Giant Hyena

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Giant Hyena Introduction

In the dim glow of the setting sun, as shadows stretch long across the savannah, a low, eerie laughter echoes through the air, sending a shiver down the spine of even the bravest adventurer. This is the call of the Giant Hyena, a formidable predator that roams the wilds with an insatiable hunger and a cunning intelligence that belies its beastly appearance. Standing nearly as tall as a horse, with powerful limbs and a muscular build, the Giant Hyena is a creature of both awe and terror.

The creature's fur is a patchwork of tawny and dark brown, mottled with scars from countless battles, each a testament to its survival in the harsh wilderness. Its eyes, a piercing yellow, seem to glow with a malevolent intelligence, and its jaws, capable of crushing bone with ease, are often stained with the remnants of its last meal. The Giant Hyena's laughter, a chilling sound that can be heard for miles, is said to be a harbinger of doom, a warning to those who dare to venture into its territory.

Giant Hyenas are most commonly found in arid plains and rocky outcrops, where they can use their speed and strength to chase down prey. They are known to hunt in packs, using coordinated tactics to outmaneuver and overwhelm their targets. However, they are also opportunistic scavengers, often following other predators to steal their kills. Legends speak of these creatures as the cursed offspring of a powerful demon, doomed to roam the earth in search of flesh to sate their eternal hunger.

In the lore of the local tribes, the Giant Hyena is both feared and respected, seen as a symbol of the untamed wilds and the relentless cycle of life and death. Some say that those who hear the hyena's laughter are marked for misfortune, while others believe that the creature can be appeased with offerings of meat and bone. Whatever the truth, one thing is certain: the presence of a Giant Hyena is a sign that danger is near, and only the most foolhardy would ignore its warning.

Giant Hyena Skills & Traits

Skills

• Perception: +3
• Stealth: +2

Senses

• Darkvision: 60 ft.
• Passive Perception: 13

Languages

• None

Abilities

• Keen Hearing and Smell: The giant hyena has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or smell.

Actions

• Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 2d6 + 3 piercing damage.
• Rampage: When the giant hyena reduces a creature to 0 hit points with a melee attack on its turn, the hyena can take a bonus action to move up to half its speed and make a bite attack.

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Battle Tips for the Giant Hyena

The Giant Hyena is a formidable creature that can add a thrilling challenge to any encounter. Known for their ferocity and pack tactics, these beasts can turn the tide of battle with their relentless attacks and cunning strategies. Here are some tips for Dungeon Masters on how to effectively use Giant Hyenas in combat:

Using the Giant Hyena in Battle

• Ambush Tactics: Giant Hyenas are excellent at ambushing unsuspecting adventurers. Use their keen senses to detect the party from a distance and set up an ambush in dense terrain or during nighttime encounters.
• Pack Coordination: Giant Hyenas work best in groups. Use their pack tactics to gain advantage on attack rolls when they are within 5 feet of an ally. This can quickly overwhelm players if they are not careful.
• Hit-and-Run: With their high speed, Giant Hyenas can employ hit-and-run tactics. Have them dart in to attack and then retreat to a safe distance, forcing players to chase them and potentially fall into traps or other ambushes.
• Fear Factor: Leverage the intimidating presence of a Giant Hyena to instill fear in the party. Use their menacing growls and howls to create a sense of dread, potentially causing players to make mistakes or flee.

Coordinating Multiple Giant Hyenas

• Flanking Maneuvers: Use multiple Giant Hyenas to flank the party, forcing them to split their focus and making it harder for them to defend against attacks from multiple directions.
• Divide and Conquer: Have the pack target isolated or weaker members of the party, picking them off one by one. This can quickly reduce the party's effectiveness and morale.
• Distraction and Deception: Use one or two Giant Hyenas to distract the party while the rest of the pack circles around for a surprise attack from behind.

Fleeing and Retreating

• Strategic Retreat: If the battle turns against them, Giant Hyenas can use their speed to retreat and regroup. They might lead the party into a more advantageous location for a second ambush.
• Feign Weakness: Have a Giant Hyena feign injury to lure the party into a false sense of security, only to have the rest of the pack return with reinforcements.
• Cover of Darkness: Use the cover of night or dense foliage to retreat and hide, allowing the pack to recover and plan their next move.

By utilizing these strategies, Dungeon Masters can create dynamic and challenging encounters with Giant Hyenas that will keep players on their toes and enhance the overall gaming experience.