Skriaka
by Mischa E GelmanHistory: Skriaka was born to a harpy scream in the Black Mountains 34 years ago. She showed a knack for magic at a young age and was trained by the clan wicca - but she soon surpassed that elder in terms of skill and knowledge. Sent off to Trollhattan to further education, she became one of the more powerful harpy wiccas in her scream's history. Upon her return to the west, she easily dispatched the former head of the tribe, installing herself as chief. Since then, she has ruled effectively for seven years, increasing the area of the harpies' power and influence.
Personality: Skriaka is as cold and controlling as most harpies, traits that weren't helped in the least by her stay in Alphatia. Her time there encouraged her arrogant belief in the superiority of magic (and hence her own superiority) and her view of others as pawns in a game of power. She seeks any means possible to increase her own status and strength as a result of these combined negative influences.
Appearance: Standing 5'5", Skriaka is hardly an imposing harpy. She does adorn herself with quite a few magical devices and jewellery, making her stand out a good bit from others of her scream or race.
Combat Notes: She is an 8th-level harpy wicca. AC 2 (ring of protection +2, displacer cloak, dexterity bonus); hp 31; at 2 claws or spell; D 1-4/1-4 or by spell; save F9; ML 10; Al C; S 12, I 16, W 15, D 15, Co 11; Ch 10. Languages: Giant Eagle, Chaotic, Common, Yazakan, Slagich, Espa, Alphatian, Elvish (Shiye-Lawr dialect), Trollish. General Skills: Intimidate (S), Persuasion (Ch), Singing (Ch), Magical Engineering (I).
Special Abilities: Charm by song, charm monster or person by touch 3 times/day (-2 to saves), flight (50'/rnd, 11 hrs per day). Magical Items: Ring of Protection +2, Displacer Cloak, 2 Potions of Healing, Wand of Fear (13 charges), Rod of Victory, Mirror of Life Trapping, Crystal Ball, Ring of Djinni Summoning.
DMing Notes: Skriaka could serve as a fairly major villain for Basic and Expert level campaigns, leading to a tribe of powerful monsters and their charmed allies. Being an effective spell-caster and an intelligent opponent who will utilise her resources effectively (preferring subtle moves to more straight-forward ones, when dealing with competent foes), it should take several adventures to eliminate this menace.