Boobrie

Large monstrosity, unaligned

Armor Class 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points 68 (8d10 + 24)
Speed 20 ft., fly 60 ft., swim 30 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
18 (+4)	14 (+2)	16 (+3)	2 (-4)	12 (+1)	7 (-2)

Skills Perception +3, Stealth +4
Damage Immunities poison
Condition Immunities poisoned
Senses passive Perception 15
Languages
Proficiency Bonus +2
Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)

SPECIAL TRAITS

• Ambusher. In the first round of a combat, the boobrie has advantage on attack rolls against any creature it surprised.
• Amphibious. The boobrie can breathe air and water.
• Keen Sight. The boobrie has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.

ACTIONS

• Beak. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d10 + 4) piercing damage plus 10 (3d6) necrotic damage. The target’s hit point maximum is reduced by an amount equal to the necrotic damage taken, and the boobrie regains hit points equal to that amount. The reduction lasts until the target finishes a long rest. The target dies if this effect reduces its hit point maximum to 0.
• Wing Attack (Recharge 5-6). The boobrie beats its wings. Each creature within 10 feet of the boobrie must succeed on a DC 12 Dexterity saving throw or take 11 (2d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage and be knocked prone. The boobrie can then fly up to half its flying speed.

ABOUT

The boobrie is a magnificent creature, reminiscent of a giant stork, but far more imposing in size. Standing at an impressive height of 12 feet, this avian behemoth exudes an air of ancient power. With its sleek, jet-black feathers and piercing gaze, the boobrie commands respect.

A creature of legend, the boobrie embodies the mystery of the natural world. Its origins may be shrouded in ancient tales and arcane knowledge, but its existence is undeniable a magnificent guardian of the lakes and wetlands it calls home.

Built with a lightweight frame, the boobrie’s slender legs allow it to move swiftly through marshes and swamps. Its feet, adorned with four slender toes that splay wide, enable the creature to traverse treacherous terrain with ease. Though not particularly strong in combat, the boobrie compensates with its impressive beak, reminiscent of a heron but with the fierce hook of an eagle. Lined with sharp, serrated edges, its beak delivers a vicious bite, aided by the powerful jaw muscles concealed within.

One cannot help but be captivated by the boobrie’s presence when it fluffs up its feathers in response to danger or a perceived threat. The long feathers along the back of its neck stand erect, making the creature appear even taller, adding an additional air of intimidation to its already imposing stature.

The boobrie’s habitat of choice is lakesides, where it reigns over the tranquil waters and reedy marshes. Here, it hunts its primary prey giant catfish and other large denizens of the wetlands. However, when food is scarce, the boobrie resorts to an adaptable diet, devouring snakes, lizards, and even giant spiders. Over the centuries, its exposure to venomous creatures has granted it a remarkable immunity to toxins.

When hunting, the boobrie displays remarkable cunning. Concealing itself within the tall marsh grass, it becomes a motionless sentinel, waiting for hours on end until prey ventures too close. With uncanny speed for such a massive creature, it pounces on its unsuspecting victims, leaving them little chance to escape.

Encounters with the boobrie often reveal the presence of a mated pair, with adults boasting formidable vitality and strength. Their nests, constructed from floating vegetation, can reach an impressive size of up to 20 feet in diameter. During the late spring and early summer, they diligently gather food for their young, ensuring their survival and the continuation of the boobrie lineage.

Although the boobrie has no natural enemies except for the likes of dragons and other monstrous creatures, it occasionally comes into conflict with humans who seek to protect their livestock from its predatory nature. Its hauntingly harsh call echoes across the land, a warning to all creatures within earshot of its fearsome presence.