Sniper drakes are small, dragon-like flying reptiles the size of a large bird. Their leathery, bat-like wings span three to five feet across and are a darker shade of the creature’s overall color. Sniper drakes usually come in pastel greens, blues, yellows and reds. Their head is long and thin and dominated by very large, forward-facing eyes. Finally, all sniper drakes possess a bright red throat-sac which is used in their peculiar hunting method as well as for attracting mates.

Like many other drakes, sniper drakes can fire gouts of flame. The sniper drake’s is unique, though. Rather than creating a cloud of flame, their breath weapon is extremely focused, cohesive and accurate. Thanks to their excellent eyesight, a sniper drake earns its name by shooting at its prey from dozens of yards away. The effect is achieved with a thick, viscous mucous which ignites when it comes in contact with oxygen. In essence, it’s a biological napalm.

Sniper drakes are not especially intelligent, and can be exceptionally difficult to obtain and rear, but those who take the time and effort find that they are remarkable pets, guardians and allies.

Encounters with Sniper Drakes

Some small cataclysm, such as a drought or plague, has killed much of the local wildlife and driven off many of the survivors. A small flock of sniper drakes still hunts the area, though, and the creatures are driven mad by hunger. They don’t usually attack things larger than a fox or small dog, but in these desperate times the PCs look like the best food source available.

A falconer by the name of Miles Gendrick lays dying, his body consumed by age and disease. He’s already given away the rest of his pets, and is left with just one: a sniper drake named Tizzy. Miles is very protective of Tizzy, even more so than the birds he used to raise, and is actively seeking out anyone who’s both qualified to handle such a creature and who proves that they’re worthy of it. To this end, Miles sends for a PC to offer him Tizzy, but first the PC must pass a test…