Rattlefang

The rampaging rattlefang! Living storm in the flesh and creatures of myth born with the power of the tempest itself. From the mysterious Shroomwild to the sinister swamps of the Netherwarren, this perilous predator is a persistent threat to any traveler. These hulking behemouths are armored with scales as tough as stone. Stern and brutal, they make their home among the forlorn forgotten ruins of Netherwarren, Ba’bonos, and other distant lands. Top predator in their scaled empires.

Sinister Stalkers in the Dark

Scaled stalkers, they slip through swamps despite their impressive bulk. At seven feet tall and a whopping 500 pounds, they are all monstrous muscle. Brutal barbarians that slip between shadows in pursuit of their prey. Eyes, as dark as Hogloki spirit, glint in the half-light. Ever sharp, never missing a single motion that moves across their predatory path.

Bristling with electric energy, these reptilian warriors are alight with an arcane aura. A pulsing rhythm of lightning that flows along their dorsal fin like the heart of a storm. Yellow eyes shimmer with intense voltage while always alert for intruders. Unworthy unwanted guests who would dare enter their rock and ruin empires to steal their forbidden secrets of the electric Astral.

Secret Of the Fin

This secret lies in their dynamic dorsal fins. Along that back ridge are crystal-like growths. Unique constructs of raw power, not unlike the wondrous Wildstones found across the realms. Only here, these stones grow naturally from the scales of these dangerous dynamos! Living capacitors with energy so potent, they are the envy of alchemists and warlords alike. But for the reptilian rattlefangs, it’s their most effective weapon.

In combat, a rattlefangs shakes its serpentine tail to give off a rattle like the toss of death’s own dice. The only warning that heralds the coming maelstrom. A second after, they release their primal fury. A spear of the storm’s might and finger of electric agony at their intended victim. These aren’t just a single blast, but a whip of power. A lash these mighty monsters can control like a rope, snaring the most nimble opponent in a painful lightning lasso.

It’s also the opening salvo of a dance of death. One they follow up with savage sword and shield attacks. Skills the ravenous rattlefangs have studied over countless years, even to rival the greatest Boon swordmaster. Last, what bolt and sword cannot take, these brutal beasts resort to their last option of teeth and claws. Both deadly and strong as any alligator on the prowl.

Flames of Fear

But, for all its massive might, these creatures aren’t without a weakness. A flaw in that electrified armor that they keep secret. These behemoths of bioelectric might harbor a fear of fire that rivals the rattlefang's ferocity. A single flaw concealed by their thunderous power: the glowing rattle on their tail.

Rattlestrike by JJ Kirby

Type

Large monster

Environment

Ruins in swamps and forests

Lifespan

90 years

Average Height

7 to 7 1/2 feet tall

Average Weight

500 - 600 pounds

Geographic Distribution

Primarily the Shroomwild But can also be found on:

Ba'bonos

Sow Terra

Kazik'tar

If flames strike that rattle, it disrupts the rattlefang's bioelectric flow. Once burned, it renders that lightning conduit inert, leaving the rattlefang weak and powerless until they can soothe the burn with life-giving swamp slime.

So adventurers should take heed. In the clash of thunder, at the heart of swamp storms, the rattlefangs wait. Should skies darken with ghoulish grasping tendrils of an approaching storm, and the air grows sharp with static, the rattlefangs are near. They bring the fury of ancient storms, and dire death by living lightning!