Eltórián Monitor

Description

The eltórián monitor, also known as földkány (lit. 'earth dragon'), is one of the largest extant lizard species in the region. They can grow up to a length of 3 meters, and weigh around 70-80 kilograms. They have a tail as long as its body, and skin that is reinforced by armored scales which contain osteoderms. They possess an intimidating set of serrated teeth befitting of a powerful carnivorous predator.
They have also evolved a tapetum lucidum, a layer of reflective tissue in the eye that confers good low-light vision, similar to many vertebrates. It also possess great long-distance vision, but it is slightly near-sighted due to the positioning of its eyes. Additionally, they use their forked tongue to detect, taste and smell using their vomeronasal sense. This can allow it to smell (or 'taste' rather) carrion or wounded prey from several kilometers away.
What makes this species truly stand out from other predators in the region however, is their ability to gauge potential prey or predators. They have an excess of mirror neurons situated near the sensory regions which allow it to deduce intent from minimal body language.

Intelligence and Behavior

The eltórián monitor is a calculating predator, although much of its diet consists of scavenging carrion. They favor stealth tactics, lying in wait in burrows or below the sand, relying on their vomeronasal senses to aid them. When prey nears they storm out at high speed and try to bite through the throat or other vulnerable spots. They secrete a venom that prevents blood clotting, lowers blood pressure, has slight paralytic effects and induces hypothermia, which all works together to make their prey more sluggish and less able to fight back.
They are mostly solitary creatures, except for mating season when the males seek out potential mates. During this period, males fight over females and territory by grappling with one another upon their hind legs, with the loser eventually being pinned to the ground. They also display monogamous relationships and form pair bonds which is rare for most lizard species. They lay large clutches of up to 20 eggs. The majority of youngsters do not survive the early years, and they often have to hide out in small burrows or roll in faecal matter to dissuade predators or even adult monitors from eating them.
They have at times been domesticated, but they are difficult creatures to handle with a nasty aggressive streak, especially during mating season. They make for decent pack animals, and highly territorial guard animals.

Statistics

[5th Edition D&D]
Generally, the Giant Lizard statblock can be used with some adjustments. Increase the Darkvision range to 120 feet, and add proficiency in Wisdom (Perception) for a Perception of +2. Additionally, add a slowing effect to the Bite that reduces the movement of a hit target by 10 feet until the end of that target's next turn.
To represent the vomeronasal senses and excess mirror neurons, add the Alert ability which grants the following:

• The monitor can’t be surprised while it is conscious.
• The monitor gains a +5 bonus to initiative.
• Other creatures don’t gain advantage on attack rolls against the monitor as a result of being hidden from it, unless they can mask their smell.

(Optionally: Increase HP to 26 and AC to 14 and set CR to 1/2 for a stronger enemy.)

Geographic Distribution

• Eltórián Bonelands