Giant Salamander

Description

A large, naturally occurring amphibian only seen on the Summerset Isles (and mainly along the coastline). Salamanders adapt to their surroundings and threats by changing their appearance and behaviors: To this end, they have three different forms: Fire, Shock, and Ice. When combat begins, salamanders’ markings change to a more red, yellow, or blue color. Execute similar combat defense as you would when encountering a Wamasu—dodging and avoiding their more impressive magical strikes and their tongue-lash, and attempting quick counters, as this foe is quick.

Abilities

• Bite (Standard Attack): The salamander suddenly leaps a short distance and attempts to bite you with physical damage.
• Tongue Dart (Ranged Attack): The salamander extends its lashing tongue to strike you at range, causing physical damage and embarrassment.
• Adaptation (Flame, Shock, Frost): The stripes along the salamander’s back change color to represent a “new” element it is adapting to. This occurs after the salamander is struck by a specific element (fire, shock, or frost) for a certain amount of damage, or simply at a time of the beast’s choosing (randomly, with a longer cooldown period). It now receives a resistance to this element but weaknesses to the two other elements. Once the salamander has adapted, its abilities are specific to that element. Naturally, attack using either of the two elements that the salamander hasn’t adapted to!
• Tail Whip: The salamander takes an aggressive stance and whips its tail, focusing on a target and inflicting heavy damage if you fail to block.
• Scurry: The salamander slithers along at speed, excreting a slippery (and unknown) substance that may slow you slightly, so don’t step on it!
• Embers (Flame only): The salamander violently shakes, emitting embers into the combat space, which linger and inflict fire damage. Avoid this.
• Static Release (Shock only): The salamander concentrates its body’s electricity, rolling forward and slamming its tail to release a cracking and expanding line of shock damage, which decreases the farther away from the beast it travels. Watch for the stunning potential of this ranged ground strike too.
• Cellular Hibernation (Frost only): The salamander’s metabolism slows, and it briefly focuses a shield around itself. Attacks break this shield, but not before the salamander throws an ice projectile at you, possibly hitting other salamanders and healing them slightly.