Small beast (animal), unaligned
Armor Class 12
Armor Class (suggested) 13
Hit Points 7 (2d6)
Speed 10 ft., fly 60 ft.
Proficiency Bonus +2
Proficiency Bonus +2 (5th Edition Advanced Mode)
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (-2) | 14 (+2) | 10 (+0) | 3 (-4) | 14 (+2) | 5 (-3) |
Skills Perception +4
Senses passive Perception 14
Challenge 1/8 (25 XP)
Dive Attack (suggested). The blood hawk can perform a dive attack if it attacks from a height of 120 feet at least. While doing so, the blood hawk gains advantage with both talon attacks.
Keen Sight. The blood hawk has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.
Pack Tactics. The blood hawk has advantage on an attack roll against a creature if at least one of the hawk’s allies is within 5 ft. of the creature and the ally isn’t incapacitated.
ACTIONS
- Multiattack (suggested). The blood hawk makes three attacks, one with its beak and two with its talons.
- Beak. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: (1d4 + 2) piercing damage.
- Beak (suggested). Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 0 ft., one target. Hit: 3 (1d6) piercing damage.
- Talons (suggested). Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 0 ft., one target. Hit: 2 (1d4) piercing damage.
5th Edition Advanced Mode
Limiting the power of a character and making the overall difficulty of the game harder, does not reduce the creativity, indeed it does quite the opposite. The Game Master has the option to use any and all of the instances proposed in this guide, or just some of them according to their preference.
DESCRIPTION
A blood hawk is a small, crimson-feathered bird of prey that is known for its ferocity and aggression. It has a sharp, dagger-like beak that it uses to stab and tear at its victims. Its eyes are keen and piercing, allowing it to spot potential prey from afar. A blood hawk is not afraid to attack almost any animal, even those much larger than itself, as long as it has the support of its flock.
COMBAT
A blood hawk relies on its speed, agility, and pack tactics to hunt and fight. It swoops down from the sky, aiming for the eyes, throat, or other vital areas of its target. It has advantage on perception checks that rely on sight, and on attack rolls against a creature if at least one of its allies is within 5 feet of the creature. A blood hawk will continue attacking until either it or its prey is dead, or until it is driven off by a stronger foe. It has a terrible cry that can strike fear into the hearts of its enemies.
HABITAT / SOCIETY
A blood hawk lives in flocks of up to a dozen members, usually in mountainous or forested regions. It prefers areas with plenty of prey and open skies, where it can soar and hunt freely. A blood hawk flock is loyal to each other, and will defend their territory and mates from intruders. A blood hawk mates for life, and lays one or two eggs per year in a nest built high on a cliff or a tree. The eggs hatch after about a month, and the young are cared for by both parents until they are ready to fly and hunt on their own.
ECOLOGY
A blood hawk is a carnivorous creature that feeds mainly on small mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish. It will also scavenge carrion or steal food from other predators if the opportunity arises. A blood hawk has few natural enemies, except for larger birds of prey, such as eagles or owls, or intelligent hunters, such as humans or elves. A blood hawk is valued for its feathers, which are used for decoration or magic, and for its meat, which is considered a delicacy by some cultures. A blood hawk can live up to 15 years in the wild.