Poisonous Snake
Tiny Beast · · CR 1/8
- Beast
- Tiny
- Tier 1
Poisonous Snake is a tiny beast of unaligned alignment, CR 1/8. Found in coastal, desert, forest, grassland, hill, and swamp. Sourced from Monster Manual (5e 2014).
Stat Block
- Challenge Rating
- 1/8
- Type
- Beast
- Size
- Tiny
- Alignment
- —
- Speed
- —
- Habitats
- Coastal, Desert, Forest, Grassland, Hill, Swamp
- Sources
- Monster Manual (5e 2014)
Ecology
Poisonous snakes inhabit nearly every climate but tundra, with regional variants: pit vipers in forests, sand vipers in deserts, mangrove serpents in coasts and swamps. They feed on rodents, frogs, and birds, regulating local pest populations. Some species are oviparous, others give live birth. Females may guard hatchlings briefly before abandoning them. Mating concentrates many snakes in one place during breeding season.
Behaviour
Most strikes are defensive; the snake prefers stealth and retreat. It coils in cool shadow during the day, hunts at dusk, and basks at midmorning. When startled, it gives warning posture (rearing, hissing, hood-flaring depending on species) before biting. Venom delivery varies: some species can dry-bite, conserving toxin for prey, while others always inject.
Origin
In folklore, poisonous snakes are tied to chthonic deities, fertility goddesses, and trickster spirits. Some sects of yuan-ti or naga settings claim descent from sacred snakes blessed by serpent-gods. Druids may ally with snakes for their patient hunting wisdom. Cursed bloodlines transform afflicted humanoids into snake-form during full moons, leaving venomous bite-marks on family heirlooms.
Related Monsters
Frequently Asked Questions about Poisonous Snake
- What is the challenge rating of Poisonous Snake?
- Listed CR for Poisonous Snake: 1/8. Match it to a party that works against low-level groups.
- What type of creature is Poisonous Snake?
- Poisonous Snake is classified as a beast in D&D 5e, tiny size.
- Where does Poisonous Snake live?
- The published habitats for Poisonous Snake: Coastal, Desert, Forest, Grassland, Hill, Swamp.