Ostrich, War

Family: Bird

Large beast, unaligned

Armor Class 11
Hit Points 42 (5d10 + 15)
Speed 60 ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
15 (+2) 12 (+1) 16 (+3) 2 (-4) 10 (+0) 5 (-3)

Senses passive Perception 10
Languages
Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)
Proficiency Bonus +2

SPECIAL TRAITS

  • Leaping Pounce. If the war ostrich jumps at least 15 feet straight toward a creature and then hits it with a Claw attack on the same turn, that target must succeed on a DC 13 Strength saving throw or be forced prone. If the target is prone, the ostrich can make one Beak attack against it as a bonus action.
  • Standing Leap. The war ostrich’s long jump is up to 30 feet and its high jump is up to 15 feet, with or without a running start.

ACTIONS

  • Beak. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage.
  • Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (2d4 + 2) bludgeoning damage.
  • Intimidating Screech. The war ostrich screeches at a creature it can see within 30 feet of it. The target must succeed on a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw or have disadvantage on attack rolls until the end of its next turn, as the screech rattles it.

BONUS ACTIONS

ABOUT

The large, flightless bird dove in and out of battle, screeching defiantly as its rider drove a spear into its foes.

In the wild, war ostriches are dangerous and skittish, prone to lashing out with punishing kicks while sprinting around the battlefield. Humanoids in grasslands use them to create chaos by driving a flock of fast-moving war ostriches into a caravan or enemy troop formations.

Faster than Horses. War ostriches have been domesticated for centuries. They are a fearsome sight on the field of combat when bearing warriors into battle. War ostriches are heavily employed in regions where horses are rare or impractical or where their leaping ability enables cavalry to charge over broken ground. Stubborn and willful, these creatures are difficult to train. Once trained though, they are loyal and fierce mounts, fighting to the death in battle alongside their riders.

Section 15: Copyright Notice

Tome of Beasts 1 ©2023 Open Design LLC; Authors: Daniel Kahn, Jeff Lee, and Mike Welham.

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