Stymphalide, Stymphalides SwarmThis cloud of long-necked birds rises into the air, screeching in a cacophony reminiscent of klaxons and clanging tools. As these avians flit among one another, their feathers glint with a metallic gleam, reflecting even the dimmest light back a hundredfold through a dim haze of blood.Stymphalides Swarm CR 6Source Pathfinder #26: The Sixfold Trial pg. 88
XP 2,400
N Tiny magical beast (swarm)
Init +8; Senses low-light vision; Perception +13DefenseAC 23, touch 17, flat-footed 18 (+4 Dex, +1 dodge, +6 natural, +2 size)
hp 52 (7d10+14)
Fort +7, Ref +9, Will +3
Defensive Abilities half damage from slashing and piercing weapons, swarm traits; DR 5/magic; Immune fire
Weaknesses sonicOffenseSpeed 10 ft., fly 60 ft. (average)
Melee swarm +7 (2d6-2 plus bleed)
Space 10 ft., Reach 0 ft.
Special Attacks bleed (1), dazzle, distraction (DC 15)StatisticsStr 6, Dex 19, Con 14, Int 2, Wis 13, Cha 11
Base Atk +7; CMB —; CMD —
Feats Alertness, Dodge, Improved Initiative, Step Up
Skills Fly +8, Perception +13EcologyEnvironment warm plains and deserts
Organization solitary, flock (2-4 swarms), or host (5-8 swarms)
Treasure incidentalSpecial AbilitiesDazzle (Ex) As a stymphalides swarm beats its wings, the birds’ steel feathers reflect light in blinding patterns of flashes and flares. While in an area of normal or brighter light, anyone who occupies the same square as a stymphalides swarm at the beginning of its turn must make a DC 15 Fortitude save. Those who fail are blinded for 1d4 rounds, while those who make their saves are dazzled until they spend 1 full round outside the swarm’s space. This is a sight-based effect.DescriptionMan-eating birds of prey, the rare creatures known as stymphalides stalk the arid plains and coastlines of Golarion in ravenous swarms, shredding warm-blooded animals and unwary travelers with their bladed feathers and dagger-like beaks. From a distance, stymphalides might easily be mistaken for cranes, ibises, or other longnecked birds, though in full sunlight their gleaming feathers and the haze of blood lingering from past meals are impossible to mistake.
Peculiarly, the feathers and beak of a stymphalides are made of steel, similar to the metallic hide of a gorgon. The wings of stymphalides are as sharp as knives and often lacerate their prey as the birds swarm and beat their wings against their unfortunate victims’ skin. Similarly, their beaks are supernaturally sharp and can pierce the tough hides of animal prey or the armor of those warriors foolish enough to hunt the creatures. Even if a victim of a stymphalides swarm’s frenzied attacks manages to fend off the vicious creatures, the wounds caused by the birds continue to bleed long after being inflicted, and the victim often perishes from loss of blood before ever reaching help.
Most stymphalides stand approximately 2-1/2 feet tall and weigh little more than 40 pounds. Although mean-tempered and territorial, lone stymphalides prove relatively harmless, thus traveling in swarms of several dozen, relying on strength of numbers to bring down large or dangerous prey. Many tales also tell of enormous breeds of these monstrous birds, powerful enough to prey upon wyverns. These giant stymphalides are said to grow up to 13 feet tall and weigh over 250 pounds, with wingspans reaching upward of 25 feet. Such gigantic stymphalides are rarely seen, preferring to lurk upon desolate cliffs or even amid harsh extraplanar realms.Creatures in "Stymphalide" Category
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