Name:
	Snake  (Lesser Animal)

Stats:
	No. Appearing  : 1-2
	Climate/Terrain: Any warm
	Frequency      : Uncommon
	Organization   : Solitary
	Activity Cycle : Day
	Diet           : Carnivore

Description:
	Snakes are long, slender reptiles that can be found anywhere in the en-
	tire world, even in the coldest arctic regions. There are basically two
	types of snakes, in all manner of sizes. The poisonous snakes make up
	for their relatively smaller size with deadly venoms, while the larger
	constrictors squeeze their victims to death. Both types sleep for days
	after eating. All snakes shed their skin several times each year. They
	fear fire and will retreat from open flames.

Combat:
	Constrictors of all sizes hide in the branches of trees, waiting pa-
	tiently until they can slowly lower themselves or suddenly drop onto
	their unsuspecting victims. Once they strike, the victim is constricted
	automatically, suffering damage every round. Anyone who attempts to
	free a captive by hacking at the constrictor has a 20% chance of stri-
	king the victim instead.

	All poisonous snakes deliver toxins automatically through their bite.
	Typical varieties of poisonous snakes include the asp, cobra, copper-
	head, coral snake, death adder, krait, mamba, puff adder, rattlesnake,
	sidewinder, and water moccasin. Some cobras and sidewinders hunt by
	night and can track warmblooded prey by body heat as well as by sight.
	They have the equivalent of 30-foot infravision. Black mambas are the
	fastest known snakes and can reach 30 mph across open ground.

Habitat/Society:
	Common constrictor species include anacondas, boas, and reticulate
	pythons, all of which can reach lenths of 30 feet. Their skin is valu-
	able, with an unblemished skin selling for as much as 100 gold pieces.
	Some constrictor snakes are known as birdcharmers; these innately
	magical snakes can mesmerize their prey by swaying down slowly and
	steadily while staring down their victims. Creatures of animal intelli-
	gence or less are effectively paralyzed for as long as the snake con-
	tinues to sway, and for several rounds thereafter.