Tatzlwyrm

Tatzlwyrms resemble human-sized snakes with two arms and a dragon's head. Distant relatives of dragons, tatzlwyrms possess only a meager level of intelligence. They can speak Draconic (with a thick, hissing accent), but their ability to reason is limited, and they can't use magic. They do possess a level of cunning, however, and some have been known to build rudimentary traps and even lairs. They aren't treasure hoarders, though, so adventurers shouldn't expect to find a tatzlwyrm sitting atop a bed of coins.

Some tatzlwyrms have managed to forge working relationships with dragons, though it's a rare occurrence. From time to time, dragons have used them as messengers (because they can speak their language, however crudely), scouts (due to their smaller size), guides (when they're familiar with a particular mountain), and even muscle (harassing foes not worthy of a dragon's direct attention).

Tatzlwyrms hibernate in cold weather, and when they feel winter approaching, they seek out underground lairs, mountain crevices, or even hay lofts. On one notable occasion, villagers reported being briefly overrun by tatzlwyrms after a conflict between spellcasters in the nearby hills caused a sudden blizzard. Local scholars still debate whether the cause of the influx stemmed from the sudden change in weather or if the creatures were drawn to one of the other magic users staying in town who were part of the same pilgrimage as those doing battle.

When confronted, tatzlwyrms are more likely to attack than retreat. Indeed, they sometimes lie in wait on purpose, taking advantage of their scales' natural camouflage and awaiting the chance to unleash their signature move: belching poisonous vapor into an opponent's face. Since this breath attack doesn't have much range, tatzlwyrms usually need to grab their foes first to bring them close to their mouth.