Difference between revisions of "Talon (attack)"

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[[File:Talon (attack).jpg|right|560px|thumb]]
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'''Talons''' are a form of attack employed by some [[Animal|animals]], [[Monster|monsters]] and [[Humanoid|humanoids]] to cause [[Damage (hit points)|damage]]. Similar to [[Claw (attack)|claws]], talons possess a hooked, sharpened edge, capable of lacerating flesh, disemboweling an enemy and causing [[Wounds|wounds]] with unusual alacrity. Talons are favoured by [[Birds (list)|bird-like]] creatures and [[Dragon|dragons]].
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'''Talons''' are a natural form of offensive anatomy used by various [[Animal|animals]], [[Monster|monsters]] and [[Humanoid|humanoids]] to inflict [[Damage (hit points)|damage]] in combat. They function similarly to [[Claw (attack)|claws]], but differ in structure and lethality. Talons are curved, sharpened and often serrated, with points capable of tearing deep into flesh, disemboweling opponents and opening [[Wound|wounds]] with speed and efficiency. Their shape allows them not only to slash, but also to grip and tear, making them especially dangerous in close quarters. Talons are most often associated with [[Birds (list)|bird-like]] creatures and [[Dragon|dragons]], though other monstrous forms may possess them as well.
 
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Taloned creatures are usually equipped on their forelimbs, but some have back talons as well. Creatures with an [[Intelligence (ability stat)|intelligence]] of 2 or less will always use both talons to attack the same target, along with other attacks they have. Creatures with an intelligence of 3 to 4 will coordinate one talon with their other attacks against a single target, while slashing with the free talon to drive back additional enemies.
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Talons are usually located on the forelimbs, functioning as primary weapons for leaping or swooping attacks. In many creatures, particularly avian and reptilian ones, talons are adapted for rending rather than grasping, prioritizing momentum and penetration over manipulation. Some larger creatures, such as certain [[Wyvern|wyverns]] or mutated [[Aberration|aberrations]], possess additional talons on their hind limbs or tails, allowing them to strike while airborne or retreating.
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The tactical use of talons varies depending on the intelligence of the creature. Those with an [[Intelligence (ability stat)|intelligence]] score of 2 or lower typically use both talons in a straightforward, aggressive manner — gripping or raking at a single target, often in combination with bites, wings or other natural weapons. More intelligent creatures, rated with intelligence scores of 3 or 4, may exhibit more complex combat patterns. Such creatures will often pair one talon with other attacks while reserving the second to fend off flanking threats or punish secondary targets. This demonstrates a rudimentary form of battlefield awareness, allowing them to defend their flanks or control a limited area around them through sweeping or sudden strikes.
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== Critical Hits & Wounds ==
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When a creature with talons rolls a natural 20 on its attack roll, resulting in a [[Critical Hits & Fumbles|critical hit]], the strike will '''automatically cause a wound''', regardless of the amount of damage inflicted. This reflects the inherent savagery and anatomical design of talons, which are exceptionally suited for rending and tearing flesh open with brutal efficiency. The sharp curvature and pointed tip of the talon can pierce deeply and pull apart tissue, leaving the victim bleeding heavily even from a glancing blow.
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Furthermore, if a creature delivers 11 or more points of damage with a talon strike — an amount that would normally produce a wound — the bleeding effect associated with that wound is intensified. In such cases, the target suffers an additional +1 [[Hit Points|hit point]] of blood loss per round, reflecting the shredding nature of the injury. This increased bleeding continues until the wound is treated or magically healed, making talon-bearing foes particularly dangerous in prolonged engagements.
  
 
== Creatures using a Talon Attack ==
 
== Creatures using a Talon Attack ==
 
<div style="column-count:4;-moz-column-count:4;-webkit-column-count:4">
 
<div style="column-count:4;-moz-column-count:4;-webkit-column-count:4">
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* [[Aarakocra]]
 
* [[Axe Beak]]
 
* [[Axe Beak]]
 
* [[Dragonis Aeriochalkos (brass dragon)]]
 
* [[Dragonis Aeriochalkos (brass dragon)]]
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* [[Dragonis Prasinocholorio (green dragon)]]
 
* [[Dragonis Prasinocholorio (green dragon)]]
 
* [[Eagle (giant)]]
 
* [[Eagle (giant)]]
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* [[Griffon]]
 
* [[Harpy]]
 
* [[Harpy]]
 
* [[Hippogriff]]
 
* [[Hippogriff]]
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* [[Peryton]]
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* [[Rhea]]
 
* [[Vrock]]
 
* [[Vrock]]
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</div>
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<br>
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See also,<br>
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[[Bestiary]]<br>
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[[Combat]]<br>
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[[Natural Abilities]]<br>
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[[Category: Reviewed]]

Latest revision as of 15:02, 13 April 2025

Talon (attack).jpg

Talons are a natural form of offensive anatomy used by various animals, monsters and humanoids to inflict damage in combat. They function similarly to claws, but differ in structure and lethality. Talons are curved, sharpened and often serrated, with points capable of tearing deep into flesh, disemboweling opponents and opening wounds with speed and efficiency. Their shape allows them not only to slash, but also to grip and tear, making them especially dangerous in close quarters. Talons are most often associated with bird-like creatures and dragons, though other monstrous forms may possess them as well.

Talons are usually located on the forelimbs, functioning as primary weapons for leaping or swooping attacks. In many creatures, particularly avian and reptilian ones, talons are adapted for rending rather than grasping, prioritizing momentum and penetration over manipulation. Some larger creatures, such as certain wyverns or mutated aberrations, possess additional talons on their hind limbs or tails, allowing them to strike while airborne or retreating.

The tactical use of talons varies depending on the intelligence of the creature. Those with an intelligence score of 2 or lower typically use both talons in a straightforward, aggressive manner — gripping or raking at a single target, often in combination with bites, wings or other natural weapons. More intelligent creatures, rated with intelligence scores of 3 or 4, may exhibit more complex combat patterns. Such creatures will often pair one talon with other attacks while reserving the second to fend off flanking threats or punish secondary targets. This demonstrates a rudimentary form of battlefield awareness, allowing them to defend their flanks or control a limited area around them through sweeping or sudden strikes.

Critical Hits & Wounds

When a creature with talons rolls a natural 20 on its attack roll, resulting in a critical hit, the strike will automatically cause a wound, regardless of the amount of damage inflicted. This reflects the inherent savagery and anatomical design of talons, which are exceptionally suited for rending and tearing flesh open with brutal efficiency. The sharp curvature and pointed tip of the talon can pierce deeply and pull apart tissue, leaving the victim bleeding heavily even from a glancing blow.

Furthermore, if a creature delivers 11 or more points of damage with a talon strike — an amount that would normally produce a wound — the bleeding effect associated with that wound is intensified. In such cases, the target suffers an additional +1 hit point of blood loss per round, reflecting the shredding nature of the injury. This increased bleeding continues until the wound is treated or magically healed, making talon-bearing foes particularly dangerous in prolonged engagements.

Creatures using a Talon Attack


See also,
Bestiary
Combat
Natural Abilities

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