Netherbird

Black, dust-feathered carrion birds with oversized talons, netherbirds hunt in shrieking flocks, carry messages for a dark god, and reek of blood and rot.

Setting: Forgotten Realms

Appearance

Netherbirds have black, dusty-looking plumage, beaks honed to a razor edge, and talons that are grotesquely oversized for their bodies. The stench of blood and decay usually clings to them.

Combat

A netherbird strikes with both talons and beak, screaming and hissing at its prey as it attacks. In flight it has Maneuverability Class D.

Habitat and Society

They may first have come from the first layer of the hells, and they now serve the fallen tyrant god. Netherbirds are always met in flocks, and they can be trained to carry messages. They roost in bleak country of crags and high, rolling moors. Their leathery black eggs hatch with no parent watching over them.

Ecology

Netherbirds eat any kind of flesh, fresh or rotten, living or long dead, which is why they smell so foul.

More: Monsters starting with N · Forgotten Realms monsters · All monsters A-Z

Statistics

Climate/TerrainCrags, moors
FrequencyRare
OrganizationFlock
Activity CycleDay
DietFlesh and carrion
IntelligenceLow (5-7)
TreasureNil
AlignmentLawful Evil
No. Appearing3-30 (3d10)
Armor Class8
Movement4"// 15"
Hit Dice2
THAC016
No. of Attacks3
Damage/Attack2-5/2-5/1-4
Special AttacksNil
Special DefensesNil
Magic ResistanceNil
SizeS to M
MoraleAverage (8-10)
XP Value35