Owlbear
One of the larger and least avian-looking birds in the Green Maw must be the owlbear. Too heavy to fly or scale trees more than twice their height, these densely-muscled monsters build ground nests in abyssal layer caves. An adult owlbear typically weighs between 500 and 600 pounds; it will stand around 4' (1.2 m) when on all fours and nearly nearly 8' (2.4 m) when standing on two. The speckled patterns of their thick, muted plumage vary from bird to bird and come in tones of gray, black and white. Males and females are physically almost identical, and, unless it is mating season, will attack each other on sight. The deep, eerie hooting of an owlbear will often reach subsonic levels and can travel up to 3.1 miles (5 km); at 17 Hz -- just outside of human or halfling hearing -- the hoot may create feelings of uneasiness and fear without the hearer being able to pinpoint the cause of their distress.
They are vicious and tenacious nocturnal hunters who view most any living creature as a possible meal. Using talons and beak, they slash and rend prey. They are not, however, stealthy or intelligent. They often fall for traps and decoys. The guttural, excited hooting of an owlbear engaged in prolonged combat may attract other large predators to the area.
Powered by the Apocalypse (Dungeon World)
Questions:
What is it known to do?
Unless injured, an owlbear will attack potential prey on sight, rushing forward to bring it down with talons and beak. In the heat of battle, owlbears will often fight to the death. Areas occupied by owlbears often invoke unease due to subsonic owlbear hooting.
What does it want that causes problems for others?
Owlbears want to kill and attempt to eat most creatures in their territory.
How big is it?
Owlbears are 4' when on all fours and 8' when standing. They typically weigh 500 to 600 lbs.
What is its most important defense?
The physical strength and size behind its beak and talons.
What is it known for?
Owlbears are known for their unshakeable morale. They will often fight to the death rather than retreat.
What is its most common form of attack?
Rush, tackle, rend.
DW Stat Block:
Attack: Claws (D10 damage)
HP: 12 HP
Armor: 2 Armor
Tags: Solitary, High Morale
Special Qualities:
- Instinct: To hunt.
- Strike from Darkness.
- Treasure:Owlbear talons (typically eight).
- Quality: Description.
- Treasure: Description.
Details from DW Game:
Detail: Description.
