Buy me a coffeeArchaeopteryx, the Feathered Shadow
“Meet Archaeopteryx—the feathered predator that rewrote the rulebook on the dawn of flight!”
Archaeopteryx is a lithe, feathered creature about the size of a modern raven, with a wingspan of approximately two feet. Its plumage is mottled gray and brown, blending well with the forest shadows. It sports sharp, curved claws on both its hands and feet, a long bony tail tipped with feathers, and a narrow snout lined with small, sharp teeth.
Behaviour:
This cautious creature is both a skilled flyer and agile climber. It uses its sharp eyesight to scan for insects and small vertebrates, hunting mostly at dawn or dusk. Archaeopteryx is typically solitary or found in small family groups, communicating with high-pitched chirps and fluttering wing signals to warn of danger or attract mates.
Habitat:
Archaeopteryx inhabits dense coniferous forests and subtropical woodlands, nesting in thick branches or rocky crevices. Its environment is often misty and shadowed, favoring areas rich in insect life and small prey.
Modus Operandi:
Archaeopteryx hunts by stealth, gliding silently from perch to perch before striking with its claws or snapping quickly with its sharp jaws. When threatened, it relies on swift flight and evasive maneuvers, darting between trees and disappearing into dense foliage. It may use its wings for brief bursts of speed and balance while running or climbing.
Motivation:
Primarily driven by survival and reproduction, it seeks to maintain territory rich in food sources while avoiding larger predators. It balances cautious foraging with quick bursts of predatory aggression to secure nourishment and protect itself.
Archaeopteryx 5e
Archaeopteryx 5e
Archaeopteryx, P:athfinder
Archaeopteryx
Small Beast, Unaligned
CR 1/2 (100 XP) • Proficiency Bonus +2
Armor Class 14 (natural agility)
Hit Points 27 (6d6 + 6)
Speed 30 ft., fly 40 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 (+0) | 16 (+3) | 12 (+1) | 3 (–4) | 14 (+2) | 6 (–2) |
Saving Throws Dex +5, Wis +4
Skills Perception +4, Stealth +5
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14
Languages —
Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)
Traits
Keen Sight.
The Archaeopteryx has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.
Flyby.
The Archaeopteryx doesn’t provoke opportunity attacks when it flies out of an enemy’s reach.
Natural Camouflage.
While in forested or rocky terrain, Archaeopteryx has advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks.
Actions
Multiattack.
The Archaeopteryx makes two attacks: one with its Beak and one with its Claws.
Beak.
Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target
Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage.
Claws.
Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target
Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) slashing damage.
Distracting Screech (Recharge 5–6).
The Archaeopteryx emits a piercing screech in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in the area must succeed on a DC 12 Wisdom saving throw or be distracted: it has disadvantage on attack rolls until the end of its next turn.
Tactics
- Hit and Run Predator: Uses Flyby to dart in, make attacks, then fly out of reach to avoid retaliation.
- Ambush Hunter: Relies on Natural Camouflage to remain unseen until it can strike with both Beak and Claws.
- Distraction: Uses Distracting Screech to sow confusion among grouped foes, making escape or follow-up attacks easier.
- Terrain Advantage: Prefers fighting in forested or rocky environments where it can leverage stealth and mobility.
Lair Traits (Optional)
If encountered in its lair, Archaeopteryx might have:
Perching Ambush.
Archaeopteryx can drop from above as a reaction when a creature enters its lair area, making a Claw attack with advantage.
Dinosaur, Archaeopteryx
Family: Dinosaurs
This flying creature looks to be a foot-long cross between a bird and a reptile, having both a beak and visible teeth. A fan-like tail flares open when it lands.
Tiny beast, unaligned
Armor Class 12 (natural armor)
Hit Points 7 (3d4)
Speed 5 ft., fly 50 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (-2) | 13 (+1) | 10 (+0) | 2 (-4) | 14 (+2) | 6 (-2) |
Senses passive Perception 12
Languages –
Challenge 1/4 (50 XP)
Special Traits
- Flyby. The archaeopteryx doesn’t provoke opportunity attacks when it flies out of an enemy’s reach.
Actions
- Multiattack. The archaeopteryx makes two attacks: one with its beak and one with its talons.
- Beak. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 3 (1d4 + 1) piercing damage.
- Talons. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 3 (1d4 + 1) slashing damage.
About
The archaeopteryx is either a feathered lizard which flies or a bird with teeth and small claws on its wings; opinions vary. It is about the size of a raven with similar black plumage, long legs ending in talons, and a long, fan-like tail. Its beak is lined with small, sharp teeth. The archaeopteryx favors warm, coastal areas, swamps, and jungles.
Section 15: Copyright Notice
Creature Codex. © 2018 Open Design LLC; Authors Wolfgang Baur, Dan Dillon, Richard Green, James Haeck, Chris Harris, Jeremy Hochhalter, James Introcaso, Chris Lockey, Shawn Merwin, and Jon Sawatsky.
This creature is roughly the size of a raven, with broad wings and a long tail compared to its body length.
The archaeopteryx is either a feathered lizard which flies or a bird with teeth and small claws on its wings; opinions vary. It is about the size of a raven with similar black plumage, long legs ending in talons, and a long, fan-like tail. Its beak is lined with small, sharp teeth. The archaeopteryx favors warm, coastal areas, swamps, and jungles.
Archaeopteryx CR 1/4
XP 100
N Tiny animal
Init +2; Senses low-light vision; Perception +1
DEFENSE
AC 14, touch 14, flat-footed 12 (+2 Dex, +2 size)
hp 4 (1d8)
Fort +2, Ref +4, Will +1
OFFENSE
Speed 40 ft., climb 10 ft., fly 40 ft. (poor)
Melee bite +4 (1d4–4)
Space 2-1/2 ft.; Reach 0 ft.
STATISTICS
Str 3, Dex 15, Con 10, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 7
Base Atk +0; CMB +0; CMD 6
Feats Weapon Finesse
Skills Climb +10, Fly +6
SQ weak flier
SPECIAL ABILITIES
Familiar
The master of an archaeopteryx familiar gains a +2 bonus on Reflex saves.
Weak Flier (Ex)
An archaeopteryx can’t hover or fly up at an angle greater than 45 degrees while flying.
ECOLOGY
Environment temperate or warm forests
Organization single, pair, or nest (4–10)
Treasure none
Archaeopteryxes are primitive birds. Instead of beaks, they have lizard-like heads with serrated teeth.
Animal Companion
Source PZO1140
This primeval toothed bird has bright plumage, but it is a relatively poor flyer.
STARTING STATISTICS
Size Small; Speed 30 ft., fly 40 ft. (poor); AC +1 natural armor; Attack bite (1d4); Ability Scores Str 8, Dex 15, Con 12, Int 2, Wis 13, Cha 7; Special Qualities low-light vision.
4TH-LEVEL ADVANCEMENT
Ability Scores Dex +2, Con +2.
Section 15: Copyright Notice
Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Bestiary 4 © 2013, Paizo Publishing, LLC; Authors: Dennis Baker, Jesse Benner, Savannah Broadway, Ross Byers, Adam Daigle, Tim Hitchcock, Tracy Hurley, James Jacobs, Matt James, Rob McCreary, Jason Nelson, Tom Phillips, Stephen Radney-MacFarland, Sean K Reynolds, F. Wesley Schneider, Tork Shaw, and Russ Taylor.