The World Of Khoras - Fauna and Flora - Fauna - Swamp

Red Asp

Physical Description

The red asp appears as a slender, ruby colored snake, three feet long, with a single black stripe running down its back.

Combat

The red asp possesses a powerful venom, a type of nerve toxin which is one of the most deadly poisons known. A successful bite from this diminutive serpent will release a few precious drops of the venom into the blood stream. This venom will spread rapidly and is accompanied by a burning sensation. Anyone unfortunate enough to be bitten by this snake faces a slow and painful death as his nervous system is literally dissolved. The initial onset of the venom begins within seconds and involves severe muscle spasms, convulsions and foaming at the mouth. This usually lasts about five minutes at which point the victim collapses to the ground, utterly exhausted, completely paralyzed, twitching and in horrible pain. Death claims the victim only after an hour or more of veritable agony. The speed with which Death claims the victim depends on the victim's health and other factors.

Habitat

The red asp is found in the Barakose Swamp, the Stench Bog, the Shattered Mountains and the Karth Peninsula.

Ecology

The red asp feeds on tadpoles, small fish, bird's eggs, berries, grubs and insects. Its virulent toxin serves as a perfect defense against predators and the means to a quick and easy meal. The asp's bright ruby color hints at its powerful venom and warns other animals away. Red asp venom is very powerful stuff and sought after by assassins, alchemists and high-paying clients who want to make the death of an adversary particularly painful. Finding this rare snake is difficult, especially in the wetlands it usually inhabits. Once a snake is found, the task of actually obtaining the venom without getting oneself killed is equally challenging. For these reasons, red asp venom commands exorbitant prices.

This page last updated Wednesday, December 24, 2008. Copyright 1990-2009 David M. Roomes.

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