Harpy

Harpy

Species	beast
No. Appearing	2–12
Behaviour	malevolent
Range	barrens, steppe, Tartarus
Size	5 ft. 4 in. tall
Weight	140 lbs.
Intelligence	7–8
Armour Class	7
Hit Dice	3
Action Points	6
Max. Stride	{{{stride}}}
THAC0	18
Hp/Die	d6
Attack Forms	claw/claw, bone club
Damage	1–6/1–6, 2–8
Special Attacks	singing, touch, flight

Harpies are beast that appear with the upper body of a woman, with a pale face that is often described as ugly by those not affected by a harpy's bewitchment. Their arms are thin and bony, with long, vicious claws instead of hands. Growing from their shoulders are two enormous wings, similar to those of a vulture. They have the power of flight and have been described as "keeping pace with the blowing winds, as they soar and swoop, high aloft." {Hesiod}

In nature, they are altogether disgusting, for they live and sleep in their own filth like pigs. They wear attire that has been allowed to rot on their bodies, filled with rents and pierces, scorning to wear better cloth even when they could take it from their victims. They snore like repulsive beasts, and spit, and speak with loathsome language like street women. They are haggard with hunger and hatefulness, screaming like eagles while their eyes burn red with bloated blood.

But once a victim is entranced, they become in the victim's eyes the most beautiful of women, with the sweetest voices. Many a victim has been witnessed to remain enraptured, even as his or her body is torn limb from limb — for it is their ability to charm that makes harpies among the most dangerous of beasts.

Advantages

WORKING...

Those that dwell along seacoasts are generally known as sirens. All harpies are able to emit sweet-sounding calls. Any creature hearing these calls will proceed towards the harpies unless they save versus magic. Similarly, the touch of a harpy charms those creatures which fail to make their saving throw versus magic. The harpies attack, torture, and devour their charmed prey. What they do not want they foul with excrement. A harpy attacks with her vulture claws and some form of weapon - often a bone club or some weapon left from one of her farmer victims. They speak their own language and none other.

See Bestiary