Those cousins of the dragons are the apex predators in mountainous forests. They resemble very big snakes with two arms and a voracious face. Territorial, brutish, and wielding magic, they are a force to be reckoned with. More than a king has put a bounty on the head of a Taztelwurm, since they have no worries about expanding their dominion when the forest has no more preys and a near farm is full of pigs and cows. Instinct: to be at the top of the food chain

• Envelop them in its spires
• Ambush the unsuspecting from the thick of the forest
• Work a simple spell of earth or poison
• Paralyze a prey during eye-contact

"Who would have thought that the goblin king would be so . . . attractive? I mean, I certainly didn't expect you to have such a lovely singing voice, at least, and . . . hold on, where are you taking my little brother? Come back here, you shiny-trousered creep!" Instinct: To find an heir

• Channel magic through dance
• Weave confusing illusions
• Dazzle into a false sense of security
• Kidnap suitable heirs

Created using a lost alchemical technique the creatures guard mythic sites. Even when destroyed the bones can reassemble to threaten the unwary. Spellcasters are often surprised to find their very magics turned upon them as the clever creators of these horrors protected them from ensorcellment. Instinct: Defeat intruders

• Reassemble from shattered bones
• Turn a spell back upon its caster

"Good morning," the Thing in the Well calls, "And how are we doing this morning Mrs. Westmen?" -- "Just wonderfully. How have you been keeping, Thing?" -- "Fine, fine. A little peckish, a bit in the mood for, you know, a nibble, a bite to eat. But don't worry yourself, perfectly fine." -- "It's quite alright Thing, I was just thinking I should bring by some lunch. How does a ham sound?" -- "You are too kind Mrs. Westmen, just too kind..." -- The Thing in the Well has lived in the village for longer than anyone can remember. It is traditional to fix regular meals for the Thing, and to present it with a sheep or pig on special occasions. Years ago a boy went down the well on a dare. He never returned. The subject has not been broached in the presence of the Thing. Instinct: To devour

• Politely collect tribute
• Leverage townspeople through secrets
• Purify water
• Hide in darkened waters