 Deep Crow
Stone shrieks and shears to ribbons beneath the raz or - tal one d step of a cyclopean shadow come to terrifying life. From the darkness looms a breath-stealing horror, a creature combining the most frightening aspects of night-stalking panther, carriongorged crow, and massive demon-eyed arachnid. Skulking with the terrible grace of some caliginous dragon, oily feathers rise into wings evocative of an abyssal nightscape devoid of all stars or familiar spheres. From a quadripartite maw—combining insectial mandibles and a slashing beak—the abomination unleashes a shrill, chittering screech, the forsaken scream of a creature born of nightmare and truly ancient madness.Deep Crow CR 14Source Pathfinder #16: Endless Night pg. 80
Always N Huge magical beast
Init +9; Senses darkvision 120 ft., low-light vision; Listen +11, Spot +17DefenseAC 32, touch 13, flat-footed 27 (+5 Dex, +19 natural, -2 size)
hp 200 (16d10+112)
Fort +17, Ref +15, Will +8
Immune disease, poison
Weaknesses fear of magic, light blindnessOffenseSpeed 40 ft., fly 150 ft. (average)
Melee bite +23 (2d6+9) and 2 claws +21 (2d8+4) and 2 wings +21 (1d8+4)
Space 15 ft., Reach 15 ft.
Special Attacks ancient caw, rake (2d8+2)StatisticsStr 29, Dex 20, Con 24, Int 2, Wis 17, Cha 18
Base Atk +16; Grapple +33
Feats Alertness, Combat Reflexes, Flyby Attack, Multiattack, Improved Initiative, Wingover
Skills Hide –3 (+5 underground), Listen +11, Move Silently +12 (+20 underground), Spot +17; Racial Modifiers +6 Spot, +8 Hide and Move Silently (while underground)
SQ shadow blendEcologyEnvironment underground
Organization solitary
Treasure double standard
Advancement 17-32 HD (Huge), 33-48 HD (Gargantuan)Special AbilitiesAncient Caw (Su) A deep crow can unleash a high-pitched squawk, a predatory shriek that plays upon primal fears deeply rooted in all creatures’ subconscious minds. All except deep crows within 120 feet must succeed on a DC 22 Will save or be frightened for 2d6 rounds. Those within 30 feet who fail their saves instead become panicked for 2d6 rounds. A deep crow can unleash an ancient caw once every 1d4 rounds. This is a mind-affecting fear effect. The save DC is Charisma-based.
Fear of Magic (Ex) Deep crows are highly unnerved by magic (or seemingly magical) effects. Should a spell or spell-like ability with a visible, obviously magical effect be cast within 10 feet of a deep crow, it must make a Will save or be shaken for 1 round. The DC of this Will save equals 10 + the spell level. Not all spells force a deep crow to make a save, with the GM ultimately deciding what effects trigger a deep crow’s fear. In addition to magic, well-performed feats of legerdemain—tricks that exceed a DC 15 Sleight of Hand check—force a deep crow to make a DC 11 Will save to avoid being shaken for 1 round.
Improved Grab (Ex) To use this ability, a deep crow must hit with either its bite or both claw attacks. It can then attempt to start a grapple as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity. If it establishes a hold it can make two rake attacks. It can also take flight while grappling with any creature two or more sizes smaller than itself.
Light Blindness (Ex) Abrupt exposure to bright light (such as sunlight or a daylight spell) blinds a deep crow for 1 round. On subsequent rounds, they are dazzled as long as they remain in the affected area.
Rake (Ex) Attack bonus +23, damage 2d8+2.
Shadow Blend (Su) In any condition of illumination other than full daylight, a deep crow can disappear into the shadows as a standard action, giving it total concealment until it takes another standard action. Artificial illumination, even a light or continual flame spell, does not negate this ability. A daylight spell, however, will.DescriptionFew explorers survive their first encounter with a deep crow. Where mundane crows content themselves on scraps and carrion, these fearsome giants of the subterranean realms hunt larger, living, and often sentient prey. Combining the most terrifying traits of crow, feline, and spider, deep crows reign over vast underground territories, nocturnal hunters in an endless night.
An adult deep crow towers nearly 20 feet tall, with a body of sleek black fur and night-black feathers carried aloft by a wingspan often exceeding 30 feet. Powerfully muscled but light of bone, most deep crows weigh approximately 7,000 pounds.
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