Jaculus

_This small dragon has feathered wings on its forearms and powerful legs it uses to cling to trees._ The jaculus (plural jaculi), is a draconic predator that roams the forest and jungle looking for va

Armor class
18
Hit points
65
Challenge
3
Creature type
Dragon
Size
Small
Alignment
neutral evil

_This small dragon has feathered wings on its forearms and powerful legs it uses to cling to trees._
The jaculus (plural jaculi), is a draconic predator that roams the forest and jungle looking for valuable objects it can add to its hoard. Also called the javelin snake, a jaculus loves shiny or reflective items, and it is clever enough to identify items of real value. It will fight and kill to take items it desires, which it stashes inside hollow trees far from any forest trail.
Leapers. Jaculi are far better jumpers than flyers. They can jump 18 feet horizontally or 12 feet vertically after taking a single 2-foot step. They even climb faster than they fly, so they use their wings to flap clumsily back into the trees only when necessary.
Teamwork Thievery. Jaculi are among the least intelligent of the dragons—but they’re still smarter than most humans, and they’re known to pursue cunning and complicated plots to build their hoards. Many traditional tales tell of jaculi in the southern forests working as teams to separate merchants and other travelers from their wealth, figuring out ways to abscond with gems and jewelry before the owners even know they’ve been robbed. Some jaculi may feign docility or even pretend to be friendly and helpful, but wise travelers know that the creatures drop such ruses as soon as they can steal what they’re really after.

Stat block

Cha
13
Con
17
Dex
18
Int
13
Str
14
Wis
13
Speed
Fly: 10; Walk: 20; Climb: 20
Senses
blindsight 10 ft., darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 13
Skills
Stealth: 6; Acrobatics: 6; Perception: 3
Actions
  • Multiattack. The jaculus makes one jaws attack and one claws attack.
  • Jaws. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (2d4 + 2) piercing damage.
  • Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 2) slashing damage.
Languages
Common, Draconic
Saving throws
Wisdom: 3; Charisma: 3; Strength: 4; Dexterity: 6; Constitution: 5
Special abilities
  • Spearhead. If the jaculus moves at least 10 feet straight toward a target and hits that target with a jaws attack on the same turn, the jaws attack does an extra 4 (1d8) piercing damage.
Damage resistances
acid, lightning

Source and licence

From Tome of Beasts.

Licence: Open Game Content (OGL 1.0a).

Every licence notice Tavern Bag relies on.