Death from Above. If the cliff raptor drops at least 10 feet while moving straight toward a creature and then hits it with a talons attack on the same turn, it deals an additional 7 (2d6) points of damage and that target must succeed on a DC 13 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.
Surefooted. A cliff raptor has advantage on Strength (Athletics) and Dexterity (Acrobatics) checks when moving across rocky terrain.
Multiattack. The cliff raptor makes two attacks: one with its bite or a claw and one with a claw or its talons.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) slashing damage.
Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d4 + 3) slashing damage.
Talons. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) slashing damage.
Catfall. If the cliff raptor falls from a height of 10 feet or more, it can use a reaction to land on its feet and reduce any falling damage it takes by 15 points.
Description
A brightly feathered creature that looks like a two-legged lizard crossed with a rapacious bird of prey. Its arms are edged with feathers, making them half-wings, but end in four-fingered hands armed with meathook claws. Each foot is armed with an even more formidable claw, a single prodigious talon on the innermost toe that it holds above the ground so its stabbing point does not blunt. The creature's head has a crest of feathers, large eyes, and long jaws lined with razor-sharp teeth.
Mountain Predators. A cliff raptor is a relative of the Deinonychus that lives in rocky badlands and rugged mountains, where they run across sheer cliffs with casual ease. Cliff raptors hunt in wolf-like packs and will attack humanoids with little sign of fear.
Pack Partnerships. In special circumstances, a cliff raptor can accept another creature as a member of its pack and treat them as a hunting ally. They can become surprisingly friendly pets and faithful companions, but if mistreated or underfed by a cruel or careless master they may turn extravagantly savage in the blink of an eye.
(Originally created by James Jacobs; appeared on Wizard of the Coast's website in the Far Corners of the World (9th April 2004) series of articles as part of "Foundations of Stone: Monster of the Mountains.")
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