Tatzelwyrm

Tatzelwyrms are a relatively common monster in the mountains of Valor, but they do not usually venture into the open or attack groups. Instead, the Tatzelwyrm lurks in caves and crevices, and ambushes its prey when they are alone or otherwise vulnerable.

When traveling in the mountains, one should always be cautious around potential dens and stay close to the group. Even more importantly, in the case of an attack, one should never try to run for shelter where the Tatzelwyrm can't reach--no matter the size of the creature, it will not be hindered by tight spaces.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Tatzelwyrms have a face like a hairless cat, long scaley necks, and a torso and tail similar to a Naga. Their limbs are short for their size, with limited dexterity, and taloned paws. Their skeletal systems are completely flexible, allowing the wyrms to travel through extremely tight spaces.

Biological Traits

Most Tatzelwyrms are mid-tones of brown or grey and stand two to three times as tall as the average human. However, a small number of Tatzelwyrms are much larger, milky white in color, and have a dominant crest. They are known as queens, both for the crest's crown-like appearance and for their apparently similarity to queen bees.

These wyrms could almost be assumed that they are a different species entirely, but they are only seen in the presence of other Tatzelwyrms, and they do not seem to venture out to hunt. Instead, they are only found by parties venturing into the caves where the wyrms apparently live. Though unconfirmed, the theory is that these are females, and are fed and tended to by her mates and / or her grown children.

Growth Rate & Stages

Tatzelwyrms nest in remote, nearly inaccessible spaces, and do not emerge to hunt until they are full grown. Nothing else is known about their nesting habits or stages of growth, contributing to legends that the Tatzelwyrms are born fully grown out of the mountains themselves.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Tatzelwyrms will sometimes drag their prey deep into mountan caves to keep for later, but most often they will devour whatever they catch. They have been seen eating all kinds of meat, and will prey on humans, fauns, and goblins when the opportunity presents itself.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

The hide, claws, sinews, lungs, and especially the spine of a tatzelwyrm are all valuable, used for various medicinal and arcane potions and as alchemical ingredients.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

There have been no confirmed sightings of Tatzelwyrms outside of the mountains, or even in the valleys or more well-traveled areas. They may be found past the borders into Shaodan and Deeproots Elidian as well, but are most common in Valor.

Average Intelligence

Tatzelwyrms are clever enough to wait for vulnerable prey and to set an ambush, but if their intelligence reaches past that, there's been no sign of it.

Known To

Local Knowledge; Valorian Knights

Classification

Rank I Monster

Origin/Ancestry

Lesser Dragon (wyrm)

Inspired by Alpine folklore about the Tatzelwurm or Stollenwurm; see Wikipedia for more.
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