Snake; Giant Rock Rattler
by Jamie BatyDMR2 97
Huge Animal
Hit Dice: 8d8+16 (52 hp)
Initiative: +1 (+1 Dex)
Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares), climb 15 ft. (3 squares), swim 15 ft. (3 squares)
Armour Class: 11 (-2 size, +1 Dex, +2 natural), touch 9, flat-footed 10
Base Attack/Grapple: +6/+20
Attack: Bite +11 melee (1d8 +8 plus poison)
Full Attack: Bite +11 melee (1d8 +8 plus poison)
Space/Reach: 15 ft. /10 ft.
Special Attacks: Rattle, poison
Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent
Saves: Fort +8, Ref +7, Will +3
Abilities: Str 23, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 2
Skills: Balance +10, Climb +15, Hide -3, Listen +11, Spot +11, Swim +15
Feats: Alertness, Weapon Focus (Bite), Weapon Specialisation (Bite)
Environment: Any mountains
Organisation: Solitary, or Pair
Challenge Rating: 4
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 9-16 HD (Huge); 17-24 HD (Gargantuan)
Level Adjustment: -
This large, 30ft long snake, is grey with a red-and-black diamond pattern running along its back. Its tail is tipped with a large scaly rattle, the sound of which is very unnerving.
Combat
Although much larger than the normal rock rattler, the giant variety tends to be non-aggressive and prefers to scare away any foes it encounters. If it cannot scare a foe away, it attacks with a poisonous bite.
Rattle (Ex): As a move action, a giant rock rattler may "rattle" its tail. Any creature within 50ft that hears the rattle must make a DC 14 (Cha based, +4 racial bonus) Will save or become frightened for 2d4 rounds. This is a sonic, fear effect.
Poison (Ex): A rock rattler has a poisonous bite that deals initial and secondary damage of 2d4 Con if the victim fails a DC 16 fortitude save. The save DC is constitution-based.
Scent (Ex): This special quality allows a rock rattler to detect approaching enemies, sniff out hidden foes, and track by sense of smell.
Skills: Rock rattlers have a +4 racial bonus on Hide, Listen, and Spot checks and a +8 racial bonus on Balance and Climb checks. A rock rattler can always choose to take 10 on a Climb check, even if rushed or threatened. Snakes use either their Strength modifier or Dexterity modifier for Climb checks, whichever is higher. A rock rattler has a +8 racial bonus on any Swim check to perform some special action or avoid a hazard. It can always choose to take 10 on a Swim check, even if distracted or endangered. It can use the run action while swimming, provided it swims in a straight line.