Giant Snake

A giant snake seeks places with plenty of cover and large prey: wetlands, dense vegetation, warm rock cavities, and overgrown ruins. In Elaria, its unusual size may result from local conditions, magic, or ancient breeding, depending on the particular creature's origin. A wide trail through soft ground, shed skin, and missing animals warn that the familiar image of a small snake does not apply.

It usually lives alone. It senses movement and its surroundings, conserves its strength, and waits for prey to come close. No social leader directs it unless someone influences it through a specific form of magic. Its main motivations are food, safety, and defending its shelter. Noise, disturbing its lair, or blocking its retreat may provoke an attack even when it was not originally hunting.

Potent Venom takes effect only if the bite actually deals damage; the victim loses two more HP at the end of the next round, and the effect does not stack. Plans for help and retreat must account for this delayed damage. The profile does not automatically add grappling or constriction. The party can find another route, establish why the snake is there, or secure a path around its hunting ground. A snake that suddenly appears near a settlement may point to a disturbed marsh or someone who brought it there as a dangerous guard.