Stymphalian Birds

Crossing the river comes a flock of atrocious birds, like raptors from a realm of evil. They look as withered, cadaverous birds with iron-like wings, claws and beaks. Their large swollen eyes smoulder as orbs of white fire.

Stymphalian Birds were man-eating birds and sharp metallic feathers they could launch at their victims they resembled a crane with an unusually long beak of bronze and long, swift legs with claws of brass. These hunt in a five mile radius of their lair, attacking creatures that they encounter, and also they were Ares‘ pets. Furthermore, their dung was highly toxic. They had migrated to Lake Stymphalus in Arcadia to escape a pack of wolves, and bred quickly and took over the countryside, destroying local crops and fruit trees. Ridding the land of these birds was one of Heracles’ Twelve Labors, and some sources claim the Stymphalian birds were the same avians that attacked the Argonauts.

Stymphalian birds are supernatural raptors roaming the near lower planes, although they sometimes seek their prey in the world of mortals. They frequent places were water is abundant and light scarce, such as underground rivers and lakes. Stymphalian birds appear as Large, emaciated cranes whose serrated beaks and claws have the look and consistency of bronze. Their wings and feathers are also sharp and glistening as if they were made of metal and can in fact be used to attack. Stymphalian birds speak Auran and Infernal.

Monster Encyclopaedia II: The Dark Bestiary
Author J. C. Alvarez
Publisher Mongoose Publishing
Publish date 2005

Stymphalian Bird
Large magical beast
Hit Dice	4d10+8 (30 hp)
Initiative	+4
Speed	20 ft. (4 squares), Fly 80 ft. (average)
AC	21 (-1 size, +4 Dexterity, +8 natural), touch 13, flat-footed 17
Base Attack/Grapple	+4/+14
Attack	Bite +9 melee (1d8+6) or wing +9 melee (1d6+6) or talons +9 melee (1d6+6)
Full Attack	Bite +9 melee (1d8+6) and wing +4 melee (1d6+6) and talons +4 melee (1d6+6)
Space/Reach	10 ft. /5 ft.
Special Attacks	Feather darts, impale
Special Qualities	Damage reduction 5/adamantine, Darkvision 60 ft., Low-Light Vision, resistance to cold 10 and fire 10
Saves	Fort +6, Ref +8, Will +2
Abilities	Strength 22, Dexterity 19, Constitution 15, Intelligence 10, Wisdom 13, Charisma 8
Skills	Hide +6, Listen +5, Spot +5, Survival +5
Feats	Flyby Attack, Hover
Environment	Rivers and underground
Organisation	Flock (11-20)
Challenge Rating	3
Treasure	None
Alignment	Usually chaotic evil
Advancement	5-8 HD (Large), 9-12 HD (Huge)
Level Adjustment	+3 (cohort)

Combat

Stymphalian birds hide in trees or caves near their river lairs, flying out in a savage flock as soon as an intruder appears. They attack everyone they can as best they can, preferring to use their bite attacks but often cutting enemies with their wings as well. When a Stymphalian bird uses its talons, it combines both talons into a single attack.

Feather Darts (Ex): As a full-round action, a Stymphalian bird may unleash a volley of slashing feathers on a 10 foot square area no more than 30 feet away. The Stymphalian bird may then make a separate ranged attack against each creature in this area; each successful attack deals 1d4+3 points of damage to the target.

Impale (Ex): If a Stymphalian bird makes a successful bite attack, it immediately deals an additional 1d8+6 points of damage as its serrated beak impales the target. 

Skills: Stymphalian birds gain a +2 racial bonus on Listen and Spot checks.