Emerald Serpent
the chromatic-venomed snake that opens doors
The great green snake that sits on a floating leaf at the Sunken Entrance to the Sepulchre of the Swamp Witch. She speaks, informing those approaching that the door opens only to those allowing her to bite them. This is a half-truth: her bite injects a hallucinogenic venom that also works as a key, but the door also opens if she's slain. She attacks anyone trying to force the door.
A second Emerald Serpent lives in the Snake Pit and warns anyone without Emerald Venom in their blood that they won't reach their goal without letting him bite them.
HP 8, Morale −, No armor, Bite d2 + Emerald Venom
- Lightning reflexes. Attacks thrice each round, and melee attacks against her use Agility DR16 instead of Strength.
The Swamp Witch's death causes all Emerald Serpents (and the Emerald Venom effects, and the barrier blocking the Downward Spiral) to disappear forever.
Sepulchre of the Swamp Witch, Emerald Venom, Swamp Witch, Strange Serpent Drug Cult, Ueth
Whether the two named Emerald Serpents are the same species or unique individuals is open. The serpents speak — but their actual personality, name (if any), and history before guarding the tomb is unwritten.