| Notes |
Formidable Natural Weapons, Frenzy (RQ6: PG 312-316)
A hook horror stood about 9 feet (2.7 meters) tall and weighed around 400 pounds (181 kilograms), with a head like a vulture, a neck of crested feathers, and the body of a beetle, whose mottled gray, chitinous exoskeleton was extremely thick and dense and covered with sharp studs. The exoskeleton could be removed from a hook horror and transformed into tough armor.[6] Instead of hands, paws, or claws, its front limbs ended in 12-inch-long (30 centimeters) razor-sharp, blade-like gray metallic hooks, surrounded by red feathers.[6] These hooks were the hook horror's primary method of combat. Its legs were similar to those of a bird, and its head was shaped like that of a vulture, including the hooked beak. Its eyes were multifaceted like those of an insect. They inhabit deep underground corridors and chambers.
Hook horrors like to live as families (no more than a dozen, 1d8+4) in subterranean caverns, led by the eldest male, and they caught their food by hunting those areas. They slept around half of the time, moving sluggishly when not under threat, meaning that they could survive on relatively little food for their size. The hook horror was especially susceptible to diseases and parasites. They have a life expectancy of less than forty years
Though their vision is very poor, their hearing is extremely acute and there is only a small chance of surprising a hook horror. The creature's arms end in sharp hook-like talons which it uses in melee. A hook horror cannot speak but communicates with others of its kind by making clacking noises with the exoskeleton - an eerie sound which can alarm the unwary as it echoes around dungeon corridors.
Hook horrors preferred to ambush their prey from above. They would work together as a group, and if necessary, retreat using their ability to climb. In a fight, a hook horror would use its clawed arms to trip its opponents.
TREASURE: Individual [A], Family 1d6+# appearing [A]
(Note there is a small chance that the Hook Horror has ingested silver, platinum or electrum. They pass these metals with only a bad-smelling coin left behind. But seem to enjoy the taste.) |
Encounter Generator
