Large beast (giant animal), unaligned
Armor Class 13
Hit Points 26 (4d10 + 4)
Speed 10 ft., fly 80 ft.
Proficiency Bonus +2
Proficiency Bonus +3 (5th Edition Advanced Mode)
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 (+3) | 17 (+3) | 13 (+1) | 8 (-1) | 14 (+2) | 10 (+0) |
Skills Perception +4
Senses passive Perception 14
Languages Giant Eagle understands Common and Auran but can’t speak them
Challenge 1 (200 XP)
Dive Attack (suggested). The giant eagle can perform a dive attack if it attacks from a height of 100 feet at least. While doing so, the giant eagle gains advantage with both talon attacks and inflicts double damage.
Grab on the Fly (suggested). If the giant eagle succeeds in at least one talon attack while performing the Dive Attack, then a target of Large or smaller size is automatically grappled. The next round, the target may attempt to escape the grapple (escape DC 13) or can attack the giant eagle with disadvantage. The giant eagle can release the grapple at any moment and have the target suffers appropriate fall damage.
Keen Sight. The eagle has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.
ACTIONS
- Multiattack (suggested). The giant eagle makes three attacks, one with its beak and two with its talons.
- Multiattack. The giant eagle makes two attacks: one with its beak and one with its talons.
- Beak. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage.
- Beak (suggested). Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) piercing damage.
- Talons. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) slashing damage.
- Talons (suggested). Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) slashing damage.
DESCRIPTION
A giant eagle is a majestic and noble creature that resembles a normal eagle, but much larger and more intelligent. A giant eagle has a wingspan of about 20 feet and a height of about 10 feet. Its feathers are usually brown or golden, and its eyes are keen and piercing. A giant eagle can speak its own language, as well as understand Common and Auran, but it cannot speak them. A giant eagle is usually friendly and helpful to good-aligned creatures, but it can be fierce and territorial if provoked.
COMBAT
A giant eagle prefers to avoid combat unless it is defending its nest, its mate, or its allies. If it must fight, it uses its speed and agility to swoop down on its enemies and strike with its powerful beak and talons. A giant eagle can also use its keen sight to spot hidden or invisible foes, and it has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight. A giant eagle can also communicate with other eagles and birds of prey, and may call for their aid in times of need.
HABITAT / SOCIETY
A giant eagle lives in temperate mountains, where it builds its nest on high cliffs or peaks. A mated pair of giant eagles typically has up to four eggs or young in their nest, which they guard fiercely. The young are treated as normal eagles until they grow large enough to fend for themselves. A giant eagle is loyal to its mate and its friends, and may form bonds with good-aligned creatures that respect its freedom and dignity. Some giant eagles even allow small humanoids to ride on their backs, if they prove themselves worthy.
ECOLOGY
A giant eagle is a carnivorous predator that hunts large game such as deer, goats, or sheep. It may also scavenge carrion or fish from rivers or lakes. A giant eagle requires a large territory to sustain itself, and may compete with other predators such as griffons, wyverns, or dragons. A giant eagle is revered by many cultures as a symbol of courage, wisdom, and justice. Some druids, rangers, or clerics may worship giant eagles as sacred animals or messengers of the gods.