Editing Legends of the Vale (section)

== Serpents ==

[[File:HornedSerpent.png|left]]
Where the Dragon flies, '''serpents''' may be spawned. These deadly, reptilian creatures can take many sinuous forms, from small, venomous snakes to winged horrors that speak the tongues of mortals. They are believed to grow from the Dragon’s blood and spittle, though some breed true, and others have still stranger origins. Serpents may be large or small, cunning or dull. Some serpents partake of the Dragon’s keen mind and magical nature, and can be valuable - if unsafe - sources of arcane lore. Others are bestial and savage, dangerously cunning predators with no interest in anything beyond filling their bellies. 

<u>Known Serpent Breeds</u>

Small and dull-witted, the '''cockatrice''' is able to turn a man to stone with a touch. Cockatrices vaguely resemble chickens crossed with snakes, and possess an instinctive cunning and a talent for ambushes.

The cockatrice’s larger cousin is the deadly '''basilisk,''' an eight-legged beast that can be longer than a horse. Basilisks possess a venomous bite, and can turn the unwary to stone with a mere glance.

'''River serpents''' are large, aquatic reptiles that can be found in the Vale’s larger streams and waterways. Possessing no magical powers, they are essentially dangerous animals; the largest varieties can take down a cow.

Known by some as ''nagas,'' the dangerous '''manserpents''' possess thick snake bodies with a disturbingly humanoid face. These creatures possess great magical powers, and are said to be the guardians of treasure. They are also wise and cunning, and not always malevolent, but even the most benign has no patience for greedy fools.

Among the largest known types of serpent is the winged '''wyvern,''' two-legged, dragonlike creatures with curling horns and a venomous stinger in its tail. Wyverns are known to haunt the foothills of the Dawnforge Mountains, and are equally happy to carry off livestock or travelers.