Ahlinni

This creature has a long, straight beak-fully half the length of its body-that tapers to a fine point. Wicked claws sprout from its wings. Its eyes are whitish-pink and its feathers are a mixture of blues, reds, yellows, and greens.

Ahlinni (CR 4)

Medium Magical Beast
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Initiative: +1
Senses: Darkvision 60 feet, Low-Light Vision; Perception +7

Speed: 40 feet, Climb 20 feet
Space: 5 feet

Defense

Armor Class: 17, touch 11, flat-footed 16 (+1 Dex, +6 natural)
Hit Points: 30 (4d10+8) Fast Healing 2
Saving Throws: Fort +6, Ref +5, Will +1
Energy Resistance: sonic 10

Offense

Melee: bite +7 (1d8+2)
Reach: 5 feet

Special Attacks: Breath Weapon (20-foot cone of gas, fall prone and hideous laughter 1d3 rounds [CL 4th], Fortitude DC 13 negates, usable every 3 rounds), impale

Statistics

Str	Dex	Con	Int	Wis	Cha
15 (+2)	13 (+1)	14 (+2)	6 (-2)	10 (+0)	10 (+0)

Base Attack Bonus: +4
CMB +6
CMD 17

Feats: Skill Focus (Perception), Weapon Focus (bite)

Skills: Acrobatics +5, Climb +14, Perception +7, Stealth +5 (+15 in trees)

• Racial Modifiers: +10 Stealth when in trees large enough to conceal it

Languages: birdsong

Special Abilities

Birdsong (Su)

An ahlinni can freely communicate with any bird or bird-like creature (such as rocs, giant eagles, and giant owls), perfectly mimicking any bird song or vocalization. Communication with non-intelligent bird creatures is on an empathic level, and can only take place if the bird is within 100 feet of the ahlinni. In these cases, this ability functions as speak with animals (caster level 4th). This ability is always active, but can be negated. The ahlinni can restart it as a free action on its next turn.

Impale (Ex)

When an ahlinni charges a foe, it deals double damage on a successful strike with its bite attack.

Ecology

Environment: Temperate or Cold Forests or Marshes
Organization: solitary, pair, or flock (4-7)
Treasure: no coins; standard goods (gems only no items


The ahlinni, or cackle bird, is a flightless bird that dwells in the treetops of thick forests or canopies of thick marsh trees. It is covered in greenish feathers of varying hues, and when it lies motionless in its leafy surroundings it is nearly invisible.

Cackle birds live in small flocks, and their laughter-like calls can be heard for great distances through the woods they call home. They have an affinity for small sparkly objects, and often line their nests with bits of colored glass or gemstones in order to attract a mate.

An ahlinni attacks first with its breath weapon and, being cowardly, usually flees the encounter if possible. When on the offensive, an ahlinni leaps from its treetop and attempts to impale its opponent on its beak.

Copyright Notice Authors Scott Greene and Erica Balsley.