Harpy
- Size: Medium
- Type: Monstrosity
- Alignment: Chaotic Evil
- AC: 11
- Initiative: +1 (11)
- HP: 38 (7d8 + 7)
- Speed: 20 ft, Fly 40 ft.
| ATTR | VAL | MOD | SAVE |
|---|---|---|---|
| STR | 12 | +1 | +1 |
| DEX | 13 | +1 | +1 |
| CON | 12 | +1 | +1 |
| INT | 7 | -2 | -2 |
| WIS | 10 | +0 | +0 |
| CHA | 13 | +1 | +1 |
- Skills: None
- Senses: Passive Perception 10
- Languages: Common
- CR: 1 (XP 200; PB +2)
Actions
Claw. Melee Attack Roll: +3, reach 5 ft. Hit: 6 (2d4 + 1) Slashing damage.
Luring Song. The harpy sings a magical melody, which lasts until the harpy's Concentration ends on it. Wisdom Saving Throw: DC 11, each Humanoid and Giant in a 300-foot Emanation originating from the harpy when the song starts. Failure: The target has the Charmed condition until the song ends and repeats the save at the end of each of its turns. While Charmed, the target has the Incapacitated condition and ignores the Luring Song of other harpies. If the target is more than 5 feet from the harpy, the target moves on its turn toward the harpy by the most direct route, trying to get within 5 feet of the harpy. It doesn't avoid Opportunity Attacks; however, before moving into damaging terrain (such as lava or a pit) and whenever it takes damage from a source other than the harpy, the target repeats the save. Success: The target is immune to this harpy's Luring Song for 24 hours.
Lore & Background
Harpies are cruel fey creatures with the torsos of women and the wings and talons of great birds of prey. These malevolent beings delight in luring travelers to their doom with their supernatural song, which compels listeners to walk helplessly toward the harpy's waiting claws. Harpies are driven by sadistic hunger, feeding not only on flesh but on the fear and despair of their victims.
These creatures typically inhabit high places like cliff faces, tall trees, or ruined towers where they can spot potential prey from great distances. Harpies are social creatures that often hunt in flocks, coordinating their songs to create inescapable traps for unwary travelers. They take particular pleasure in tormenting their victims before killing them.
Combat Tactics
Harpies rely on their Luring Song to incapacitate enemies, forcing them to move toward the harpy using only the Dash action. This ability allows them to control the battlefield and separate enemies from each other. Once victims are within range, harpies use their Multiattack to strike with both claws.
They prefer to fight from elevated positions where they can use their flight to stay out of reach of ground-bound enemies. When fighting in groups, harpies coordinate their songs and attacks to maximize the confusion and terror of their opponents.
Encounter Ideas
The Siren's Call: Harpies have been luring ships onto rocky shores with their song, causing shipwrecks and claiming the survivors as prey.
Mountain Pass Ambush: A flock of harpies has claimed a vital mountain pass, using their song to lead travelers off cliffs to their deaths.
The Cursed Tower: Harpies nest in an ancient tower, their constant singing creating an aura of madness that affects the surrounding area.
Rescue Mission: Someone important has fallen victim to harpy song, and the party must rescue them from the creatures' aerie before it's too late.
Environmental Effects
Harpy territories are marked by the bones and belongings of their victims scattered around their nesting sites. The constant sound of their singing creates an unsettling atmosphere that drives away most wildlife.
Vegetation near harpy nests often withers and dies, while water sources may become tainted with an unnatural taste. The air itself seems to carry echoes of their song even when they're not actively singing.
Treasure
Harpies collect shiny objects and jewelry from their victims, often weaving them into their nests as decoration. Coins, gems, and precious metals accumulate over time, though they're often stained with blood or corroded by the elements.
Personal effects from victims may include weapons, armor, and magical items, though harpies typically ignore anything that isn't immediately appealing to their magpie-like nature.
Plot Hooks
The Silent Song: A harpy has lost her voice due to a curse or injury, making her desperate to find a way to restore her power and causing her to seek unusual alliances.
Harpy Queen: An exceptionally powerful harpy has united several flocks under her rule, creating a significant threat to travel and trade in the region.
The Broken Spell: Someone has found a way to resist harpy song, and the creatures are hunting them to eliminate this threat to their hunting method.
Fey Politics: Harpies become involved in larger fey court politics, forcing the party to navigate the complex relationships between different types of fey creatures.
Lore & Background
Harpies are cruel monstrosities with the bodies of vultures and the torsos and faces of women. These creatures delight in luring travelers to their doom with their enchanting songs, only to tear them apart with razor-sharp talons. Harpies are driven by an insatiable hunger for both flesh and the suffering of others.
They typically nest in high places like cliffs and ruins, where they can spot potential victims from great distances. Harpies are intelligent but utterly malevolent, taking sadistic pleasure in the fear and desperation of their prey.
Combat Tactics
Harpies use their luring song to charm victims and draw them into dangerous situations. They prefer to attack from the air, using their flight to stay out of reach while striking with their talons. When fighting in groups, they coordinate their songs for maximum effect.
Encounter Ideas
Siren's Call: Harpies lure ships onto rocky shores with their enchanting songs. Cliff Ambush: Harpies attack travelers passing through mountain passes. Nest Raiders: Heroes must rescue captives from a harpy's clifftop lair. Cursed Chorus: A group of harpies creates a supernatural storm with their combined singing.
Environmental Effects
Harpy territories are marked by the bones of their victims and the stench of decay. Their constant singing creates an eerie atmosphere that unnerves both animals and people.
Treasure
Harpies collect shiny objects and trinkets from their victims, creating crude nests decorated with jewelry, coins, and personal effects stolen from the dead.
Plot Hooks
The Silent Harpy: A harpy has lost its voice and seeks a way to regain its deadly song. Harpy's Bargain: A harpy offers information in exchange for fresh victims. The Transformed: A cursed individual slowly transforms into a harpy. Ancient Grudge: Harpies seek revenge against a family line for past wrongs.