Large Beast

Hit Dice: 3d10+9 (19 hp)

Initiative: +3 (Dex)

Speed: 60 ft

AC: 14 (-1 size, +3 Dex, +2 natural)

Attacks: 2 claws +4 melee, bite –1 melee

Damage: Claw 1d6+3, bite 2d6+1

Face/Reach: 5 ft by 5 ft/10 ft

Special Qualities: Darkvision 60 ft, low-light vision

Saves: Fort +6, Ref +6, Will +1

Abilities: Str 16, Dex 17, Con 16, Int 2, Wis 11, Cha 10

Climate/Terrain: Temperate and warm land

Organization: Solitary, pair, or flock (3-6)
Challenge Rating: 2

Treasure: None (eggs are worth 50-80 gp each)

Alignment: Always neutral

Advancement: 4-5 HD (Large); 6-9 HD (Huge)

The axebeak is a prehistoric flightless, carnivorous bird that resembles a 7-foot tall ostrich. It is an aggressive hunter, and has a strong, thick neck and sharp beak.

   The immense head and long neck are covered in short white feathers. The body is covered in dense black feathers with a white underbelly and tail. The legs are covered in yellow scales. The axebeak makes a honking noise that can be clearly heard up to one-half mile away.

   An axebeak lair will contain 1d4 eggs worth 50-80 gp each. Hatchlings fetch the same value on the market.

COMBAT

The axebeak attacks by kicking with its clawed feet and biting with its beak. It is a very aggressive hunter and will run down its prey should an opponent flee. If hungry, an axebeak will attack until it or its prey is dead.

The Axebeak first appeared in the 1e MM (Gary Gygax, 1977).