Name: Condor, Eagle, Giant Eagle, Falcon, Hawk, Owl, Giant Owl, Raven, Vulture (Animals) Stats: Condor Eagle G. Eagle Falcon Hawk ----------------------------------------------------- No. Appearing : 1-2 5-12 1-20 1-2 1-2 Climate/Terrain: Temperate Temperate Temperate Temperate Temperate Frequency : Uncommon Uncommon Uncommon Uncommon Unommon Organization : Solitary Family Pack Solitary Solitary Activity Cycle : Day Day Day Day Day Diet : Carnivore Carnivore Omnivore Carnivore Carnivore Owl G. Owl Raven Vulture ------------------------------------------ No. Appearing : 1 2-5 4-32 4-24 Climate/Terrain: Temperate Temperate Temperate Deserts Frequency : Common Uncommon Uncommon Common Organization : Solitary Solitary Pack Pack Activity Cycle : Night Night Day Day Diet : Omnivore Omnivore Carnivore Omnivore Description: Avians, whether magical or mundane in nature, are among the most inter- esting creatures to evolve. Their unique physiology sets them apart from all other life, and their grace and beauty have earned them a place of respect and adoration in the tales of many races. Condor: Condors measure three to six feet and have a wingspan of 13 to 20 feet. They rarely land except to feed - they even sleep in flight. Condor eggs and hatchlings are worth 30-60 gold coins. They can be trained to act as spotters or retrievers. Humanoids of small or tiny size can train them as aerial mounts. Used in this way, they can carry 80 pounds, either held in their claws or riding atop their backs. Eagle: An eagle typically attacks from great heights, letting gravity hurtle it toward its prey. If an eagle dives more than 100 feet, its diving speed is double its normal flying speed and the eagle is resticted to attacking with its claws. These high-speed attacks gain an attack bonus and double damage. Eagles are never surprised due to their exceptional eyesight and hearing. Eagles mate for life and, since they nest in one spot, it is easy to identify places where eagles are normally present. On occasion, in an area of rich feeding, several eagles are encountered instead of the normal individual or pair. Eagles generally hunt ro- dents, fish and other small animals. Eagles also feed on the carrion of recently killed creatures as well. Eagles never attack humanoids, though small creatures like brownies have to be wary of a hunting eagle. Giant Eagle: Giant eagles stand 10 feet tall and have wing spans of up to 20 feet. They share the coloration and fighting methods of their smaller cou- sins. However, if a giant eagle dives more than 50 feet, it doubles its claw damage. Giant eagles have exceptional eyesight and hearing and cannot be surprised except at night or in their lair, and then only very seldom. Far more social than normal eagles, up to 20 nests can be found in the same area, one nest for each mated pair. Giant eagles can be trained, and their eggs sell for 500 to 800 gold coins. Falcon: Falcons are smaller, swifter and more maneuverable than hawks. These birds of prey are easily trained and a re preferred by hunters over hawks. Trained falcons sell for around 1000 cold coins each. Hawk: Hawks have wingspans up to 5 feet. They attack in plummeting dives, usually from a height of 100 feet or more. This dive gives them an at- tack bonus, enabling their talons to inflict double damage. Hawks can- not attack with their beaks during the round in which they use a dive attack. After the initial dive, hawks fight by biting and pecking with their beaks, tearing their opponents with their talons. Hawks target eyes whenever its beak strikes. Opponents struck in the eye are blinded for some rounds and might lose the use of the eye. Because of their su- perior eyesight, hawks can never be surprised. Any intruder thretening the nest is attacked, regardless of size. If taken young and trained by an expert, hawks can be taught to hunt. Fledglings bring 500 gold coins and trained hawks sell for as much as 1200 gold coins. Owl: Owls hunt rodents, small lizards, and insects, attacking humans only when frightened (or magically commanded). They have 120' infravision and quadruple normal hearing. They fly in total silenc. Owls cannot be surprised during hours of dusk and darkness; duting daylight hours, their eye sight is worse than that of humans. Owls attack with sharp talons and hooded beaks. If they swoop from a height of 50 or more, each attack inflicts double damage, but no beak attack is possible. Giant Owl: Giant owls inhabit very wild areas, preying on rodents, large game birds and rabbits. They have 120' infravision, quadruple normal hearing and fly in nearly perfect silence. Giant Owls cannot be surprised du- ring hours of dusk and darkness; during daylight hours, their eyesight is worse than that of humans. They may be friendly towards humans, though they are naturally suspicious. Parents will fight anything that threatens their young. Owls attack with sharp talons and hooked beaks. Eggs sell for 1000 silver coins and hatchlings sell for 2000 silver coins. Raven: Ravens and crows are often mistaken as bad omens by superstitous far- mers and peasants. They attack with strong claws and their long, sharp beaks. Ravens employ a grab and peck approach to combat. These birds are likely to attack an opponent's eyes. If successful, the attack causes the opponent to lose an eye. All birds of this type travel in flocks. Any encountered solo are actually scouts. As soon as they see and approaching creature, the scouts give warning cries and maintain a safe distance to keep track of them. Because of the scouts, ravens can- not be surprised during daylight conditions. Vulture: Vultures are scavengers that search the skies for injured or dead crea- tures to feed upon. They measure 2 to 3 feet long with a wingspan of up to 7 feet. Greasy blue-black feathers cover the torso and wings; its pink head is bald. Vultures are cowards, and will wait until an inten- ded meal stops moving. If six or more vultures are present, they may attack a weakly moving victim. If the victim defends itself, the vul- tures move out of reach but maintain their deathwatch. Creatures that are unconscious, dead, or magically sleepeing or held are potential meals. If the surviving combatants are further than 20 feet from the fallen creatures, the vultures alight and begin feeding. Because of their dirt, vultures kin have developed a natural resistance to dis- ease and organic toxins.