Diamondback Viper

Tiny Aberration 

Hit Dice: 1/2d8 (2)

Initiative: +5 (Dex)

Speed: 5 ft, fly 20 ft. (clumsy)

AC: 21 (+2 size, +5 Dex, +4 natural)

Attacks: 3 bites +7 melee and poison, tail slap +5 melee

Damage: Bite 1d4–4, tail slap 1d6–4

Face/Reach: 2 1/2 ft. by 2 1/2 ft./0 ft.

Special Attacks: Poison

Special Qualities: Scent, darkvision 60 ft., jet

Saves: Fort +0, Ref +5, Will +2

Abilities: Str 3, Dex 20, Con 10, Int 15, Wis 11, Cha 12

Skills: Bluff +5, Disguise +5, Hide +17, Listen +4, Move Silently +9, Spot +4, Tumble +9, Wilderness Lore +2

Feats: Weapon Finesse (bite, tail), Multiattack

Climate/Terrain: Any underground

Organization: Solitary

Challenge Rating: 1

Treasure: Double standard (gems only)

Alignment: Usually chaotic neutral

Advancement Range: 1–2 HD (Tiny)


The diamondback viper is a cunning predator that exploits the greed of sentient creatures.

This viper is very small, at most 2 feet long, and superficially resembles a snake. However, its three heads and flimsy wings, as well as the gemlike shell in which it hides, readily distinguish it from mundane serpents. The creature usually hides among piles of gems or other crystals, curled in its shell, awaiting likely prey. When necessary, however, it can drift about clumsily in the air using a sort of swim bladder in its shell filled with lighter-than-air gases. Its tiny wings allow minimal steering.

Diamondbacks are quite clever and often work with xorns to attract prey: the diamondback gets flesh, while the xorn obtains a supply of precious metals and gems (some of which are left to bait the trap.) They rarely speak but understand Common, Draconic, and Terran.

Combat

The diamondback viper lies curled in its shell, waiting for a curious or greedy creature to pick it up so that it can attack with surprise. Its strike is lightning quick, delivering a hallucinogenic poison that quickly saps a target’s resistance. Victims of the poison enter a catatonic state, staring raptly into its gemlike shell as the creature consumes their body fluids at its leisure.

Poison (Ex): Bite, Fortitude save (DC 11); initial and secondary damage 1d6 temporary Charisma.

Jet (Ex): Once per round, an airborne diamondback can jet backward as a double move action, at a speed of 80 feet.