Tiny beast, unaligned
Armor Class 14
Hit Points 5 (2d4)
Speed 30 ft., fly 60 ft., swim 30 ft.
Proficiency Bonus +2
Proficiency Bonus +2 (5th Edition Advanced Mode)
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (-3) | 18 (+4) | 11 (+0) | 6 (-2) | 12 (+1) | 5 (-3) |
Skills (suggested) Perception +3
Senses Blindsight 10 ft., passive Perception 11
Challenge 1/8 (25 XP)
Flyby. The snake doesn’t provoke opportunity attacks when it flies out of an enemy’s reach.
ACTIONS
- Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: (1d1) piercing damage plus (3d4) poison damage.
DESCRIPTION
A flying snake is a small, winged reptile that resembles a colorful serpent with bat-like wings. They have scales of various hues, such as green, blue, red, or yellow, and often display patterns of stripes or spots. Their wings are membranes stretched between their forelimbs and their body, allowing them to glide through the air with ease. Their eyes are small and beady, and their mouths are filled with sharp teeth that inject a potent venom into their prey.
COMBAT
Flying snakes are agile and cunning in combat, using their flyby ability to avoid opportunity attacks from their enemies. They prefer to strike from above or behind, biting with their venomous fangs and then retreating to a safe distance. Their venom is not lethal, but it can cause intense pain and weakness in the victim. Flying snakes are not very durable, however, and can be easily killed by a well-placed blow or spell.
HABITAT / SOCIETY
Flying snakes are native to tropical and subtropical regions, where they inhabit jungles, forests, swamps, and ruins. They are solitary creatures, only coming together to mate or to form temporary alliances against larger predators. They are territorial and will defend their hunting grounds from intruders. Flying snakes are omnivorous, feeding on fruits, insects, rodents, birds, and other small animals. They can also scavenge carrion or steal food from other creatures.
Some flying snakes have been domesticated by tribespeople and cultists who use them as messengers or scouts. They can be trained to deliver scrolls or other items wrapped in their coils, or to spy on enemies and report back to their masters. Flying snakes can understand simple commands, but they cannot speak any languages. They are loyal to those who feed and care for them, but they can also be bribed or charmed by others.
ECOLOGY
Flying snakes play an important role in the ecology of their habitats, as they help control the population of rodents and other pests. They also serve as prey for larger predators, such as hawks, eagles, cougars, or dragons. Flying snakes have few natural enemies, except for those who covet their colorful scales or their venom. Some alchemists and wizards use flying snake scales or venom as ingredients for potions or spells. Flying snake venom can also be harvested and used as a weapon or a medicine.