Petlavi

The petla, or "forest-strangler", of southwestern Endor is commonly found in the scattered woodlands of Far Harad (particularly in the Forest of Tears). It haunts the oases between Umbar and Drêl, lurking in the branches and pools that the Haradrim prize so dearly. One of Middle-earth's most fearsome reptiles, the petla is an able hunter who has perfected the arts of camouflage and ambush. It is mottled brown in color and blends perfectly with woodland hues. Dropping from above or entangling its prey in water, the snake attacks by using its powerful jaws to gain a grip and then coils its length around its hapless victim.

Petlavi reaches lengths exceeding thirty feet and at least one specimen measured forty-five feet in length. Their thickest portions are over a foot wide, and they have been known to swallow a whole goat (using their distended jaws).

Petlavi like to bite; however their principal weapon is their coiling, constricting body. Whenever they take hold of prey (typically after a "B" critical strike result), the victim has little hope of survival. From that point on, the enormously powerful body will move to coil itself around the target's body. This process takes one to ten rounds. It is an extremely hard (-30) maneuver (add ST bonus) to break out of a petla's grasp and, once the beast perfects its grip, the victim will perish due to suffocation in three to thirty minutes.

The tables are turned when the petla confronts a group, as its methods of attack leave it relatively defenseless if other foes are involved. For this reason, the snake will not often stand and fight when confronted by more than one enemy.