monster Koshi Serpent
Koshi Serpent
What initially appeared to be many serpents is in fact a single creature, consisting of eight snakes fused together. The immense tail of this creature ends in a mighty, sword-like blade.
Monster Encyclopaedia II: The Dark Bestiary
Author J. C. Alvarez
Series Monster Encyclopaedia
Publisher Mongoose Publishing
Publish date 2005
Koshi serpents are demonic ophidians, probably related to hydras. A koshi serpent appears as a huge jade snake with eight heads, whose single tail ends in a clanging blade resembling an oversized greatsword.
| Koshi Serpent | |
| Huge magical beast | |
| Hit Dice | 9d10+45 (94 hp) |
| Initiative | +7 |
| Speed | 30 ft. (6 squares) |
| AC | 20 (-2 size, +2 Dexterity, +10 natural), touch 10, flat-footed 18 |
| Base Attack/Grapple | +9/+24 |
| Attack | Bite +15 melee (1d8+7 plus poison) or tail slash +14 melee 4d6+7/19-20) |
| Full Attack | 8 bites +15 melee (1d8+7 plus poison) and tail slash +12/+7 melee 4d6+3/19-20) |
| Space/Reach | 15 ft. /10 ft. |
| Special Attacks | Poison |
| Special Qualities | Darkvision 60 ft., Low-Light Vision |
| Saves | Fort +11, Ref +9, Will +4 |
| Abilities | Strength 24, Dexterity 17, Constitution 21, Intelligence 4, Wisdom 13, Charisma 7 |
| Skills | Listen +7, Spot +7 |
| Feats | Combat Reflexes, Improved Initiative, Multiattack, Weapon Focus (bite) |
| Environment | Any desert |
| Organisation | Solitary |
| Challenge Rating | 7 |
| Treasure | Standard |
| Alignment | Usually neutral evil |
| Advancement | 10-18 HD (Huge), 19-27 HD (Gargantuan) |
| Level Adjustment | +5 (cohort) |
Combat
Koshi serpents may wield their sword-shaped tails just as if they were real swords. The swordtail of a koshi serpent counts as a secondary attack when used in conjunction with its bite attacks, though it allows a second attack at a -5 penalty when used as part of a full attack action.
Poison (Ex): Injury DC 19 (Constitution based), initial and secondary damage 1d8, Strength.
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