Storm-Serpent (Combat Encounter)

Draco tempestatis - “Old Lightning” / “The Legendary Hunt”

“We hunted Old Lightning for three days through the Howling Expanse. Lost two ships, eight crew. But we brought him down. The scales alone were worth a fortune. The story? Priceless.”
—Storm-Sailor legend

Quick Reference

Attribute	Details
Type	Fauna (Apex aerial predator - Boss encounter)
Rarity	Legendary (named individuals)
Habitat	Howling Expanse (storm systems)
Danger Level	Extreme (CR 15, Boss-tier)
Size	Massive (20m long serpent)
Named Individual	“Old Lightning” (150+ years old)
Intelligence	High (remembers hunters, learns tactics)
Aggression	Territorial (attacks intruders)
Lethality	Absolute (can destroy ships)

Old Lightning - Storm-Serpent Boss

Description

“Old Lightning” is the most famous storm-serpent in the Howling Expanse—a massive aerial predator that has ruled the central tempest for over 150 years. Storm-Sailors know its territory, its patterns, and its reputation. Many have tried to hunt it. Few have succeeded. Most have died.

This is not the lore-only storm-serpent from general bestiary. This is the combat encounter—the legendary hunt that Storm-Sailors dream about and prepare for. Defeating Old Lightning is a career-defining achievement that brings wealth, fame, and the respect of every pilot in the Aetherium.

Boss Abilities

Phase 1 (100-66% HP)

Lightning Breath: Devastating breath weapon with chain damage Aerial Dive: High-damage diving attack Serpent’s Lash: Tail sweep with knockback

Phase 2 (66-33% HP)

Call the Storm: Summons lightning strikes across battlefield Iridescent Scales: Activates damage reflection Storm Fury: Increases attack and speed (enraged)

Phase 3 (33-0% HP)

All abilities available Desperate tactics: More aggressive, faster attacks Final lightning barrage: Ultimate attack when near death

The Hunt

Preparation Required

Multiple ships (minimum 3)
Storm-resistant equipment
Lightning rods (grounding)
Experienced crew
Harpoons and heavy weapons
Emergency supplies

Strategy

Track: Follow storm patterns to find Old Lightning
Engage: Coordinate multi-ship attack
Survive Phase 1: Weather initial assault
Adapt Phase 2: Deal with storm summoning
Finish Phase 3: Survive desperate final attacks

Success Rate

Historically: ~20% of hunting parties succeed Most common outcome: Retreat with heavy damage Worst outcome: Total party wipe

Loot (If Defeated)

Guaranteed: - Storm Heart (quest item) - 200-300 Aether Coins - Serpent Scales (multiple) - Electric Organs

Rare: - Iridescent Scale Armor (legendary) - Lightning Fang (weapon)

Legendary: - Storm Serpent Crown (100% - proof of kill) - Eye of the Storm (40% - legendary gem)

Cultural Impact

Defeating Old Lightning is legendary status among Storm-Sailors. The scales are worth a fortune. The story is told for generations. The crown is displayed with pride. And the hunter’s name becomes part of Howling Expanse legend.

But many question if killing such a magnificent creature is right. Old Lightning has been part of the Expanse for 150 years. Is glory worth ending that?

Storm-Serpents (Lore) - General information
Howling Expanse - Habitat
Storm-Sailors - Hunters
Legendary Hunts - Quest type

“Old Lightning is the ultimate test for Storm-Sailors. Hunt it and you’re either legendary or dead. There’s no middle ground. It’s fast, it’s intelligent, it’s been surviving hunters for 150 years. If you’re going after it, bring your best crew, your best ship, and make peace with your gods. Because you’re hunting something that’s older, smarter, and more powerful than you. And it knows these storms better than you ever will.”
—Storm-Captain Kiera Windcaller