reconstruction of the giant teratorn Argentavis magnificens, of Late Miocene Argentina.
(C) Stanton F. Fink
Roleplaying
Originally Posted by
Raptorial of the Wizards Community forums.
A massive bird similar to a giant vulture sits perched on a cliffside. It looks you up and down, then takes to the sky with massive force. The bird then grabs you in its talons, carrying you away to its nest.
Argentavis is a massive bird related to the eagles and vultures it so much resembles. It dwells in the heights of the great mountain rangess, either sitting on cliffsides or riding the thermals in search of prey.
Huge Animal
Hit Dice: 4d8+32 (50 hp)
Initiative: +2 (+2 Dex)
Speed: 15 ft. (3 squares), fly 70 ft. (good)
Armor Class: 12 (-2 size, +2 Dex, +2 natural), touch 10, flat-footed 10
Base Attack/Grapple: +3/+22
Attack: Claw +12 melee (1d8 +11)
Full Attack: Claw +12 melee (1d8 +11) and bite +7 melee (2d6 +5) and wings
+7 melee (3d6 +5)
Space/Reach: 15 ft./10 ft.
Special Attacks: Improved grab
Special Qualities: Low-light vision
Saves: Fort +12, Ref +6, Will +3
Abilities: Str 33, Dex 15, Con 27, Int 2, Wis 14, Cha 9
Skills: Hide -6, Listen +5, Spot +6
Feats: Flyby Attack,Snatch
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Environment: Temperate mountains
Organization: Solitary, or Pair
Challenge Rating: 4
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 5-8 HD (Huge); 9-12 HD (Gargantuan)
Level Adjustment: -
Combat
Argentavis has 2 methods
of killing prey-the swoop 'n squash or a beak attack. In a swoop 'n squash,
it slashes painfully with its claws, and then proceeds to grab the prey and
carry it up into the sky. After reaching a sufficient height, the argentavis
drops the prey, letting it get smashed on the ground. If the bird itself is
assaulted, it will attemp to bash the assailant with its wings or pierce its
flesh with its dangerous beak.
Improved Grab (Ex) If an argentivis hits with its claw attack, it deals
normal damage and attempts to start a grapple as a free action without provoking
an attack of opportunity. No initial touch attack is required. Improved grab
works only against opponents size large or smaller. The argentavis has the
option to conduct the grapple normally, or simply use its talons to hold the
opponent. If it chooses to do the latter, it takes a –20 penalty on grapple
checks, but is not considered grappled itself; it does not lose its Dexterity
bonus to AC, still threatens an area, and can use its remaining attacks against
other opponents. A successful hold does not deal any extra damage. Each successful
grapple check it makes during successive rounds automatically deals the damage
indicated for the attack that established the hold. When an argentavis gets
a hold after an improved grab attack, it pulls the opponent into its space.
This act does not provoke attacks of opportunity. It can even move (possibly
carrying away the opponent), provided it can drag the opponent’s weight.