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Legacy of the Dragons
Crested Serpent Gargantuan Magical Beast Hit Dice: 20d10+200 (310 hp), dying/dead –11/–30 Initiative: +1 Speed: 20 feet AC: 30 (–4 size, +1 Dexterity, +23 natural), touch 7, flat-footed 29 Base Attack/Grapple: +20/+43 Attack: Bite +28 melee (4d8+13) Full Attack: Bite +28 melee (4d8+13) and 2 claws +25 melee (1d10+5) Space/Reach: 10 feet/10 feet (Face/Reach: 10 feet by 10 feet/10 feet) Special Attacks: Coiled charge Special Qualities: DR 10/adamantine (or 20/+3), low-light vision, psychic bond, SR 30 Saves: Fort +22, Ref +13, Will +11 Abilities: Str 32, Dex 13, Con 30, Int 5, Wis 14, Cha 13 Skills: Listen +11, Spot +11, Wilderness Survival +7 Feats: Cleave, Defensive Move, Mobility, Multiattack*, Power Attack, Power Charge, Weapon Focus (bite), Weapon Specialization (bite) Environment: Any temperate or warm Organization: Solitary or pair Challenge Rating: 15 Treasure: Standard Advancement: 21–30 HD (Gargantuan); 31–50 HD (Colossal) Level Adjustment: +5 * Denotes a feat from the MM.
This four-legged, serpentine beast has a long, beaked mouth and a towering, jagged spur that runs from the base of its neck to the crown of its tail. Its thick blue scales glitter in the sun. A crested serpent attacks its prey by crushing it beneath an overwhelming charge. These creatures attack humanoids only when their young are threatened or when mating season causes them to become temperamental and aggressive. Crested serpents usually keep to isolated forest areas, but inevitably they overhunt their home territory and must range farther afield to track down suitable prey. Their strength and ferocity in battle lead most travelers to avoid areas where they are rumored to hunt. Crushed trees, the shattered bones of prey, and other such signs are the best indicators of their presence. Wherever one of these beasts settles down, it quickly establishes itself as the mightiest predator in the region. Despite their reputation as terrible monsters, crested serpents only rarely hunt humanoid creatures. Usually they prefer to avoid such prey, since armored warriors and skilled mages are much more difficult to overcome than herd beasts. During their mating season, they become exceptionally aggressive and temperamental. They lash out at any perceived
invasion of their hunting grounds and may attempt to claim additional territory to help impress potential mates. If a crested serpent lairs near civilized lands, it may attack border towns, ambush travelers and caravans, and wreck farmlands. These beasts mate only once each decade, but in some cases that delay between rampages merely provides settlers enough time to repair the damage dealt by the previous attack. Crested serpents pose a vexing problem to settlers and others who dwell near them. Attacking these creatures in their lairs might prevent their depredations, but crested serpents are daunting foes. A failed attack might prompt one to become more aggressive than normal. Magical solutions offer the best hope, and many greenbonds use their spells to lead crested serpents to deserted regions or other areas where they can exist in peace. The only thing more aggressive than a crested serpent seeking to improve its status during mating season is one whose young are threatened. A serpent protecting its offspring flies into a rage at the slightest hint of interlopers and works tirelessly to defeat would-be kidnappers and scavengers. Crested serpent hide is a valued material for forging weapons and armor. Since adult specimens are such dangerous opponents, some hunters try to corner and kill young serpents while the parents are away hunting. Unfortunately for such opportunists, crested serpents have a strong emotional and psychic bond with their young. Many outposts and border settlements have been reduced to rubble by a rampaging crested serpent in search of its young or their remains.
Combat In battle, a crested serpent folds its body over so that its beak latches onto a bony spur at its tail. It then rolls through its enemies, slicing them with its crest before unlocking its jaws to attack. If possible, it makes repeated passes with its coiled charge attack, sweeping in to strike before slipping away from an enemy’s grasp. Serpents usually employ direct, simple tactics. They continually roll through an area, hammering their opponents with their spines. Serpents rarely attack with their claws and bite unless cornered. Coiled Charge (Ex): This fearsome attack is similar to a trample. A crested serpent throws itself at its enemies, crushing them with its tremendous bulk and gashing them with its sharp, bony plate. The serpent may use a full-round action to take its normal charge movement. It gains the benefits of any feats that modify its charge attack or distance as normal, though it can move through both enemies and allies that are Huge or smaller. Any creature’s space that the serpent completely covers during the course of its movement is affected by the coiled charge attack. This attack deals 4d6+20 points of slashing and bludgeoning damage. A Reflex save (DC 27) cuts this damage in half.
