| | Constrictor (Giant) | | ------------------------------ | ----------------------- | | Climate/Terrain | Any warm | | Frequency | Uncommon | | Organization | Solitary | | Activity Cycle | Any | | Diet | Carnivore | | Intelligence | Animal (1) | | Treasure | Nil | | Alignment | Neutral | | No. Appearing | 1-2 | | Armor Class | 5 | | Movement | 9 | | Hit Dice | 6+1 | | THAC0 | 15 | | No. of Attacks | 2 | | Damage/Attack | 1-4/2-8 | | Special Attacks | Constrict | | Special Defenses | Nil | | Magic Resistance | Nil | | Size | L (30'+ long) | | Morale | Average (9) | | XP Value:<br>Elder <br>Jaculi | 650 <br>1,400 <br>975 | Snakes are long, slender reptiles that can be found anywhere in the entire world, even in the coldest arctic regions. There are basically two types of snakes, in all manner of sizes. The poisonous snakes make up for their relatively smaller size with deadly venoms, while the larger constrictors squeeze their victims to death. Both types sleep for days after eating. All snakes shed their skin several times each year. Snakes fear fire and will retreat from open flames, suffering a -6 morale modifier when flames are used against them. Giant constrictor snakes are larger and much stronger than their smaller cousins. It requires the combined efforts of 60 total points of Strength (the coiled victim plus outside help) to extricate someone from a giant constrictor's steel grasp. The skin of a giant constrictor snake is too thick and stiff to be workable, and is valuable only as armor, not for decoration. An uncured hide can fetch 20 gp. [Snow serpents](https://www.completecompendium.com/appendix/snowserp) are a particularly large and dangerous form of giant constrictor snake, one adapted to life in a sub-arctic climate. These furred white snakes hide their 100-foot bodies in the snow bodies and wait for prey to pass by. When it does, they spring up and coil their loops around the victims. After that, snow serpents automatically bite for 2d10 points of damage each round. Those in its coils are helpless. Snow serpents are very rare and have the following statistics: AC 6, MV 9, HD 10, THAC0 11, SZ G (100' long), ML average (8-10), XP 2,000. Their pelt is worth 2,000 gp. In all other respects they are similar to other giant constrictor snakes. **Jaculi (Tree Snakes)** Many of the above land snakes can be encountered as tree snakes, also known as jaculi. These subspecies are simply arboreal varieties of other types of snakes that have adapted to life in a forest canopy. They have chameleon-like camouflage abilities and can leap onto their prey from 50 feet above ground; opponents suffer a -4 penalty to surprise rolls. Some tree snakes have broad, flat heads with razor spines or barbs that make their initial impact particularly potent (double normal bite damage). After their initial flying attack, they must depend on biting or constriction attacks or climb back into the trees to leap again. Jaculi snakes include the poisonous boomslang and the emerald tree boa. Many jaculi species prey on other snakes. **Elder Serpents** Ancient snakes are said to gain wisdom with age, giving them Semi- to Low intelligence (2-7). They gain an additional Hit Die and the ability to speak (with a lisp). Elder serpent venom is more concentrated than that of its younger cousins (death in 1-4 rounds maximum, saving throws at -4). They suffer no modifier to morale when faced with open flames. Elder serpents have a measure of cunning and value glittering objects; they have treasure, type W. Elder serpents can paralyze prey as birdcatchers do (see constrictors above). In the case of elder boalisks, their gaze has two simultaneous effects and victims are entitled to two saving throws. All elder serpents can hypnotize people as well as animals with their paralyzing stare. The largest elder serpent is called the Grand Snakemaster, and is said to be immortal. When it sheds its skin, the discarded skin is rumored to possess healing powers. Those who eat it are said to gain wisdom, but since the Grand Snakemaster has never been seen, the truth of these rumors is questionable.