Wakwak

Large beast, unaligned

Armor Class 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points 45 (6d10 +12)
Speed 40 ft., fly 10 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
16 (+3)	12 (+1)	14 (+2)	2 (–4)	10 (+0)	6 (–2)

Skills Perception +2
Senses passive Perception 12
Languages —
Challenge 2 (450 XP)
Proficiency Bonus +2

SPECIAL TRAITS

• Bloodthirsty Pounce. If the wakwak moves at least 20 feet straight toward a creature and then hits it with a Talon 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 wakwak can make one Beak attack against it as a bonus action, gaining temporary hp equal to half the damage dealt.
• Keen Smell. The wakwak has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.
• Pack Tactics. The wakwak has advantage on attack rolls against a creature if at least one of the wakwak’s allies is within 5 feet of the creature and the ally isn’t incapacitated.

ACTIONS

• Multiattack. The wakwak makes one Beak attack and one Talon attack.
• Beak. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d10 + 3) slashing damage.
• Talon. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) piercing damage.
• Wing Slap (Recharge 5–6). The wakwak slams its sharp-edged wings together in front of itself in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw. On a failure, a creature takes 10 (3d6) slashing damage and is pushed up to 10 feet away from the wakwak and forced prone. On a success, a creature takes half the damage and isn’t pushed or forced prone.

ABOUT

A tall bird with curved talons on its long legs stretches its wings, which are edged with sharp bone-like ridges. It utters a soft “wak” sound from its blood-stained beak. When this predatory bird hunts the jungles and forests along the coast, it utters its signature cry, “wakwak” to coordinate with other members of its flock. The closer the wakwak gets to its prey, the softer it cries. Those who live in areas plagued by wakwaks knows that when the cry stops, the bird is about to attack.

Blood Drinker. Hunting packs of wakwaks mostly hunt other beasts, but they may attack small groups of travelers, or in rare cases, whole caravans, if the flock is large enough. When a wakwak brings down its prey, it uses its talons to open the flesh and drink blood.

Temperamental Mount. Like the axe beak, the wakwak can be trained to serve as a mount. No amount of training, however, can wholly eliminate the wakwak’s bloodthirst. Even the besttrained and most loyal wakwaks often disobey riders and dive into a fray to drink the blood being spilled.