The Serpent of Nilskya

“Something lies hidden, leaving you to catch fleeting glimpses out of the corner of your eye. It moves in the darkness surrounding the barrow, always watching, and perhaps… waiting…” 

- Monsters and Myths of Tordronnen, by Leopold Der Vitner

Overview

Little is known about the creature that lurks around the large barrow mound on Nilskya Island. Much of the knowledge is gathered from the stories of travellers and the superstitions of the locals. Some report a mass of swarming wriggling shapes skittering away from the light, but others tell tales of vast walls of scales moving in the darkness. The reports closest to the truth of the creature lurking at the barrow are those of a few survivors that have escaped its lair. 

Appearance

This legendary creature is reported as having the body of a snake with scales of a black so dark it seems to absorb any light around it. Despite the variations in reports of the size of this creature, all consistently recount that the serpent as enormous, potentially over 50ft in length. A single vicious fang brought back measured at 2ft, suggesting a single bite could cause devastating injury. In addition to its terrifying size, the serpent also has a set of black feathered wings which exude icy winds with every sweep.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Those who have escaped report the serpent as having poor eyesight, and seeming to depend on other senses in its efforts to hunt them.

Habitat and Diet

Those who have entered the barrow mound of Nilskya describe entering an unnaturally vast realm of darkness. Where the echoing sound of the creatures' slithering movements seem to echo off unseen walls. 

Evidence of scattered remains imply the serpent feeds on beings that have become trapped in its prison.