Giant Hawk
by Gary DaviesMedium Animal
Hit Dice: 3d8+3 (16 hp)
Initiative: +4
Speed: 10 ft. (2 squares), Fly 90 ft. (average)
Armour Class: 14 (+4 Dex), flat-footed: 10, touch: 14
Base Attack/Grapple: +2/+4
Attack: Talon +6 melee (1d4+2)
Full Attack: 2 talons +6 melee (1d4+2) and bite +1 melee (1d3+1)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks:
Special Qualities: Low-light vision
Saves: Fort +4, Ref +7, Will +2
Abilities: Str 14, Dex 18, Con 13, Int 2, Wis 13, Cha 11
Skills: Listen +4, Move Silently +5, Spot +15
Feats: Alertness, Flyby Attack, Weapon Finesse
Environment: Temperate Forests or Hills
Organisation: Solitary or pair
Challenge Rating: 1
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always Neutral
Advancement: 4-6 HD (Medium), 7-9 HD (Large)
Level Adjustment: -
Skills: Giant hawks have a +8 racial bonus on Spot checks.
A typical giant hawk stands about 5 feet tall, has a wingspan of up to 10 feet, and resembles its smaller cousins in nearly every way except size. It weighs about 150 pounds.
They prefer nesting in tall, rocky crags, but some varieties will also nest in very tall trees.
COMBAT
Giant hawks are hunting birds that glide on the updrafts of the wind, watching the ground for prey. A giant hawk typically attacks from a great height, diving earthward at tremendous speed. When it cannot dive, it uses its powerful talons and slashing beak to strike at its target's head and eyes.
A solitary giant hawk is typically hunting or patrolling in the vicinity of its nest and generally ignores creatures that do not appear threatening. A mated pair attacks in concert, making repeated diving attacks to drive away intruders, and fights to the death to defend their nest or hatchlings.
Plunging Dive (Ex). If a giant hawk succeeds in surprising its opponent, or if that opponent is flat-footed, and successfully hits the opponent whilst diving then the giant hawk inflicts double damage with the successful attack.