Vishap were flightless dragons that lived in Zakhara. Compared to other dragons they were cowardly, choosing to prey on the weak. Stealth and deceit were their chosen methods of attack.[1]
Despite being large creatures, vishap were surprising athletic, being able to run, jump and climb with graceful agility. Vishap scales provided natural camouflage with their surroundings.[1]
Vishap were especially aware of their surroundings and could even detect nearby invisible creatures. These dragons did not have a breath weapon and they could not cast spells, nor did they exude dragon fear.[1]
Description
Most vishap were an average of 25 ft (7.6 m) in length, but could grow to 174 ft (53 m).[1]
Combat
A vishap studied potential opponents for days at a time before engaging in combat. After this time the vishap would approach weak targets to speak and then attack when in range. Victims who flattered a vishap were sometimes spared if they yielded all treasure or served as slaves. Aggressive targets were left alone until they could be ambushed.[1]
During physical combat, a vishap could attack with its teeth, claws and tail. All vishap were immune to enchantment or charm spells and they gained the following spell-like abilities as they aged: sleep, invisibility, suggestion, charm monster, undetectable lie.[1]
Habitat/Society
Vishap chose shallow, open caves that provided them with an excellent view of all angles of approach. One secret escape plan was always allowed for.[1]
Ecology
These creatures were carnivores, though they would consume carrion or even plants if their survival demanded it. Human and demihuman flesh was their favorite kind of meat. Occasionally a group of vishap would work together to enslave an entire village.[1]
Cultural significance
In Zakharan art, the vishap could signify danger or evil magic.[2]
Trivia
- Several locations in Zakhara were named after the vishap, such as the Vishap's Teeth in the High Desert[3] and the Vishap's Spine mountain range on Sahu.[4]
See also
Appendix
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedMCAA - ↑ Bruce Schmidt (December 1997). “Bazaar of the Bizarre: Magical Allies of the Forgotten Realms Setting”. In Dave Gross ed. Dragon #242 (TSR, Inc.), pp. 72–75.
- ↑ Rick Swan (1994). Al-Qadim: Caravans: Campaign Guide. (TSR, Inc), p. 21. ISBN 1-56076-903-3.
- ↑ Steve Kurtz (April 1, 1995). The Complete Book of Necromancers. (TSR, Inc), p. 106. ISBN 0-7869-0106-3.