Viperidae

This is a family of venomous snakes which are often called Vipers. They have relatively long hinged hollow fangs that allow a deep bite and subsequently heavy injection of venom. When not being used in attack or defense, the fangs fold up against the roof of the mouth where they are protected from damage within a membrane sheath. During a strike, the mouth gapes open and the fangs swing out. As the fangs penetrate, the venom is injected.

Both species of viper described in this writing are short-tailed with a triangular head which is distinct from the neck. Their eyes have vertical pupils and are very responsive to light levels. When in darkness, they can widen to cover the majority of eye space or contract in bright light to mere slits. This near instantaneous pupil action helps them to see within a wide range. Most often they are ambush predators, skulking in one place until it is time to strike. These species of vipers are also rather quick with their strikes.

Both viper species also have the ability to sense body heat through the mechanism of pit organs. These are generally between the nostril and the eye. Along with their wide-range vision, the ability to sense heat signatures allows them to be nocturnal or diurnal with little impact on hunting ability.

By nature Vipers are quick-tempered creatures able to move swiftly against those who intrude on their territory. They give birth to live young.

Beach Viper

Viprus Sandus will often conceal itself in the weedy debris that washes ashore onto its beach. It is often hungry due to the lack of prey within easy reach and thus is speedier in its strikes than its swamp-dwelling cousins. The Land Urchins it shares territory with are difficult to digest so unless starvation drives it the viper is often content with smaller (or at least, less spiny) prey. If carefully skinned and prepared, the skin of the beach viper has been known to make rather fashionable hats.

In their territory, the constant tramping of Adventurous in search of elusive Gold Guardians has only added to the viper’s short temper and quick attack response. Many an adventurer has found themselves groggily coming to at a life monument unaware of their envenomed danger until too late.

Swamp Viper

The average Viprus Slimus is green in coloration with faint shading differences with each shed. Sometimes ribbons of shed skin can be found on the swamp foliage it rubs against. Its fangs are sizeable and are sometimes collected for a variety of uses. A viper fang, properly cleaned and drilled, makes a sturdy needle for even the thickest leather.

Occasionally one of these grows to such a large size they gain a craving for a more varied diet in order to better satiate all the vitamin and mineral needs. Such is the case with Viprus Slimus Ginormous. Unlike its smaller cousins, it will actually leave the swamp in search of the food it craves. Sir Pestus in Dundee has reported with growing exasperation the incursions of this subspecies. Upon dissection, it can often be found with strange oddments of metal in its gullet. Keys seem of especial interest to it as they are easy to gulp down. It also shows a desire for the more moderate climate and darkness of caves instead of just the swamp itself. Perhaps this subspecies prefers darkness to light except when its dietary needs propel it out of the swamp.

Canyon Rattlesnake

Crotalus Canyonus is sandy in hue enabling greater concealment in the area it resides. It has a rattle on the end of its tail, from which its name is derived, that lengthens with each molting. Instead of hissing in warning this reptile will shake the rattle and cause it to emit a buzzing, rattling sound. The rattle is comprised of a series of small beadlike scales. The venom of this species is particular virulent and it can easy strike and kill all but the most experience of Adventurous.

Valor Nilsus: I'm not a big fan of snakes in general. And I had hoped when I left the swamps that I was done with them for good. Apparently not.”