Forked tail Viper

The Forked tail Viper is actually a species of Cobra that utilizes stealth and a hyper venomous bite to catch prey. its venom is actually a type of acid that once injected causes exsanguination via internal bleeding. the viper hides using its forked tail to lure prey in by looking like a small pair of rabbit ears. it has a camouflage ability that closely resembles invisibility. after it strikes is hides until it's prey dies and then once it has it can unhinge it's jaw as with most serpents but it also has a tactic for consuming prey much larger then itself by spraying its venom onto the carcass and drinking the juice. the viper is also a cunning predator using it's kills to lure in future meals. it can convert calories into body mass in just hours. A serpent that brings down something like a Bovine can expect to quadruple in size in just a week. there is theoretically no limit to their growth and some have been spotted at fifty feet long and eight feet in diameter. during times of hunger the snake simply shrinks until it reaches the minute size of just a six feet long. it is long theorized that the breeding cycle of the Serpent is directly linked to its size. Sages theorize that the snakes breed upon contact and the females store the sperm until they reach a satisfactory size at which point they fertilize and after a period of time give birth to live young. the clutch numbers at anywhere from 5 to 15 young who are birthed fully functional. they are known to band together in family groups but only in areas with fierce competition. there are also those who say that the serpent is intelligent as there are few who have ever managed to keep one captive and it is theoretically possible to feed one but all attempts have ended when the serpent grew to large gave birth and fed its handlers to its young.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Serpent ranges from roughly five feet long (six in females) to a theoretical infinite size. the serpent has a forked tail that are furred and resemble a pair of rabbit ears. it has hollow fangs that allow for a ranged attack with their venom. along its face are heat sensitive organs and its scales are a dull grey that have ranges to brown and green

Genetics and Reproduction

Breeding takes place whenever two members meet and birthing takes place at a time when the female has enough body mass to maximize survival

Growth Rate & Stages

the growth is directly linked to the amount of calories consumed

Ecology and Habitats

the Serpent acts as a pest controller in a forest environment. it remain the most populous in elven woods due to most people being smart enough to kill them on sight

Dietary Needs and Habits

the serpent can eat almost any amount of food.

Biological Cycle

the snake typically starves during the winter, spring is the healthiest time for the serpent and often by fall they have attained enough size to last them the winter.

Additional Information

Domestication

impossible

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Highly corrosive venom that is valued by mages and alchemist

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Predominantly in elven woods. they rely on forest for water and their inability to swim limits them from wetlands and ocean.

Average Intelligence

7(-2)

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Heat sensory organs, a fine tuned sense of smell, poor eyesight.

Scientific Name

Snake

Lifespan

15 years

Average Height

4 inchs -1 foot

Average Weight

22-105 lbs

Average Length

5-20 feet

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

gray predominance with variation into green adn brown