Monsterpedia

Tomb Cobra

Monster Level - II

Soul Type - Composite

Intelligence - Guardian Beast

Strength - Almost human

Magic - None

Rarity - Uncommon

Tomb Cobras are very large venomous snakes that hide among corpses and gravesites. Their bone white bodies and the black skull on their hood make them very recognizable, but they still blend in well among skeletons and marble.

These large snakes act like an ambush predator, though no one's ever seen them eat anything. They linger in small areas, waiting for a human to pass by before striking. They also show more intelligence than a normal beast, accurately determining where attacks come from and targeting the most vulnerable members of a party.

While a tomb cobra has enough constriction strength to match an unmodified human, they are still a snake, with all the issues not having limbs brings. Much more dangerous is their bite. Tomb Cobra venom is a very fast acting neurotoxin, and they never 'dry' bite. Paralysis in the affected area starts in about two minutes, with death usually taking less than ten.

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An important reminder : You can't suck out enough venom from a wound to help. You need to use an antidote, priest spell, or amputate immediately. Tomb cobra venom is also poisonous, so if you do get some you'll just be paralyzing your own throat.

Merge

Common Name : Serpentfolk (common to all snake merges)

Benefits : Venomous bite, darkvision, strength boost.

Weaknesses : Speech impediment, agoraphobia

Most people who get tomb serpent merges do so by accident. They're one of the few creatures with souls found in undead dungeons, so people trying to use undead to train before getting a soul merge will encounter and occasionally kill them.

It's not the worst merge around. People who merge with tomb serpents most immediately notice they get pale skin, black and white hair, snake eyes, and a serpent's tongue alongside their new sharp canines. A light dusting of white scales is also common. As far as benefits, they get a small boost to strength, especially their grip. They also get the ability to see in dark spaces. However the most obvious benefit is the ability to inject venom into things they bite.

The downsides can be somewhat annoying however. In addition to the serpentfolk 'hiss' that many snake merges suffer from, they also gain a mild agoraphobia. While it's not crippling, being uncomfortable whenever you're outside isn't fun.

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A good trick for keeping merge agoraphobia in check is a heavy hooded coat or cloak. Just put the hood up and stick close to walls or other 'hiding' spots and your merge reflexes will accept you're in a good ambush position.