Sea Dragon - Spined

Sailors' Name: Gem Snakes

"Undersea caves with crystal formations are bad news. Trust me, the gem snakes don't appreciate you encroaching on their hoard any more than you would appreciate someone trying to steal your ship. Do yourself a favor and turn around should you find one, I don't think a slow death by poison is worth the trouble." -Kenan Windcaller, Daggerport Gem Appraiser

Overview

Lurking in cave systems and hoarding precious crystals, spined dragons prize anything shiny, and viciously guard their hoards from any who pass by.

Abilities

Spined sea dragons are named after their most prominent feature: their barbed, venemous spines. The spines remain lodged in any enemies unlucky enough to be jabbed by them, and the venom within is powerful enough to stun in small doses and kill in large ones.

The claws and teeth of the spined sea dragon are able to inject the same venom as their spines, making their claw and bite attacks just as deadly.

Lastly, these dragons have a powerful acid breath attack which, in addition to causing damage, also creates a powerful current which can push enemies away.

Appearance

Striped and covered with barbed spines, spined dragons are a sight to behold. Their long, lithe bodies allow them to slip through cracks and crevices, and their lack of back legs indicates that they swim by propelling themselves with their powerful tails. Their backs are adorned with massive fins, which in turn are lined with venemous spines. Additional spines frame the sides of their faces, which sprout out into a set of long jaws lined with razor sharp teeth.
They lack back legs but their arms are powerful and clawed, and their fingers are dextrous enough to grab and hold onto enemies and objects. An additional fin lines the top of their heads, folding down when they swim to reduce drag but flaring up when they utilize their breath attack.

Habitat and Society

Greedy and selfish, spined sea dragons are unpopular with others. They distrust fellow dragons, fearing that others will try to steal from their hoards or will take other valuable resources for themselves. They aren't as reclusive as leafy sea dragons, but are one of the least sociable of the ocean dragons.

Type	Dragon (Acid, Water)
CR	3-19 (by age category)
Environment	Undersea Crystal Caves
Alignment	Chaotic Evil