Harpy

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Harpy Introduction

As you venture deeper into the shadowy forest, a haunting melody begins to weave through the air, its eerie beauty both captivating and unsettling. The source of this enchanting song is none other than the harpy, a creature of both allure and terror. With the body of a bird and the torso of a woman, the harpy is a grotesque blend of avian and human features. Its feathers are a mottled mix of dark browns and blacks, blending seamlessly with the dense canopy above, while its talons are sharp and deadly, capable of rending flesh with ease.

The harpy's face is a twisted visage of beauty and malice, with eyes that gleam with a predatory intelligence. Its song, though beautiful, carries a sinister undertone, luring the unwary into its clutches. Once ensnared by its melody, victims find themselves unable to resist, drawn inexorably towards the harpy's lair. There, the creature reveals its true nature, descending upon its prey with a ferocity that belies its enchanting voice.

Harpy nests are often found in remote and desolate places, where the cries of their victims go unheard. They favor craggy cliffs overlooking storm-tossed seas or the tangled depths of ancient forests, where the shadows are thick and the air is heavy with the scent of decay. Legends speak of harpies as the cursed offspring of a vengeful deity, doomed to wander the world in search of souls to torment. Some tales even suggest that those who fall victim to a harpy's song are transformed into harpies themselves, forever bound to the creature's dark will.

Approach with caution, for the harpy is a master of deception and guile. Its song is a weapon as potent as any blade, and its hunger for flesh is insatiable. In the presence of such a creature, even the bravest of adventurers must tread carefully, lest they become the next verse in the harpy's mournful ballad.

Harpy Skills & Traits

Skills

• Perception +2

Senses

• Passive Perception 12

Languages

• Common
• Sylvan

Abilities

• Captivating Song: The harpy sings a magical melody. Every humanoid and giant within 300 feet of the harpy that can hear the song must succeed on a DC 11 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed until the song ends. The harpy must take a bonus action on its subsequent turns to continue singing. It can stop singing at any time. The song ends if the harpy is incapacitated.
• Charmed Target: While charmed by the harpy, a target is incapacitated and ignores the songs of other harpies. If the charmed target is more than 5 feet away from the harpy, the target must move on its turn toward the harpy by the most direct route, trying to get within 5 feet. It doesn't avoid opportunity attacks, but before moving into damaging terrain, such as lava or a pit, and whenever it takes damage from a source other than the harpy, a target can repeat the saving throw. A charmed target can also repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns. If the saving throw is successful, the effect ends on it.

Actions

• Multiattack: The harpy makes two attacks: one with its claws and one with its club.
• Claws: Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (2d4 + 1) slashing damage.
• Club: Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 3 (1d4 + 1) bludgeoning damage.

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Battle Tips for Harpy

The harpy is a fearsome creature known for its enchanting song and vicious attacks. As a dungeon master, utilizing harpies in battle can create a challenging and dynamic encounter for your players. Here are some tips on how to effectively use harpies in your campaign:

Using Harpies in Battle

• Enthralling Song: The harpy's most dangerous ability is its song, which can lure adventurers into dangerous situations. Use this ability to separate party members, drawing them into traps or ambushes. Position the harpy in a location where its song can be heard but not easily reached, such as a high cliff or across a chasm.
• Aerial Advantage: Harpies can fly, giving them a significant advantage over grounded opponents. Use their mobility to stay out of reach of melee attacks, swooping down to strike and then retreating to safety. This hit-and-run tactic can frustrate players and force them to think strategically.
• Terrain Utilization: Place harpies in environments that complement their abilities, such as dense forests, rocky cliffs, or abandoned ruins. These settings can provide cover and obstacles that make it difficult for players to target the harpies effectively.

Coordinating Multiple Harpies

• Pack Tactics: Harpies are more dangerous in groups. Use their numbers to overwhelm players, coordinating attacks to focus on isolated or vulnerable targets. Multiple harpies can use their songs to create a cacophony, making it harder for players to resist their effects.
• Divide and Conquer: Use the harpies' song to split the party, drawing some members away while others are left to face the remaining harpies. This can create a sense of chaos and urgency, forcing players to make quick decisions.
• Retreat and Regroup: If the battle turns against them, harpies can use their flight to retreat and regroup. They can lead players into a more advantageous position for a second attack or flee to safety if the fight is unwinnable.

By leveraging the harpy's unique abilities and tactics, you can create a memorable and challenging encounter that will test your players' skills and teamwork.