Uraeus
This large two-headed cobra can fly thanks to a large pair of sleek, black-feathered wings that sprout from its serpentine body.
Uraeus (CR 5)
Medium Magical BeastAlignment: Lawful Good
Initiative: +7
Senses: Darkvision 60 feet, Low-Light Vision, Scent; Perception +16
Speed: 20 feet, Climb 20 feet, Fly 50 feet (average), Swim 20 feet
Space: 5 feet
Defense
Armor Class: 19, touch 13, flat-footed 16 (+3 Dex, +6 natural)Hit Points: 52 (7d10+14)
Saving Throws: Fort +7, Ref +8, Will +4
Immunity: disease, poison
Offense
Melee: 2 bites +10 (1d6+3 plus poison)Reach: 5 feet
Special Attacks: Breath Weapon (30-ft. line, blinded for 1 round and must save against poison, Reflex DC 15 negates, usable every 1d4 rounds for each head)
Statistics
| Str | Dex | Con | Int | Wis | Cha |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 (+3) | 16 (+3) | 14 (+2) | 15 (+2) | 14 (+2) | 15 (+2) |
CMB +10
CMD 23
Feats: Acrobatic, Fly-by Attack, Improved Initiative
Skills: Acrobatics +15, Climb +17, Fly +11, Knowledge (religion) +5, Perception +16, Sense Motive +9, Stealth +9, Swim +17
- Racial Modifiers: +4 Acrobatics, +8 Perception
Special Abilities
Poison (Ex)
- Delivery: Bite-injury or breath weapon-contact
- Fortitude Save: 15
- Frequency: 1/round for 2 rounds
- Initial Effect: blinded and paralyzed for 1 round
- Secondary Effect: blinded for 2d4 rounds
- Saves: 2 consecutive saves
Ecology
Environment: Warm RiversOrganization: solitary, pair, or nest (3-8)
Treasure: standard
Said to be children of the river goddess Wadjet, uraeuses are known throughout the Sphinx Basin as benevolent guardians of the River Sphinx and its conf luences and tributaries. They are fierce opponents of any who would dare threaten the rivers' ability to serve as travel routes, and never hesitate to harry individuals whose efforts are opposed to the goals of Wadjet and her worshipers, as well as anyone whose inf luence risks leading the rulers of Osirion into folly.
Uraeuses sometimes band together in large nests to destroy the massive and terrible hetkoshus (see page 54) that occasionally threaten the Sphinx and its tributaries, though such attacks are met with mixed success. When a nest of uraeuses is too small to handle a hetkoshu or other waterway threat, they may seek aid from loyal river clerics of Wadjet (see page 62) or renowned Osirian adventurers who respect the pharaoh and the old ways.
Uraeuses often hunt other dangerous prey such as asps, as well, and Osirians frequently tell stories of uraeuses saving children from venomous snakes, gars, and even hippopotamuses. In Ancient Osirion, some legends claim that during times of unusual danger, Wadjet sent throngs of uraeuses to warn the pharaoh of advisors or spies who would lead him to folly.
In addition to their duties as river protectors, uraeuses accept offerings to Wadjet from her faithful, including gifts of incense, spices, gold, and other tithings. In exchange, they teach Wadjet's flock the wisdom of the river and how to best serve Osirian society and its leaders. Patience, industry, and a willingness to listen to others are among the qualities they seek to instill in supplicants who seek them out.
Uraeuses are always vigilant in their search for potential leaders for their goddess's church, and they keep a keen eye out for supplicants who may possess the gift of the river or who would otherwise serve as useful servants for their mother goddess.
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