The emerald viper is a small but extraordinarily lethal serpent known for its iridescent green scales, which shimmer like gemstone shards in dappled light. It inhabits humid jungles, overgrown ruins, and deep forest underbrush, favoring areas with dense foliage and high humidity. Despite its vibrant appearance, its natural camouflage makes it nearly invisible until it strikes.
Emerald vipers are ambush predators that rely on stealth and precision rather than pursuit. Coiled motionless in trees or brush, they wait for warm-blooded prey to draw close — then strike with blinding speed. Their bite delivers a single, catastrophic dose of venom capable of felling much larger creatures in seconds. If the prey collapses, the viper feeds. If it survives, the serpent retreats rather than risk retaliation.
Their venom is highly prized by alchemists, assassins, and poisoners alike. Just a few drops can be distilled into powerful elixirs or deadly concoctions. Capturing a live emerald viper is extremely dangerous, and even experienced collectors often resort to traps or magical containment. Some unscrupulous black market dealers traffic in viper glands, while more ethical alchemists may pay handsomely for venom harvested safely from shed fangs or captured specimens.