The Akzna is a scorpion-like arachnid predator native to the Tijonara Mountains on the Desert Side of VOI 700 D. These creatures thrive in the rocky dunes and arid plateaus of the western slopes of the Tijonara range, where they use the sandy terrain for burrowing ambush tactics.

Despite their small size, Akzna are formidable hunters, using poisonous stingers and scissor-like pincers to subdue prey. Unlike solitary arachnids from Earth, the Akzna is a social predator, coordinating small-group attacks to bring down larger vertebrates. Their hardened scale armor provides excellent protection, and their incredible longevity—living up to 100 years — makes them some of the most experienced hunters in the Desert Side ecosystem.

• Shoulder Height: Hand-high (~10 cm)
• Body Length: 30 - 40 cm
• Weight: Up to 500 g
• Skin: Thick, segmented scale armor, highly resistant to piercing attacks
• Coloration: Varies between dull beige and deep red, providing camouflage in desert terrain
• Legs: Six powerful legs, optimized for speed and agility
• Speed: Sprint: 20 km/h
• Stinger: Long, curved venomous stinger, capable of injecting paralytic poison
• Pincers: Large, scissor-like arms used for gripping prey and cutting through flesh and bone

• Poisonous Sting: Injects a neurotoxic venom that can paralyze small vertebrates in seconds.
• Scissor Arms: Used to restrain and dismember prey, making them difficult to escape once caught.
• Group Hunting Behavior: Unlike most arachnids, the Akzna hunts in coordinated groups, often setting traps for larger prey.
• Longevity: Can live up to 100 years, meaning older Akzna are more experienced and deadlier hunters.

• Armor Class (AC): 15 (hardened scale armor)
• Hit Points (HP): 35
• Speed: 40 ft. (burrow), 20 ft. (land)

• Scissor Pincers: +5 to hit, 1d8+2 slashing damage. If both pincers land on the same target, the prey is grappled (DC 13 Strength check to escape).
• Poison Sting: +6 to hit, 1d6 piercing damage + 1d6 poison damage. Target must succeed on a DC 12 Constitution saving throw or become paralyzed for 1 minute.
• Burrow Ambush: If attacking from below the sand, Akzna has advantage on its first attack.

• Pack Tactics: Gains advantage on attack rolls if at least one other Akzna is within 5 feet of the target.
• Hardened Carapace: Resistant to piercing damage from natural attacks or unenhanced weapons.
• Venom Immunity: Completely immune to paralytic toxins and desert poisons.

• Diet: Hunts small and medium vertebrates
• Social Structure: Lives in small, cooperative hunting groups of 3-7 individuals.

• Ambush Specialists: Akzna burrow just beneath the sand, waiting motionless for prey to step near.
• Coordinated Attacks: One Akzna may lure prey into a kill zone, where the rest of the pack lies in wait.
• Overwhelming Strength: Packs use their pincers to hold down struggling prey while others deliver venomous stings.

• Egg Laying: Females bury their eggs deep beneath the sand, where they hatch after 6 months.
• Clutch Size: 20-50 eggs per cycle, but only a few survive to adulthood due to cannibalism among hatchlings.
• Parental Care: Young Akzna stay with their mother for up to one year, learning hunting strategies before leaving to form new packs.

• Maturity: Reaches adulthood at 4 years.
• Lifespan: Can live up to 100 years, making older Akzna highly experienced and cunning hunters.

A pack of Akzna can create tense and deadly encounters for players.

• Burrowing Ambush: Place Akzna in desert environments where they can burst out of the sand, attacking with surprise.
• Pack Behavior: Akzna coordinate attacks, forcing players to rethink positioning and movement.
• Paralyzing Threat: Their venomous sting can quickly incapacitate an unprepared party member, adding high stakes to any encounter.
• Resource Struggles: Players may hunt Akzna for their venom, which can be used for poison crafting or sold on black markets.

• The Desert Side
• Tijonara Mountains
• The Known Wildlife of the Desert Side

Known Prey:

• Kivara