Buy me a coffeeJaculus, the Venomous Bolt
Uncover the legend of the Jaculus—a tiny, winged snake that launches itself like a missile to terrorize its prey!
The Jaculus is a remarkably streamlined reptilian predator, measuring only a few inches long yet boasting iridescent scales that shimmer in hues of silver and blue. Its body is both sleek and flexible, adapted for rapid, dart-like movements. A pair of small, membranous wings—more akin to gliding membranes than true bird wings—extends from its back, allowing it brief flights between perches. Its keen, forward-facing eyes and elongated snout, lined with sensory pits, provide excellent detection of prey and subtle environmental cues.
Behavior:
Observed in the wild, the Jaculus exhibits a solitary and highly tactical approach to hunting. It remains motionless on elevated, sunlit outcrops for long periods, patiently scanning the ground below. When prey is detected, it employs a sudden, explosive burst of speed, leaping from its perch and gliding with remarkable precision. Its movements are deliberate yet unpredictable, suggesting a high degree of cognitive coordination in executing ambush tactics.
Habitat:
Field studies have identified the Jaculus in rugged, arid regions characterized by rocky outcrops, sparse scrublands, and woodland clearings. These environments provide a natural mosaic of light and shadow, perfect for the creature’s camouflage. The rough, uneven terrain also supplies the high vantage points that are crucial for its ambush strategy, ensuring that it can remain hidden until the moment of attack.
Modus Operandi:
The Jaculus’ hunting strategy is built around stealth and sudden aggression. It typically perches silently on elevated rocks, blending into the surrounding landscape until an opportunity arises. With a precision reminiscent of a thrown javelin, it launches itself towards unsuspecting prey. This rapid, gliding assault minimizes the chance for its target to react, effectively neutralizing threats and securing food with minimal energy expenditure.
Motivation:
While the primary drive of the Jaculus is the need to feed, its behavior also suggests a strong territorial instinct. The creature appears to select and defend particular microhabitats that offer the best ambush opportunities. This dual motivation—survival through efficient predation and the defense of a resource-rich territory—underscores its role as both a skilled hunter and a determined guardian of its niche.
Jaculus 5e
Jaculus 3.5
Jaculus
Small Monstrosity, Unaligned
Armor Class: 15 (Natural Armor)
Hit Points: 45 (6d6 + 24)
Speed: 30 ft., fly 60 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 (+1) | 20 (+5) | 18 (+4) | 6 (−2) | 14 (+2) | 8 (−1) |
Saving Throws: Dex +7, Wis +4
Skills: Perception +6, Stealth +9
Damage Resistances: Poison
Condition Immunities: Charmed, Frightened
Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 16
Languages: Understands Draconic but cannot speak
Challenge: 3 (700 XP)
Traits
- Ambush Predator. The Jaculus has advantage on attack rolls against creatures that haven’t taken a turn in combat yet.
- Gliding Strike. If the Jaculus moves at least 20 feet while flying before making a melee attack, the attack deals an additional 7 (2d6) piercing damage.
- Serpentine Agility. The Jaculus can move through spaces as narrow as 2 inches wide without squeezing.
Actions
- Bite.
Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) poison damage. - Winged Pounce. (Recharge 4–6)
The Jaculus dashes forward in the air, making a Bite attack against a creature within 20 feet. If the attack hits, the target must make a DC 14 Dexterity saving throw or be knocked prone as the Jaculus coils around them momentarily before darting away.
Bonus Actions
- Sudden Dart. (Recharge 5–6)
The Jaculus may take the Disengage action and move up to half its flying speed as part of the same bonus action.
Tactics
- High-Speed Ambush: The Jaculus prefers attacking from above, launching from perches like trees, cliffs, or ruins. It uses Gliding Strike to swoop down, strike hard, then retreat.
- Hit-and-Fade: The Jaculus rarely stays in melee combat for long. It uses Sudden Dart to weave between enemies and avoid counterattacks.
- Opportunistic Hunter: If multiple Jaculi are present, they coordinate strikes, diving in from different angles to overwhelm prey.
Jaculus
You see what appears to be a flight of large bats; the membranous wings, the dozens of creatures fluttering in a black cloud’ almost immediately, you realise their bodies are not those of bats – these are winged snakes.
The jaculus darts from the branches of trees; and it is not only to our feet that the serpent is formidable, for these fly through the air even, just as though they were hurled from an engine.”
The jaculus is a small serpent with wings. The jaculus hide in the trees and spring out at there victims. The force of it launching itself at the victim led to the association with javelins. “
Wingvipers are evil flying ophidians, dwelling mostly in damp underground caves. They look like Small serpents, coloured many shades of dark green, with bat-like scaled wings of the same colour. Evil wizards with the Improved Familiar feat may take wingvipers as familiars.
Monster Encyclopaedia II: The Dark Bestiary
Author J. C. Alvarez
Series Monster Encyclopaedia
Publisher Mongoose Publishing
Publish date 2005
| Wingviper | |
| Tiny magical beast | |
| Hit Dice | 2d10+2 (13 hp) |
| Initiative | +4 |
| Speed | 20 ft. (4 squares), Fly 40 ft. (average) |
| AC | 19 (+2 size, +4 Dexterity, +3 natural), touch 16, flat-footed 15 |
| Base Attack/Grapple | +2/-8 |
| Attack | Bite +8 melee (1d3-2 plus poison) |
| Full Attack | Bite +8 melee (1d3-2 plus poison) |
| Space/Reach | 2½ ft. /0 ft. |
| Special Attacks | Poison |
| Special Qualities | Darkvision 60 ft., Low-Light Vision |
| Saves | Fort +4, Ref +7, Will +0 |
| Abilities | Strength 6, Dexterity 19, Constitution 12, Intelligence 5, Wisdom 11, Charisma 7 |
| Skills | Listen +5, Spot +5, Swim +1 |
| Feats | Weapon Finesse |
| Environment | Underground |
| Organisation | Solitary, clutch (2-12) or flock (11-30) |
| Challenge Rating | 2 |
| Treasure | None |
| Alignment | Usually neutral evil |
| Advancement | 3-4 HD (Tiny), 5-6 HD (Small) |
| Level Adjustment | +3 (Improved Familiar) |
Combat
Wingvipers attack by flocking over opponents in a swarm of fluttering wings and poisonous bites.
Poison (Ex): Injury, Fortitude DC 12 (Constitution based), initial and secondary damage 1d8, Strength.
Skills: A wingviper gains a +4 racial bonus on all Listen and Spot checks.