Bird Drake

Bird Drakes are a strange creatures that appear to be like a giant hawk but with the scales of a dragon. They are known for their fast-flying speeds and for the fact that they can be trained as mounts.
They are often found in cavern systems close to the surface so they can go out and hunt.

Additional Information

Domestication

The dwarves of Bergen breed these drakes as mounts for one of their elite military forces.

Civilization and Culture

History

Dragons are known in Erthos, but it is unclear if these drakes have any relation to the powerful Spirits. The dwarves found the first bird drakes living deep in their mountains and followed them to unknown tunnels that led to the fresh air. This allowed the dwarves to begin their insurgent tactics against the forces of Crook Crag

Lifespan

30 years

Average Height

4 feet tall

Average Length

10 feet long with scaled tail

Geographic Distribution

• Bergen

Adult Bird Drake CR: 7

Large monstrosity, neutral

Armor Class: 16 (Natural Armor)

Hit Points: 140 (20d8 + 60)

Speed: 30 ft , fly: 60 ft

STR

16 +3

DEX

18 +4

CON

16 +3

INT

4 -3

WIS

16 +3

CHA

8 -1

Saving Throws: CON +6

Skills: Intimidation +2, Perception +6

Damage Resistances: Acid; Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing from Nonmagical Attacks

Senses: Darkvision 120 ft, Passive Perception 15

Languages: can understand but not speak it

Challenge Rating: 7

Actions

Multiattack. The Adult Bird Drake can attack twice with its beak and once with its Razor Wings.
Beak. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., 1 target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) [piercing damage] damage.
Razor Wings. RangedWeapon Attack: +7 to hit, range 30/6 ft., all targets in a 5-foot radius. Hit: 8(1d8 + 4) [slashing damage] damage.
Bonus Actions
Resounding Chirp (recharge 6). As a bonus action, the adult bird drake can crone annoyingly. Any creature within 30 feet must make a Constitution saving throw or take 2d6 thunder damage.

Reactions

Acidic Droppings (recharge 5 or 6). When the adult bird drake is struck with an attack, its bowels are voided and it can throw acid at one target within 10 ft. They get a +7 to hit and on a successful hit it deals 3d6 acid damage.

Bird Drakes are creatures who appear to be giant hawks but instead of feathers they bear the scales of a dragon.

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Trained Mounts. An Adult Bird Drake raised from an egg can be trained to serve as a mount. However, such training is time-consuming, expensive (mostly for the ample food the creature requires), and dangerous. Expert trainers well versed in the griffon’s legendary ferocity are typically the only ones able to raise these creatures safely.
Once trained, an adult bird drag is a fierce and loyal steed. It bonds with one master for life, fighting to the death to protect that rider. A bird drake mount retains its ravenous appetite for sheep, and a wise master ensures that a griffon remains satiated with other prey when passing through civilized lands.