Monster: Winter Worm

Winter Worm

A squat, short legged lizard with long tail. Its whole body is covered with white, fur-like feathers.

CR 8; XP 4,800
CE Large Dragon
Init +0; Senses darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision, scent; Perception +15

Defense
AC 21, touch 9, flat-footed 21 (+12 natural, –1 size)
hp 105 (10d12+40)
Fort +12, Ref +7, Will +11
Immune paralysis, sleep; Resist cold 20, fire 20

Offense
Speed 30 ft., swim 30 ft.
Melee bite +15 (2d8+9 plus 2d6 fire, 19–20/×3), tail slap +11 (2d6+3 plus trip)
Space 10 ft.; Reach 5 ft. (10 ft. with tail)
Special Attacks breath weapon (30-ft. cone, 10d6 fire damage, Reflex DC 18 for half, usable every 1d4 rounds), powerful jaws

Statistics
Str 22, Dex 10, Con 16, Int 7, Wis 15, Cha 11
Base Atk +10; CMB +17; CMD 27 (31 vs. trip)
Feats Great Fortitude, Improved Critical (bite), Iron Will, Toughness, Weapon Focus (tail slap)
Skills Climb +19, Perception +15, Stealth +9 (+17 in snow or ice), Survival +15, Swim +14; Racial Modifier +8 Stealth in snow or ice
Languages Auran, Draconic
SQ ice walker

Ecology
Environment cold plains and mountains
Organization solitary, pair, or pack (3-12)
Treasure standard

Special Abilities

Ice Walker (Ex) A winter worm can move on ice and through deep snow easily. Ice and deep snow do not count as difficult terrain for a winter worm.

Powerful Jaws (Ex) A winter worm's jaws apply 1-1/2 Strength bonus to damage inflicted and have critical hit multiplier of ×3.

Winter worms are one of many lesser dragon species, wingless and not particularly smart. They have adapted to arctic regions, though they my occasionally live in warmer climates hibernating through warm seasons and being active primarily in winter. Despite their adaptation to cold climates, they show particular fondness for hot springs—being highly resistant, thought not immune to both heat and freezing temperatures.

Like many other draconic species, winter worms are gluttonous and lazy creatures, spending their time napping or bathing and willing to eat any creature they can kill. They often gather in pods, mostly ignoring each other unless there is a larger prey. They might occasionally fight each other in short bouts that never end in death. Older winter worms can grow bigger and lazier, with hotter flames and higher resistances.