The Tetradopterus can make three attacks: one with its bite and two with its claws.
Serpent's Grip
When the Tetradopterus hits a creature with its claw attack, the target must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw or be grappled. While grappled in this way, the creature is restrained.
Four-Eyed Awareness
The Tetradopterus has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.
Actions
Bite
Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d10 + 4) piercing damage.
Claw
Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) slashing damage.
Constrict
The Tetradopterus makes one claw attack against a grappled target. On a hit, the target takes an additional 10 (3d6) bludgeoning damage and must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or be paralyzed until the end of its next turn.
Reactions
Tail Sweep
When a creature succeeds on a melee attack against the Tetradopterus, it can use its reaction to target that creature within 10 feet. The target must succeed on a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw or take 7 (1d8 + 3) bludgeoning damage and be knocked prone.
Combat Behavior
Tactics
• Ambush with stealth before engaging. • Use grapple to isolate powerful foes. • Retreat to water to evade overwhelming enemies.
Combat Style
Uses hit-and-run tactics, leveraging its speed and agility to avoid damage.
Morale
If badly injured, the Tetradopterus will retreat to its lair to recover, using terrain to its advantage.
Monster Description
The Tetradopterus is a fearsome being born from the remnants of ancient magic, boasting distinct scales that shimmer in shades of emerald and gold. This monstrosity stands tall on its hind legs, embodying the primal might of serpents while exhibiting the intelligence of a cunning predator. Its four eyes allow it to perceive the world with heightened senses, giving it an advantage in dark and dimly lit environments. Each arm, muscled and powerful, ends in razor-sharp claws that can rend flesh with ease, and its long tail serves both as a weapon and a means to propel through watery depths fast and effectively. Legends speak of these creatures guarding the secrets of lost temples, fiercely protecting their territory from intruders. They are both feared and revered, with many seeking their wisdom, yet few ever return from an encounter with one intact.
Monster behavior
In combat, the Tetradopterus exhibits unpredictable tactics, often striking from ambush with calculated precision. It uses its ability to grapple foes, rendering them helpless while delivering devastating blows with its claws and constricting its prey until they yield or faint. The creature can sense even the slightest vibrations within its vicinity, enabling it to anticipate attacks and respond swiftly. If overwhelmed, a Tetradopterus will not hesitate to retreat into water or its lair, employing hit-and-run tactics to wear down foes. Despite its solitary nature, during mating season, these creatures operate in pairs, showcasing the grandeur of their strength.
Ecology
The Tetradopterus plays a pivotal role within its ecosystem, controlling the populations of smaller creatures while serving as a figure of myth and legend among nearby settlements. Its presence is often accompanied by strange happenings, as local wildlife seems both attracted and repelled by the aura of magic surrounding the creature. Found in marshy locations, the Tetradopterus prefers areas rich in ancient ruins, which provide both camouflage and a habitat teeming with life that the creature can hunt.
History
The history of the Tetradopterus stretches back to the myths of ancient Greece. These creatures were said to be favored by deities, serving as guardians of forbidden knowledge and defilers of sacred places. As civilizations rose and fell, tales of their encounters with mortals filled the annals of history, often ending in doom for those who sought to plunder their domains. With the advent of time, most dwellers of these lands drifted from worship, but the Tetradopterus remains, a living monument to the power of the ancients. Rumors suggest that the creature can manipulate time and space within its vicinity, making it impossible for outsiders to find their way back, a strategy it employs to protect its territory meticulously.
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