Flame Beast

{{#if:Flame Beast|Default Flame Beast}}
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Creature Statistics
Danger Rating	7}}
Type	Monster}}
Size	Average}}
Terrain	Desert}}

{{#if:Desert|}} Flame Beasts have 6 HP, receive double damage from Silver, have an immunity to fire, and cast 1 Fireball spellball and have permanent Burning Hands.

… Scaled reptilians ignited in armour … Light the night as the sun spin in slumber … Tooth and claw and flame and bile … Subdued by moonish metal …
~ Ancient Gulzarian Text Translation

Basics

Flame Beasts, known also as Salamanders, are large lizards that inhabit the deserts of Dargarth. When threatened, their bodies are protected by a shield of flames. Further research is needed to reveal whether these flames are arcane or organic. Their scales vary crimson, gold, bronze, and even onyx in bright warning colorations. Similar in size to large alligators, approximately seven foot from nose to tail, they sit at approximately five foot standing. They have crested squat heads, with spines running down the back to their short, plump tails. The reptiles are speculated to be prehistoric cousins to dragons. Their large bellies drag on the desert sands when moving on four legs, but they assume bipedal posture when provoked.

Behaviour

Rarely seen among the surface, Flame Beasts have been spotted in small groups sunbathing atop arid rocks before darting into burrows or cool outcroppings. Appearing very territorial, a pack will rush parties within a short distance of their dwellings. It has been observed that Flame Beasts are highly active and aggressive during sun flare, though the reason is unknown.

Combat

Surprisingly mobile on their hind legs, Salamanders are very dangerous and easily provoked. Their bile is highly combustible and they are known to spew fountains of flame. Their claws are burning hot and can incinerate wooden shields and spears. Through combative studies, it has been verified that the beasts are especially susceptible to silvered weaponry. Possible causes of this vulnerability include: the highly conductive properties of silver, the arcane frozen-forging of silvered weapons, or the mystic damage silver seems to deal to creatures of chaos. Their fiery tough scales make them absolutely immune to any sources of fiery damage. Ranged engagement is encouraged, as the reptiles are extremely perilous in middle and melee ranges.