gains a +4 bonus to fortitude checks against poisons. And lastly three times per day the serphent can release chemicals into its partner's blood-stream that allows him to Rage as a barbarian, but without becoming fatigued.
The belly serphent remains with its host until its death at which point the serphent must make a DC 18 fortitude check or die as well. If it survives it takes over the body and fully melds with it.
The skin takes on a scaley texture, fangs and venom sacks grow from the mouth, and a slight cowl develops on the back of its head. It retains its intelligence, wisdom and charisma, as well as its bite and caustic spray attacks (the bite dealing 1d6 damage), but otherwise takes on all the host's stats and abilities.

Skills:
Belly Serphents have a +4 bonus on climb checks and can always choose to take 10 on climb checks even if rushed or threatened. A belly serphent uses its dexterity modifier for climb checks.
Great Cthulhu
06-28-05, 07:13 PM -No comment.-
The Vorpal Tribble
06-28-05, 07:21 PM Hey, its great for a surprise.
bgt
07-12-05, 08:38 AM Cool.

You probably should list the snake's initiative in parenentheses next to the "as hosts" part. Also, a creature melded with one of these should get a CR and LA bump. Finally, what purpose does the soothing tune serve? Withought the ability to speak, telepathy, or wild empathy for humanoids, diplomacy checks are pretty useless.

Yet another fine critter from The Vorpal Tribble.
The Vorpal Tribble
07-12-05, 09:01 AM Also, a creature melded with one of these should get a CR and LA bump. Finally, what purpose does the soothing tune serve?
Maybe. I just thought of it as someone with a familiar ;)

Withought the ability to speak, telepathy, or wild empathy for humanoids, diplomacy checks are pretty useless.
To use diplomacy you don't neccessarily have to talk. Least its not mentioned that I can find. But most coming across the critter will be hostile, or at least unfriendly, seeing a big ole snake. Its noise and actions however allow it to attempt to calm those whom might just rush at it.
The Vorpal Tribble
12-01-05, 11:15 PM Giving this a bump so that when they delete all the old posts I don't lose my info on my creation page.

See info on this upcoming 'house cleaning' here:
http://boards1.wizards.com/announcement.php?f=339

Note: This may be one of my older creations from when I was first learning monster making. If it appears really whacked number wise, I'll be getting to it eventually.
KingGolem
05-14-06, 03:50 AM :D
Approved by KingGolem

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
The Vorpal Tribble 06-28-05, 04:23 PM	Belly Serpent Small Magical Beast Hit Dice: 1d10+2 (7 hp) Initiative: +3 Speed: 20 ft. (4 squares), climb 20 ft. Armor Class: 18 (+3 dex, +4 natural, +1 size), touch 14, flat-footed 15 Base Attack/Grapple: +1/-1 Attack: Bite +5 melee (1d4 plus venom), or Caustic Spray +5 ranged (1d4 acid plus venom) Full attack: Bite +5 melee (1d4 plus venom), or Caustic Spray +5 ranged (1d4 acid plus venom) Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft. Special Attacks: Caustic spray Special Qualities: Darkvision 60 ft., empathic transfer, host protection, immunity to poison and polymorph, low-light vision, scent, union of the scales Saves: Fort +4, Ref +5, Will +2 Abilities: Str 7, Dex 17, Con 14, Int 3, Wis 14, Cha 13 Skills: Climb +7, Listen +4, Spot +4 Feats: Great Fortitude, Weapon Finesse(B) Environment: Warm Forest Organization: Solitary Challenge Rating: 3 Treasure: None Alignment: Lawful Neutral Advancement: 2-5 HD (Small), 6-10 HD (Medium) Level Adjustment: - A belly serphent is a most unique type of creature that forms a symbiotic relationship mostly with humanoids. Though they can change their color at will a belly serphent in its natural coloring appears as an impressively large cobra of a translucent, maggoty white hue with pale reddish-purple veins running through it. Upon choosing a host its scales take on the exact shade of his or her skin. Belly serphents, though common enough in the wilds, are more commonly bred by primitive peoples in the midst of deep jungles. Usually these communities have some kind of high reguard for reptiles, some even to the point of worship. They reguard the bond with the belly serphents as nigh holy. Belly serphents are only capable of producing offspring when their host has died and they have fully melded into the body. They take the gender of their former host and must find a mate whom has also has fully melded with one of the opposite gender. Such unions produce 2d6 offspring. They are birthed live and not from eggs like some tales claim. Within six months the serphents are full grown and ready to take a host. Belly serphents are 8 feet long and weigh about 25 pounds, which is added to the host's weight after melding. They speak no language, but can understand its host on an empathic level. Combat: If melded a belly serphent lies in wait within the abdomen of their host, protruding out to spray their opponent with a caustic venom. The first attack made by a belly serphent is always considered a surprise attack. The serphent cannot fully leave the body of its host, but it can lunge out at a victim up to five feet away to bite. It is condidered a seperate entity that resides within the same space as its host. If unmelded a belly serphent usually only attacks when it or its offspring are threatened. Caustic Spray (Ex): Once per round a Belly Serphent can shoot out a line of venom that has a range of 10 feet as a ranged touch attack. It deals 1d4 acid damage if it hits, and burns into the flesh to poison the victim. Unless the victim succeeds on a DC 12 fortitude save it takes 1d4 constitution damage initially, as well as 1d4 secondary damage. The save DC is constitution based. Empathic Transfer (Ex): A belly serphent can increase its host's hit point total with its own, but must retain at least one point for itself. The host in turn can boost its symbiont in the same fashion. Points taken heal naturally at the the serpant's or host's rate, whichever is better. Host Protection (Ex): A melded belly serpent is treated as an attended magic item for the purpose of making saving throws, even if the serpent is specifically targeted. A belly serpent that is melded to its host is treated as a creature in a grapple for the purpose of striking at the serpent instead of the host (but the host is not considered grappled in turn). Soothing Tune (Su): A belly serphent can emit a pleasant, non-threatening thrumming sound that acts as a Charm spell cast by a 1st level caster (DC 12 will save negates). It does this to relax potential hosts in case they feel threatened by its presence. This is a sonic, mind-affecting effect. Save DC's are Charisma-based. Union of the Scales (Su): With consent a belly serphent fully melds with their host if he or she is medium to large in size, generally coiling around the stomach region and being absorbed within the flesh. This causes no pain to the host. A ring of scales about the host's midsection is a clear indication of the Holder of a belly serphent. Once melded a belly serphent and the host cannot be seperated unless with a limited wish, wish, miracle or similiar high-level spells. The serphent and the host sense each other's emotions but the snake cannot speak. The host can direct it to stay hidden within, or bid it to reveal itself, or other simple mental commands. Unless told otherwise a belly serphent automatically attacks when its host comes under attack. While melded the host gains a +4 bonus to fortitude checks against poisons. And lastly three times per day the serphent can release chemicals into its partner's blood-stream that allows him to Rage as a barbarian, but without becoming fatigued. The belly serphent remains with its host until its death at which point the serphent must make a DC 18 fortitude check or die as well. If it survives it takes over the body and fully melds with it. The skin takes on a scaley texture, fangs and venom sacks grow from the mouth, and a slight cowl develops on the back of its head. It retains its intelligence, wisdom and charisma, as well as its bite and caustic spray attacks (the bite dealing 1d6 damage), but otherwise takes on all the host's stats and abilities. Skills: Belly Serphents have a +4 bonus on climb checks and can always choose to take 10 on climb checks even if rushed or threatened. A belly serphent uses its dexterity modifier for climb checks.
Great Cthulhu 06-28-05, 07:13 PM	-No comment.-
The Vorpal Tribble 06-28-05, 07:21 PM	Hey, its great for a surprise.
bgt 07-12-05, 08:38 AM	Cool. You probably should list the snake's initiative in parenentheses next to the "as hosts" part. Also, a creature melded with one of these should get a CR and LA bump. Finally, what purpose does the soothing tune serve? Withought the ability to speak, telepathy, or wild empathy for humanoids, diplomacy checks are pretty useless. Yet another fine critter from The Vorpal Tribble.
The Vorpal Tribble 07-12-05, 09:01 AM	Also, a creature melded with one of these should get a CR and LA bump. Finally, what purpose does the soothing tune serve? Maybe. I just thought of it as someone with a familiar ;) Withought the ability to speak, telepathy, or wild empathy for humanoids, diplomacy checks are pretty useless. To use diplomacy you don't neccessarily have to talk. Least its not mentioned that I can find. But most coming across the critter will be hostile, or at least unfriendly, seeing a big ole snake. Its noise and actions however allow it to attempt to calm those whom might just rush at it.
The Vorpal Tribble 12-01-05, 11:15 PM	Giving this a bump so that when they delete all the old posts I don't lose my info on my creation page. See info on this upcoming 'house cleaning' here: http://boards1.wizards.com/announcement.php?f=339 Note: This may be one of my older creations from when I was first learning monster making. If it appears really whacked number wise, I'll be getting to it eventually.
KingGolem 05-14-06, 03:50 AM	:D Approved by KingGolem