The Tome of Lore:  Table of Contents

Horntail

Of all the creatures that roam the wilds of Sryth, few have inspired as many legends as the horntail. These large, boney-skinned reptiles grow to the size of large bears, and are renowned for their voracious appetites and bad tempers.

The largest of the species is the male which can reach a length of twelve feet, and can weigh as much as 2,000 pounds. It goes without saying that a 2,000 pound ill-tempered horntail would be a creature best avoided at all cost.

Male horntails are called boars, and females are called sows.

The horntail is so named for the black, razor-sharp "horn" of bone that protrudes from the end of its long, muscular tail. The creatures will use this tail as a whip in combat, and can strike enemies several feet away. It is best to avoid being hit by a lash of the tail, for the "horn" contains one of the most powerful venoms in all of Sryth.

So fierce are these beasts when threatened or angry, that tales abound of enraged horntails driving dragons from their lairs, or chasing armed bands of forest trolls for miles.

Horntails will absolutely not tolerate any living things entering their lairs, which are usually large caves.