Chronotyryn

Before you stands a fourteen-foot tall crow with two imposing heads. Its feathers glisten with a metallic sheen, and below its wings are a pair of five-fingered humanoid arms. Its bearing is regal, and the creature stands upright, analysing you with four curious eyes. In one of its hands it clutches a golden staff, and its body is adorned with all manner of arcane trinkets and finery.

Two Headed Corvus Chronotyryns are large semi-humanoid monstrosities that resemble crows. In much the same way that crows are considered highly intelligent when compared to other common birds, the chronotyryn is a genius among monsters. They are intelligent in the extreme, large in part due to the fact that they have two brains. Unlike other two-headed creatures, such as ettins, the chronotyryn has one singular personality. While they are capable of taking multiple actions simultaneously, the chronotyryn is still one individual personality. It doesn’t argue with itself and the two heads never disagree on anything, because they are the same entity. Sometimes the creature will converse with itself creating the illusion that the heads are having a back and forth conversation. This, however, is merely the way a chronotyryn works through its thoughts. When speaking directly to someone else the two heads speak simultaneously, providing an eerie echo for itself.

Imperious Magicians Chronotyryns are exceptionally talented in the ways of magic and equally condescending. They use their intelligence to master spells that are out of reach for most creatures. This allows them to achieve great things in a short amount of time, and to ensure they are prepared for any situation in battle. By dividing their intellect between two brains, the chronotyryn can cast spells and take other actions in quick succession, sometimes even simultaneously casting two different spells at once. They thirst for knowledge relentlessly and are known to hoard all manner of arcane secrets, only willing to trade them in exchange for something of equal value.

Adamantine Feathers The feathers of a chronotyryn are nearly impenetrable. They naturally grow a coat of adamantine-infused feathers that makes for both an excellent shield, and a deadly natural weapon. Their feathers are often sought after by blacksmiths as a source of adamantine that does not need to be extracted from a mine. Many chronotyryn are willing to trade their old feathers in exchange for magical items they can make use of.

Trinket Collectors Much like the crows they bear a passing similarity with, chronotyryns love to collect shiny objects. Rather than gathering trinkets based solely on how they glitter in the light, chronotyryns collect magic items. They are always adorned in gold and silver finery that often serves a purpose beyond looking nice. Many of the objects worn by these creatures are enchanted to provide some kind of benefit to the chronotyryn. They also make a point to carry an arcane staff with them wherever they go to augment their spells and in some cases allow them access to spells they don’t normally have prepared.

Optional Treasure: Rod of Corvus Many chronotyryns carry with them a magical item called a rod of corvus. A chronotyryn equipped with such a treasure should be considered a CR 18 encounter.

Rod of Corvus Rod, very rare (requires attunement) While holding this rod, you can use an action to cast the following spells without expending a spell slot.

3/day each: faerie fire, reverse gravity

1/day each: feeblemind, time stop