Lost Company Press
Looming from the underbrush with scales shimmering in the shadows, the Giant Rattlesnake is a fearsome apex predator. Ominously, its echoing rattle instills dread in those who hear it. This colossal serpent strikes with deadly precision, injecting venom into its unfortunate targets before coiling around them to apply bone-crushing force.
Motive: Territorial dominator and hungry predator
Environment: Deserts, forests, and in the ruins of old buildings (Wilderness)
Health: 9
Damage: 3 points
Armor: 2
Movement: Immediate
Modifications: Stealth as level 5; Attack and Speed defense as level 4 due to quick reflexes
Combat: If the Giant Rattlesnake hits its target with a strike, the victim takes damage and must succeed on a Might defense roll to resist the venom. On failing, they take an additional minor wound (3 points) each round for three rounds from the venom. It can also constrict a grabbed victim for 6 points of Might damage per round, immobilizing them unless they can break free with a challenging Might task.
Interactions: The Giant Rattlesnake is not intelligent in a human sense, but it possesses an animal cunning and a self-preserving instinct that could make it negotiate with prey if outmatched.
Uses: Perhaps the Giant Rattlesnake guards a treasure in a ruined temple, or it has made its lair in an area the players must traverse.
Loot: Venom sacs that could be used for potent poisons or medicines, valuable to the right buyer.
GM Intrusion: The Giant Rattlesnake's rattle triggers a landslide or causes a rickety structure to collapse, separating the group or exposing them to new dangers.