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Roc

• Size: Gargantuan
• Type: Monstrosity
• Alignment: Unaligned
• AC: 15
• Initiative: +8 (18)
• HP: 248(16d20+80)
• Speed: 20 ft, Fly 120 ft.

ATTR	VAL	MOD	SAVE
STR	28	+9	+9
DEX	10	+0	+4
CON	20	+5	+5
INT	3	-4	-4
WIS	10	+0	+4
CHA	9	-1	-1

• Skills: Perception +8
• Senses: Passive Perception 18
• Languages: None
• CR: 11 (XP 7,200; PB +4)

Actions

Multiattack. The roc makes two Beak attacks. It can replace one attack with a Talons attack.

Beak. Melee Attack Roll: +13, reach 10 ft. Hit: 28 (3d12+9) Piercing damage.

Talons. Melee Attack Roll: +13, reach 5 ft. Hit: 23 (4d6+9) Slashing damage. If the target is a Huge or smaller creature, it has the Grappled condition (escape DC 19) from both talons, and it has the Restrained condition until the grapple ends.

Bonus Actions

Swoop (Recharge 5-6). If the roc has a creature Grappled, the roc flies up to half its Fly Speed without provoking Opportunity Attacks and drops that creature.

Lore & Background

Rocs are legendary birds of immense size and power, capable of carrying off elephants in their talons and soaring at heights that dwarf mountains. These magnificent creatures are among the largest flying beings in existence, with wingspans that can block out the sun and strength that rivals that of dragons. Rocs make their nests on the highest mountain peaks, isolated islands, or floating earth motes where they can survey vast territories.

These ancient birds are highly intelligent and possess their own complex social structures, though they are rarely seen by ground-dwelling creatures due to their preference for extreme altitudes. Rocs are territorial creatures that will defend their hunting grounds and nesting sites with fierce determination.

Combat Tactics

Rocs use their incredible size and flight capabilities to their advantage, diving down to snatch up enemies in their talons before carrying them to great heights. They prefer to fight from the air, using their beak and talons while staying out of reach of ground-based attacks.

Encounter Ideas

Sky Predator: A roc threatens flying creatures or sky-based settlements. Mountain Nest: Heroes must retrieve something from a roc's nest on an impossible mountain peak. Aerial Transport: A roc could serve as transportation across vast distances for worthy heroes. Territorial Conflict: A roc's hunting territory conflicts with civilization or other powerful creatures.

Environmental Effects

Roc presence dominates the skies of their territory, causing other flying creatures to avoid the area. Their massive nests can be seen from great distances and often become landmarks for navigation.

Treasure

Rocs collect shiny objects for their nests, including coins, gems, and metallic items. Their nests often contain treasures from across vast distances, gathered during their extensive flights.

Plot Hooks

The Sky Road: Heroes need a roc's aid to reach an otherwise inaccessible location. Nest Raider: Someone has stolen eggs from a roc's nest, and the creature seeks revenge. Storm Rider: A roc's flight patterns are connected to weather phenomena or magical events. Ancient Alliance: A roc remembers ancient pacts with mortals and may honor old agreements.

Lore & Background

Rocs are legendary birds of enormous size, with wingspans that can exceed 200 feet and the strength to carry off elephants in their talons. These majestic creatures soar high above mountain peaks and vast wilderness areas, representing the ultimate expression of avian freedom and power. Their keen eyes can spot movement from miles away, and their territorial nature makes them formidable guardians of remote regions.

These ancient birds build their massive nests on the highest mountain peaks, often in locations so remote that they remain undisturbed for centuries. Rocs are intelligent creatures with memories that span generations, and they often remember kindnesses or offenses for decades. Their feathers are prized as components for magical items, while their eggs are legendary treasures sought by collectors and alchemists.

Combat Tactics

Rocs rely on their incredible size, flight capability, and keen vision to dominate aerial combat. They prefer to attack from great height, diving down to snatch prey with their massive talons before climbing back to safety. Their primary tactic involves grappling enemies and carrying them to dangerous heights before dropping them or returning them to their nests.

In battle, rocs use their wingspan to create powerful wind currents that can knock flying enemies off course or ground them entirely. They target the largest or most threatening opponents first, using their superior reach and mobility to stay out of range of ground-based attacks while delivering devastating strikes with beak and talon.

Encounter Ideas

1. The Sky Road Bandit A roc has begun attacking caravans traveling through mountain passes, carrying off entire wagons to its mountain aerie. The party must track the creature to its nest and either negotiate for the release of captives or face the challenge of aerial combat at extreme altitude.

2. The Nesting Ground Conflict A roc's traditional nesting site has been occupied by miners or settlers, leading to increasingly aggressive territorial displays. The party must mediate between the creature's ancient claim to the area and the legitimate needs of the human community.

3. The Storm Rider During a violent mountain storm, a roc offers the party shelter in its nest, but only if they agree to help defend its young from a rival predator. The party must navigate the politics of aerial apex predators while weathering the storm at dangerous heights.

4. The Lost Expedition A research expedition studying high-altitude phenomena has gone missing in roc territory. The party must venture into the creature's domain to locate survivors while avoiding becoming prey themselves, potentially leading to an unlikely alliance with the massive bird.

Environmental Effects

• Powerful Winds: The roc's massive wingspan creates downdrafts and air currents that affect flying creatures and weather patterns
• Updrafts: Thermal currents around mountain peaks provide advantages to flying creatures but can be dangerous for inexperienced fliers
• Keen Observation: The roc's presence means the entire region is under constant surveillance from above
• Territorial Markers: Large scratches in stone and massive shed feathers mark the boundaries of the creature's territory

Treasure

• Roc Feather (500-2000 gp): Single massive feather useful for crafting magical arrows or as a spell component
• Giant Egg Shell (1000-5000 gp): Fragments from hatched eggs, valued for their size and magical properties
• Mountain Aerie Hoard (varies): Shiny objects collected in the nest, including coins, gems, and metal items
• High Altitude Minerals (200-800 gp): Rare stones and crystals only found at extreme elevations
• Storm Glass (1500 gp): Naturally formed crystal that predicts weather changes, found in roc nests

Plot Hooks

1. The Roc's Bargain A roc approaches the party with an unusual request: help it locate its missing mate who disappeared while hunting in a dangerous region. In exchange, the creature offers aerial transportation and access to its mountain stronghold's secrets.

2. The Sky Burial A mountain culture practices sky burial, leaving their dead on high peaks for rocs to carry away. When the ritual is disrupted by outside forces, the roc becomes agitated and begins attacking settlements, requiring the party to restore the ancient compact.

3. The Aerial War Two rocs are engaged in a territorial dispute that threatens air travel across an entire mountain range. The party must either help one claim victory or find a way to negotiate a peaceful resolution between the massive predators.

4. The Falling Stars A roc has been collecting meteorites and other objects that fall from the sky, inadvertently gathering magical artifacts from other planes. The party must negotiate with the creature to access these otherworldly treasures without triggering its protective instincts.