Ashen Serpent

"The creation of the ashen serpent is one that not many know about, and is quite often confused with that of a phoenix. Where a phoenix might be born again, they do not literally rise from the ashes. The one true creature to rise from the ashes, is the ashen serpent..."

— The Poacher's Publication on Predators

From the Fire, Born of Flames

Nestled within the rocks on the edges of the mouth of a volcano rests an ashen serpent. It thrives off the heat that the churning molten rock emits, and while it isn't resting, it devours any creatures that come near it, along with the superheated stones nearby.
It rests for weeks at a time, hibernating in the warmth of the stones. Due to their way of living, ashen serpents can go their entire lives without encountering a single person, though usually at least one shows up and runs away before it can get to them. Ashen serpents are large, but they are not necessarily quick to react when waking from dormancy.

Rising from the Ashes

Born after eruptions from the ashes that are spewn from the volcanos throat, ashen serpents are grey, with the colouration of their scales appearing as if a fire roars in their bodies. They are vicious, and can tear apart even the thickest of armours.
Due to the unique way they are born, ashen serpents do not reproduce, they simply live out their lives after they have been formed by the volcanos ashes. They do, however, die after roughly twenty years, as they slowly deteriorate. Their bodies are not long for this mortal world, and should one be active more regularly than every few weeks, it is entirely possible that their life would drain away more quickly than it would otherwise.

Lifespan

20 years

Average Weight

1,000 to 1,200 lbs

Average Length

Approx. 10 meters