Screechers are rare offspring of harpies, sharing a blend of bird and humanoid features but leaning heavily toward their avian traits. Unlike the lithe and more human-like harpies, the screecher possesses an unnaturally muscular body covered in dark feathers, with a vicious, beaked face. In many ways, screechers are the opposite of harpies. Where harpies use their songs to allure and mesmerize, screechers rely on brute force and terror. Their piercing song instills fear in their victims, whom they then rend apart with sharp talons.
Though born from harpy eggs, screechers are never found within harpy colonies. When a harpy clutch produces a screecher, the entire nest is often abandoned, as other eggs in the clutch may also be tainted. The aggressive nature of screechers makes them incompatible with harpies, who leave them to fend for themselves, hoping they perish. However, screechers will consume unhatched eggs and any siblings too weak to defend themselves. As adults, they gather in groups called clamors, roaming across forests, hills, and mountains in search of prey. Screechers are sterile, so clamors eventually die out, but the slow trickle of young screechers can delay a clamor’s collapse for some time.
Screecher
Medium Monstrosity, Typically Chaotic Evil
Armor Class 13
Hit Points 44 (8d8 + 8)
Speed 20 ft., fly 60 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 (+4) | 16 (+3) | 13 (+1) | 5 (-3) | 12 (+1) | 7 (-2) |
Skills Perception +3
Condition Immunities charmed
Senses passive Perception 13
Languages —
Challenge 2 (450 XP)
Proficiency Bonus +2
Exploit Fear. The screecher has advantage on attack rolls against creatures with the frightened condition.
Actions
Multiattack. The screecher makes two Talon attacks. It can replace one attack with a use of Dissonant Song.
Talon. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (2d4 + 4) slashing damage.
Dissonant Song. The screecher chooses a creature it can see within 60 feet of it. If the target can hear the screecher, it must make a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, the target has the frightened condition until the end of its next turn and it uses its reaction to immediately move its speed away from the screecher. On a successful save, the target is immune to Dissonant Song for the next 24 hours.
Downloads
Further Reading
A fowler hunts a clamor of screecher to near collapse. Does the party help or hinder?
Screecher could make good additions to the Fey Hollow.
Imagery created with Midjourney.
