| Huge (Long) Magical Beast |
| Hit Dice: | 7d10+7 (52 hp) |
| Initiative: | +4 (Dex) |
| Speed: | 45ft., Swim 45ft. |
| Armor Class: | 17 (-2 Size, +4 Dex, +5 Natural) |
| Base Attack/Grapple: | 0 |
| Attack: | 0 |
| Full Attack: | Bite +12 melee |
| Space/Reach: | 10ft. by 10ft. (coiled)/15 ft. |
| Special Attacks: | Venom, swallow whole |
| Special Qualities: | Invisible In darkness |
| Saves: | Fort +6, Ref +9, Will +3 |
| Abilities: | Str 12, Dex 19, Con 13, Int 7, Wis 12, Cha 6 |
| Skills: | Listen +8, Spot +8 |
| Feats: | Improved Grab, Weapon Finesse (bite) |
| |
| Environment: | Any land (Beastlands) |
| Organization: | Solitary or pair |
| Challenge Rating: | 5 |
| Treasure: | None |
| Alignment: | True Neutral |
| Advancement: | 8-11 HD (Large); 12-21 HD (Huge) |
| Level Adjustment: | 0 |
The aeserpent (also known as a darkstrike or deathstrike) that can grow up to 20 feet long. It is black as night and glistens as to look like it is wet, even slimy though it is completely dry to the touch. In darkness, only its vertical slit yellow eyes and maybe its fangs are visible, if that. For more information see the Planes of Conflict Monstrous Supplement (pg. 2).
CombatInvisible in Darkness (Ex): In darkness, near darkness, or deep shadow the aeserpent is completely undetectable and considered invisible. From it's position is the shadows, the aeserpent receives a +2 'conditional' modifier to it's first attack of opportunity.Venom (Ex): The venom of this creature is extremely potent, any victim failing a Fortitude save (DC 17) takes 2d6 of temporary Constitution damage and cannot act (treat as stunned), because of the pain from it's body consuming itself from the inside. If the victim should fail their secondary Fortitude save they fall unconscious and lose another 2d6 points of Constitution each minute thereafter until either slow poison or neutralize poison is cast upon them.Swallow Whole (Ex):If the darkstrike gets a critical hit it swallows its prey whole. Though the victim is not yet dead, there is nothing one can do to free themselves unless they had a short (less than 2 feet long) piercing or slashing weapon drawn prior to being swallowed. Those swallowed die in 1d6 rounds. This is never a darkstrike's first attack, as they are unable to swallow unpoisoned victims.
Habitat/SocietyThe aeserpent lives mainly in the shadows of Karasuthra, but may be found in the mists of Brux. These creatures mostly hunt alone, but occasionally hunt in mated pairs. Any pair found in the wild are doubly dangerous, for the snakes act in concert. Treat them as if they both had the feats Combat Reflexes (PHB pg. 80) and Dual Strike (Sword and Fist pg. 6).0
EcologyThe darkstrike's digestive system works much faster than that of normal snakes, requiring them to feed on a large amount of food each week. Not being very picky of their prey, they will feed on anything living, including other predators, such as wolves or bears.
