Smoke Snake

Description

A thick coil of gray smoke moves through the air with a deliberate, sinuous motion, its form having the overall appearance of a worm or serpent.

On their native plane these beings are very long, sinuous creatures that are noticeable only for their faint reddish hue. They commonly form small groups of intertwining smoke snakes for defense against larger predators.

If they enter a harsh environment such as the material plane they will typically enter a chrysalis state. In this form they resemble a short, smooth piece of weathered-grey driftwood. A traveler may find such a stick while out collecting firewood, and then place it on a burning pile.

Once in contact with an open flame, the smoke snake gradually emerges from its chrysalis state and begins to take on its natural form―a serpentine creature made from smoke. However, this being will be very difficult to distinguish from the normal smoke emerging from the fire, and therein lies the danger.

To lay its eggs, the smoke snake will seek out a warm, sheltered place free from rain or other hazards. Often times, this will be the nostril of a man or beast that is in close proximity to the fire. The snake is relatively odorless, compared to normal smoke, and it may easy escape the notice of a sleeping victim before it enters the lungs. Once inside, the snake begins to lay its wispy eggs, simultaneously causing the victim to choke and gag from lack of clean air.

Combat

The smoke snake attacks by burning the target with its hot body. It can also invade the lungs of a victim to gain shelter and lay its eggs. Those invaded in this manner are in for a very unpleasant time unless the smoke snake is removed, or else leaves of its own accord after 3d6 rounds.

Gaseous Form (Ex): This inherent ability functions as the gaseous form spell, and it can only be suppressed or turned off when the smoke snake enters its chrysalis state.

A smoke snake in its gaseous form is dealt 1 point of cold damage per round from rain or fog, and is automatically slain by submersion.

Infiltrate (Ex): On a successful touch attack a smoke snake can infiltrate itself into the lungs of any corporeal target that needs to breath. Once inside, the smoke snake automatically deals 1 point of fire damage per round. The victim must make a DC 15 Fortitude save or become nauseated. The save DC is Constitution-based, and includes a +2 racial bonus.

There are various magical means to remove the snake from the lungs of the victim. The snake can be dismissed back to its native plane. It can also be compelled to leave by means of a charm monster or confusion spell. The victim can become ethereal or change into a gaseous form, or they can use a spell of water breathing and submerge themselves. A cure disease spell will immediately kill the invading smoke snake.

Chrysalis (Ex): As a full round action a smoke snake can enter a chrysalis state at will. In the chrysalis form the smoke snake is helpless, but gains Damage Reduction 5/magic and +4 natural armor. It can return to its smoke form as a move action.

Skills: While in gaseous form, smoke snakes have a +4 racial bonus to Hide checks. *Inside a cloud of smoke, the Hide bonus increases to +8.

Advanced Benefits

In addition to the standard changes due to Hit Dice advancement, smoke snakes also gain the following special benefits.

• The save DC of the infiltration nausea is equal to 12 + ½ HD + Constitution modifier.