Giant gecko

Giant gecko
(Creature)
Common N Medium Animal Level 1 Alignment LG NG CG LN N CN LE NE CE Source: Bestiary, pg(s). 228 Type Animal CR 1 Environment Temperate and warm forests and mountains Alignment LG NG CG LN N CN LE NE CE Source: Burnt Offerings, pg(s). 89

Giant geckos are cunning reptilian predators that can scale any surface in pursuit of prey and are intelligent enough to use this ability as an advantage. Growing to lengths in excess of eight feet, these reptiles can prove to be particularly challenging opponents.

Appearance

The eyes and skin of giant geckos are often brightly colored, and the unique structure of their toes grants these creatures exceptional climbing ability. The general appearance of these lizards varies from species to species; in addition to differences in coloration, some specimens possess horns and spinal ridges that are absent in other varieties.

Abilities

Giant geckos possess the ability to climb any surface, and they use this skill to their advantage in stalking and bringing down prey smaller than themselves. Some species also boast a venomous bite. Smart enough to ambush their opponents, these reptiles can recognize when they are outmatched and flee rather than be killed.

Habitat and ecology

Giant geckos are powerful hunters but also consume sweet plants and fruits in addition to meat. They eat animals and humanoids as large as a dog, and are sometimes employed as guards and mounts by various types of humanoids.

Variants

Common giant geckos resemble their lesser kin, but variants exist that boast abilities beyond those of the more populous species.

Cave gecko

Cave geckos are larger cousins of giant geckos, bred by the drow of the Darklands as mounts. Growing the size of horses, these lizards are highly prized by the dark elves due to their incredible climbing abilities. Drow soldiers use special saddles to keep them mounted even when hanging upside-down from a cavern ceiling.

Frostleaper

These reptiles live in the Lands of the Linnorm Kings.

Glitterscale gecko

These variants live among the urban areas of the nation of Geb.

Horned spirestalker

Native to the Cinderlands region of the Storval Plateau, the bony scales of a horned spirestalker are grooved in such a way that any moisture which collects on them is funneled toward its mouth. They often perche on crags or other stone outcroppings while waiting to pounce on their prey. Rare black-scaled spirestalkers live in the most volcanic regions of the Cinderlands where they share their habitat with basilisks. These geckos blend in well with the dark volcanic rock and soil and are generally ignored by the basilisks, as they keep the small vermin and mammal population in control. A spirestalker's skull is traditionally used to create the Shoanti bladed shield called a klar.

Mist-walker

This very rare species of gecko is from Galt, native to the Fog Peaks mountains.

Spire strider

These geckos are native to Varisia's Storval Plateau.

Six-toed gecko

This subspecies of gecko is native to Sargava.