Chontzincoatl

Summary

Among Etzli Cuauhtla's largest predators, chontzincoatl is a species surrounded in legends and myths. Rarely found, the serpent's appearance can be regarded as an omen of calamity--or so most foreigners would interpret. Those of the deadly jungles, however, understand life and death belong in a cycle. One cannot happen without the other, and so a chontzincoatl's destructive force is seen in a holistic sense. No one truly wishes to die, but if the will of the goddesses manifests in such divine serpents, who can deny them? In this light, defeating one can be seen as overcoming the mandate of death. For some, it is almost sacrilege, but for many more, it is a triumphant of people, and the hallmark of one earning the favor of the goddesses.   What is most notable about chontzincoatls is, despite being predators, they are rather sedate most of the time. They slither through the jungles, seeking optimum locations with an intersection of sunlight and mana. Few things endanger them, and so during these times, it isn't all that hard to approach or observe them. They do, however, sense killing intent with unfaltering clarity, and so hunters or would-be challengers are immediately confronted by their fearsome power. Quite a number of legends attribute the chontzincoatl as a protector of children. So it goes, children find safety in the immense plumage of its mane, traveling on its backside. With their small size and lack of deadly aura, it is not as far-fetched as some might believe.   A more practical examination finds a number of small species tend to cluster around adult chontzincoatls. These mana-conductive species raise the ambient supply, potentially providing it a continual source. Thus, while it may not be directly protective of them, its lack of hostilities does bring it tangible benefits. There is also the fact many bolder predators may try to attack for food regardless, essentially meaning its meals deliver themselves as well.