Clockwork Serpent

24 hours, DC 26 Thievery, standby For a clockwork to act, it must be wound with a unique key by another creature. This takes 1 minute. Once wound, it remains operational for the listed amount of time, usually 24 hours, after which time it becomes unaware of its surroundings and can't act until it's wound again. Some clockworks' abilities require them to spend some of their remaining operational time. They can't spend more than they have and shut down immediately once they have 0 time remaining. If it's unclear when a clockwork was last wound, most clockwork keepers wind all their clockworks at a set time, typically 8 a.m. A clockwork that lists standby in its wind-up entry can enter standby mode as a 3-action activity. Its operational time doesn't decrease in standby, but it can sense its surroundings (with a -2 penalty to Perception). It can't act, with one exception: when it perceives a creature, it can exit standby as a reaction (rolling initiative if appropriate). A creature can attempt to Disable a Device to wind a clockwork down (with a DC listed in the wind-up entry). For each success, the clockwork loses 1 hour of operational time. This can be done even if the clockwork is in standby mode.

Trigger The clockwork serpent begins its turn Effect The clockwork serpent transforms into a different mode. Roll 1d3 and consult the options below. If it rolls a mode it can't currently activate, the clockwork serpent becomes Clumsy 1 until the start of its next turn. At the end of its turn, it automatically deactivates its serpent mode. 1 Cobra Mode The clockwork serpent can use Intimidating Hood. 2 Constrictor Mode The clockwork serpent can use its coils Strike and can Constrict. 3 Rattlesnake Mode The clockwork serpent can use Shattering Rattle.

If a clockwork serpent takes any precision damage or takes a critical hit and it has a serpent mode active, it must attempt a DC 16 flat. On a failure, it takes the damage from the critical hit as normal, is Stunned 1, and its serpent mode deactivates.

Saving Throw DC 26 fortitude Maximum Duration 6 rounds Stage 1 2d6 poison damage and Off-Guard (1 round) Stage 2 2d6 poison damage, Enfeebled 1, and off-guard (1 round)

Requirements The clockwork serpent is in constrictor mode

The monster deals the listed amount of damage to any number of creatures Grabbed or Restrained by it. Each of those creatures can attempt a basic Fortitude save with the listed DC.

Requirements The clockwork serpent is in cobra mode

The clockwork serpent flares out a cobra hood. All creatures within a 15-foot emanation must succeed at a DC 26 will save or become Frightened 1 (Frightened 2 on a critical failure).

Requirements The clockwork serpent is in rattlesnake mode

The clockwork serpent rattles its tail, then snaps it like a whip to create a devastating blast of sonic energy in a 30-foot cone. Creatures in the area take 9d6 sonic damage (DC 26 fortitude save).

Requirements The monster's last action was a successful Strike that lists Grab in its damage entry, or the monster has a creature Grabbed or Restrained Effect If used after a Strike, the monster attempts to Grapple the creature using the body part it attacked with. This attempt neither applies nor counts toward the creature's multiple attack penalty. The monster can instead use Grab and choose one creature it's grabbing or restraining with an appendage that has Grab to automatically extend that condition to the end of the monster's next turn.