Adventure Shorts #15: Slithering Death

A new town is being built in the old ruins of what once was a castle, and the heroes pass by. A young boy offers to sell them soft leathery eggs the size of a football. “These are snake eggs” the cleric whispers, “I wonder where their mother is”.

What may occur next:

• The giant snake that laid the eggs, and perhaps a few more, are below the ruins in the old dungeon, where they made their nest. They might sleep for the winter. But they will attack angrily when disturbed.

• The old castle is the new settlement for almost a hundred people who are building their houses between the walls. They have no other home, as they are fleeing from a local war. They and their leaders refuse to leave.
• Some of the eggs have already hatched, and little venomous giant snakes are making their way through the new village. Villagers scream for help, or others might be bitten.

Giant Cobra

This giant species of snake is rarely seen, but on the edges of civilisation they may sometimes be found dormant in ruins or wild jungle groves. Unless attacked they are seldom hostile, except when they are hungry. They eat only once every few months. Full grown animals may be up to fifty feet long, and they can swim in muddy waters.

OSR: AC 7, HD 3 (HD 1 for hatchlings), Dam 1d6 (1d3 for hatchlings), poisonous bite, Move 90', Save: F1, #app 1d6-3, hatchlings 2d6

DD2: mother animal: stealth 3, bite 5 (weapon class 2, poison class 2 to chest)

DD2: hatchling: stealth 5, bite 3, (weapon class 0, poison class 1 to chest)

Update: You can find all shorts of this series and more in Unpleasant Encounters at RPGNow.