| Hit Dice: | 2d10+20 (30 hp) |
| Initiative: | +3 |
| Speed: | 30 ft. (6 squares), climb 10 ft. |
| Armor Class: | 18 (+3 Dex, +5 natural), touch 13, flat-footed 15 |
| Base Attack/Grapple: | +1/+2 |
| Attack: | Bite +2 melee (1d6+1 plus paralysis) |
| Full Attack: | Bite +2 melee (1d6+1 plus paralysis) |
| Space/Reach: | 5 ft./5 ft. |
| Special Attacks: | Dance of death, paralysis, sneak attack +2d6 |
| Special Qualities: | Construct traits |
| Saves: | Fort +0, Ref +3, Will +0 |
| Abilities: | Str 13, Dex 16, Con , Int —, Wis 11, Cha 12 |
| Skills: | Climb +9, Hide +11, Move Silently +11; racial bonuses |
| Feats: | — |
| Environment: | Any land and underground |
| Organization: | Solitary or gang (2–5) |
| Challenge Rating: | 2 |
| Treasure: | None |
| Alignment: | Always neutral |
| Advancement: | 3–5 HD (Medium-size); 6 HD (Large) ♊ |
| Level Adjustment: | — |
The necrophidius is a stealthy construct often mistaken for an undead creature. It is created to assassinate a target or guard an object or location.
A necrophidius looks like a skeletal snake with a fanged humanoid skull. It normally remains in hiding and stays absolutely still unless its orders require it to follow a creature or patrol an area. It slithers silently and can climb well. It understands Common and obeys the orders of its creator, but it cannot speak.
The creature’s normal method of attack is to hide, and then stealthily approach and sneak attack an unwary target. If confronted by multiple foes or by a creature aware of its presence, it uses its dance of death ability to allow it to approach its enemies and bite.
Dance of Death (Su): A necrophidius can sway in a hypnotic manner, riveting the attention of any creature within 30 feet that can see it. Creatures that fail a Will saving throw (DC 12) are dazed (can take no actions but can defend themselves) for as long as the necrophidius continues its dance. Creatures that make their saving throws can avert their eyes from the necrophidius as if they were avoiding a gaze attack (50% chance per round of not having to make a saving throw, 20% miss chance on attacks against the necrophidius). A necrophidius can move up to its normal speed as a move action even if performing its dance of death. This is a mind-affecting effect.
Paralysis (Su): A creature bitten by a necrophidius must succeed on a Will saving throw (DC 12) or be paralyzed and unconscious for 10 minutes.
Skills: A necrophidius has a +8 racial bonus on Hide and Move Silently checks. It also has a +8 racial bonus on Climb checks and can always choose to take 10 on Climb checks, even if rushed or threatened.
Price (Item Level): 3,000 gp + 1,500 per HD above 2 (varies)
Body Slot: —
Caster Level: 12th
Aura: Strong; (DC 21) varies
Activation: Standard (command)
Weight: 10 lb.
To construct a necrophidius, the creator needs the skeleton of a Medium snake, the skull of a humanoid creature, and all other mundane ingredients. Assembling the body requires a successful Craft (sculpting) check (DC 13).
Prerequisites: Craft Construct, geas/quest, hold person, and either hypnotism and mage’s faithful hound (if an arcane caster) or animate objects and command (if a divine caster)
Cost to Create: 2,000 gp + 750 gp per HD above 2, 100 XP, 3 days (for 2 HD version).
Source: Fiend Folio, page 126. Changes applied as per the D&D® v.3.5 Accessory Update.