Midweek Moleskine: Yuan-Ti Skincrawler (Patreon)

The Skincrawler is a powerful construct used by the Yuan-Ti as security guards in places where normal guards would be impractical, such as sealed tombs and underground vaults.

Skincrawlers could be considered a unique form of flesh golem, though the required rituals and materials differ greatly- First, Yuan-Ti sorcerers collect the cast-off sheddings of Yuan-Ti Abominations (with their permission of course). The sheddings are first soaked in a solution of salts and herbs to make it tough and flexible, and then stitched together with silken threads around a skeletal frame of thin metal "bones", etched with magic runes. The body is then filled like a water-skin with a malodorous brew made from snake blood and other secret and unsavory ingredients. Finally, the body is adorned with golden armor and fitted with weapons, often fused permanently to the arms in place of hands.

The magic brew acts as the Skincrawler's "blood", granting the Skincrawler shape, movement, and life, as well as minor healing powers, keeping its skin thick and supple as it slithers around its designated area of protection as well as healing over cuts and wounds. If forced to bleed out, the Skincrawler's "blood" will solidify into a swarm of venomous snakes, attacking anyone nearby before dissolving into green mist an hour later. The Skincrawler can also vomit forth a torrent of snakes at will, though it cannot do this more than a few times a day- its blood slowly replenishes itself over time, but if too much is lost at once, the Skincrawler will collapse and die.