Tree python

Often mistaken for normal, non-magical, tree-hunting constrictor snakes, tree pythons are found native to the Serpent Hills.

Description
The tree python is an intelligent creature, that lies patiently in wait for its prey safely tangled up on a branch from a tree. Its natural skin tone is a dull, greenish-brown, resembling the bark of a tree. It had the chameleon-like ability to alter its skin color to match its surrounding, making it hard to discern among the trees and leaves of its natural habitat.

This magical snake can even shift its colors as it moves through the forest to stalk its unsuspecting prey.

Combat
Learning from experiences, the tree python has developed a genuine hunting technique. It chooses isolated targets, usually the last creature in a group passing by beneath the tree the snake has coiled itself upon.

Tree pythons are night creatures, therefore hunting by night making themselves almost invisible when blending in with the moonlit environment. They sleep by day, but can forego sleep for a long period of time to hunt down tirelessly prey and attack it when it dozes of to slumber.

Because of its ever-changing scales, a tree python blends in with its surroundings, combined with its ability to gather its coils and then launch itself in a jump, make the tree python a monster not to be overlooked by careless adventurers.

Their intelligence makes them opponents who can make tactical decision. They will flee battle when outnumbered or hurt, and attack when its opponent is at it most vulnerable.

Location
Originally native to the Serpent Hills, tree pythons have spread throughout Faerûn. Their intelligence have made them able to cunningly drop themselves onto a passing wagon, secure themselves unseen into the cargo carried by pack animals or even to grab themselves hold of moving carts and the like with their powerful jaws.

Tree pythons don't seem to suffer any pain or disability from holding on with their jaws for hours or even days, though extreme cold causes them to drop off and search for warmer surroundings.