Deep Drake

The deep drake possesses scales or scutes akin to a crocodile's but resembling a stone-like texture, allowing it to seamlessly blend into its natural surroundings. Further aiding in its camouflage are its ability to climb surfaces effortlessly and the bony stalactite-like ridges adorning its spine, enhancing its ability to remain hidden within the shadowed recesses of cavern ceilings.

The deep drake stalks the winding caverns and underground tunnels, searching for a spot to hide, typically in the ceiling above a busy underground trail or passage. There, the deep drake patiently awaits for prey to venture close. Once the opportunity arises, With acute precision, it emits a powerful sonar blast. The forceful shockwave generated by the blast creates a sudden, intense compression, leading to destructive consequences to a creature upon impact. The sonic burst can rupture a creature's delicate tissues, such as eardrums, damage internal organs and blood vessels, shatter bones, and cause concussion. Creatures who survive the attack are often left reeling and vulnerable to the deep drake's death blow, which is a swift and powerful bite at the prey's neck or spine 

The deep drake's diet consists of normal and giant-sized bats, insects, reptiles, worms, and other manner of vermin but will include larger dangerous prey such as grimlocks and other humanoids if food is scarce. It supplements its carnivorous diet with salt deposits and crystals, biting and licking these salt formations that are abundant in cave systems that have or are near saline springs and pools. These minerals help it develop its tough, stone-like hide.

A deep drake is often encountered singly or as a mated pair, but a few run in packs, with several young ones led by an adult alpha. Kobolds are known to capture young deep drakes and train them as mounts and guards.