Jeweled Serpent

These strange looking, brightly colored serpents are only found in a very remote mountaintop rain forest known as the cloud jungle, deep within the Isle of Ten-Thousand Deaths. This place is known for a great many mysteries and enchantments, and this serpent would certainly count as both. Its venom is enchanted and incredibly potent, attacking the mind and soul, potentially inflicting terrible hallucinations and madness. For most, the serpent's bite is a death sentence. Although it is not directly lethal in most cases, the hallucinations can easily render the victim quite incapable of defending themselves, and many other dangers lurk in this jungle in the skies. However, for those blessed with magical gifts, the bite may become a blessing in disguise. Wizards, sorcerers, druids, even clerics and bard have been able to find sense within the bite’s hallucinations. For those who are skilled enough, the serpent’s voice can be heard among the chaos of the hallucinations. The serpent’s voice whispers a recipe, tells of the location of herbs hidden within the jungle, and if the herbs can be found, an antidote can be made. If this is done, and the antidote is consumed, the serpent will immediately become docile. The serpent will then be perfectly willing to tell the spellcaster secrets of the jungle, if speak with animals or another such magic is used. In very special cases, if the serpent was impressed, it may offer a magical contract. The serpent will become the spellcaster’s familiar or animal companion. Those who have taken the bargain find the Jeweled Serpent to be a formidable if unpredictable ally. With deep knowledge of the cloud jungle, terrible venom and a cunning predatorial intelligence. It will only speak to its master when they are alone, and even then only in a whisper that others hear as a hiss. Whispers exist of a cult of magical thieves and assassins that venerate this snake, hidden within the fog-filled forest. It's said they will go to any lengths to connect their spirits to the serpent and then sell their services to the highest bidder. Legend has it that the serpent’s venom can be mixed with a few others found in the cloud jungle to form a truly lethal necrotic cocktail.