Striderbeak
A bipedal avian beast with powerful talons, expressive eyes, and vibrant biome-colored plumage. Originally feared as apex predators, they've become prized mounts among skilled riders.
Biome Variants (Plumage + Traits)
Each wild Striderbeak has a distinct color and passive trait based on its native biome. Players can find, tame, or breed variants with different passive abilities.
| Biome | Color | Trait |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | Emerald green | Can Dash and Hide in the same turn (once/short rest) |
| Desert | Sandy ochre | Immune to exhaustion from heat; gains burrow speed 10 ft |
| Tundra | Pale blue-white | Resistance to cold; +2 to Constitution saves |
| Jungle | Vibrant red/orange | Advantage on Perception checks; immune to poison |
| Mountain | Slate gray | Can climb difficult terrain without movement penalty |
| Volcanic | Crimson-black | Resistance to fire; once/day can emit heat pulse (1d6 fire in 5 ft) |
| Swamp | Mossy green | Amphibious; advantage on saving throws vs poison and disease |
Special Traits
Terror Sprint (Recharge 4–6)
As a bonus action, the Striderbeak can enter a sprint state for 1 round, doubling its movement speed and gaining advantage on Dexterity saving throws.
Avian Agility
The Striderbeak may Dash, Disengage, or Dodge as a bonus action when not carrying more than one rider.
Bond Instinct (Mount Feature)
When bonded to a rider (Bond Level 2+), it automatically moves to intercept ranged attacks, once per short rest, it can impose disadvantage on one ranged attack against its rider.
Pack Mimicry
Striderbeaks trained in groups learn to imitate each other’s responses. If another Striderbeak within 30 ft uses Terror Sprint, this one may use it as a reaction.
Actions
Beak Strike
+6 to hit, 5 ft reach.
Hit: 2d8 + 4 slashing damage.
Talons (Mount-Only Attack)
If ridden and charging at least 20 ft straight toward a target, the rider may command the mount to make a Trampling Talon attack as a bonus action:
DC 14 Strength save or take 2d10 + 4 slashing and be knocked prone.
Mount Bond Traits
- Bond Level 1: Learns basic commands (Go, Stay, Come, Flee)
- Bond Level 2: +10 ft speed and mount obeys combat orders
- Bond Level 3: Rider can use reaction to give mount an action (Dash, Attack, Disengage)
Breeding & Herds (Optional System)
- Striderbeaks can be bred if two mounts of different biomes are paired during downtime and cared for (Animal Handling DC 15). Offspring inherit coloration and traits (either parent or hybrid).
- Herds may defend territory and contain Alpha Striderbeaks (CR 4–6) with unique, fused biome traits and intelligence.
Value & Availability
- Untamed: Only found in the wild, run in packs and are very territorial.
- Tamed & Bonded: Worth 250–500 gp depending on rarity and biome. Only trainable by experienced handlers (Handle Animal DC 14+).
Large Beast, Unaligned
Armor Class: 15 (natural armor)
Hit Points: 68 (8d10 + 24)
Speed: 60 ft.
Jump: Standing long jump 20 ft, high jump 10 ft
Abilities
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| +4 | +3 | -4 | -4 | +2 | -1 |
Saving Throws
Dex +6, Wis +4
Skills: Perception +5, Athletics +6
Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., Keen Sight
Languages: Understands basic commands from bonded rider
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