Pit Gouger

Ambush Hunters Beneath the Sand

Inhabiting only the driest and most expansive deserts, Pit Gougers are feared by any travelers that dare to cross their sandy homes. Patient hunters lying in wait, these dragons bury themselves beneath the hot desert surface to lure in unsuspecting prey. Striking without warning, they disorient their quarry with blasts of sand before moving in for the kill. 

Subterranean Sleeper. Remaining buried just below the desert sands, Sand Gougers can wait for weeks on end, conserving their energy for taking down their next meal. With adaptations such as nostrils built to prevent sand ingestion and the ability to sense movement around them, these dragons are built to thrive in the unforgiving wastelands. 

Sand Digger. Using their curiously shaped bodies, these dragons can shovel hundreds of pounds of sand to create their deadly traps. Even for seasoned adventurers, spotting the edge of a Pit Gouger hole can prove difficult. Those who fail to carefully consider their step in the desert recognize their mistake only as their footing crumbles beneath them and they slide towards the dragon’s gaping maw. 

Territorial Terror. Due to their very presence making desert travel difficult, these dragons are often regarded as intrusive nuisances for those who frequent arid terrain. Fortunately, this lack of hospitality extends to other Pit Gorgers. Fiercely protective of its own stretch of desert, a Pit Gorger will not abide the existence of another, causing there to be miles upon miles of distance between fully grown specimens. 

The cleric shook her head, dislodging innumerable grains of sand from her hair back into the desert. Slightly embarrassed by losing her footing, she sheepishly looked towards the rest of the party standing at the edge of the dune she had just tumbled down. She expected them to joke at her carelessness, perhaps some laughter and playful ribbing; but instead they seemed to be screaming and gesturing frantically. As the ranger nocked an arrow, he bellowed “RUN” just before a pair of enormous jaws rose to surround the unsuspecting cleric.