Bitternai
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Climate/Terrain | Marshes and swamps |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Organization | Flock |
| Activity Cycle | Day |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Intelligence | Very (11-12) |
| Treasure | F |
| Alignment | Neutral |
| No. Appearing | 1-4 |
| Armor Class | 6 |
| Movement | 6/16 |
| Hit Dice | 3 |
| THAC0 | 18 |
| No. of Attacks | 1 |
| Damage/Attack | 1-6 or by weapon |
| Special Attacks | Nil |
| Special Defenses | Nil |
| Magic Resistance | Nil |
| Size | Medium (5 feet tall) |
| Morale | Average (8-10) |
| XP Value | 80 |
Description
The bitternai or the "hidden ones" are a very rarely seen race of secretive sentient marsh birds, found only well away from the works of humanity. In appearance, the bitteranai a long-necked, long-legged, brown and tan heron. Its wings, which resemble that of a typical heron when folded against the body, have three long fingers which allow it to grasp and use items. Not able to speak any human tongue, they have their own language of clacks, whistles, and calls.
The bitternai are generally peaceful creatures, shy and retiring and seeking to live peaceful lives in the tall grass swamps they love. Occasionally though marsh predators or evil humanoids races force them to do battle. Preferring to attack from ambush (the bitternai can freeze in natural terrain, becoming invisible to all those but who have infravision or the ability to see invisible objects). Attacking from concealment at a +2 on the initial attack role, the bitternai will either use its long, sharp beak or a spear, constructed from some swamp or marsh tree. Larger, heavier weapons are rarely used, those swords on rare occasions have been seen to be used by the hidden ones.
In addition to beak and weapons, as an extreme last resort the bitternai can use a buffeting attack with their wings for 1-2 additional points of damage. Risky to the creature as it requires extremely close contact, it can served to blind or stun an opponent. Any opponent successfully hit by a buffeting attack must save vs. spells or be stunned for 1 round.
The bitternai live in small flocks of about 30 to 40 individuals, generally not constructing any form of permanent shelter. About one forth to one half will be males, the rest a mixture of females and young (the young have no effective attack).
The bitternai live in harmony with their wetland environment, hunting and foraging for fishes, frogs, salamanders, and the like. In fact they are so in tune with their environment that one tribe in four will have a druid, of up to level 6. Such groups have a greater aptitude for magic; those in these more magical tribes will be able to cast entangle, pass without trace, and insect swarm once a day.
There is a great enmity between bitternai and the eblis, or "storkmen." The eblis, a larger, neutral evil race of intelligent heron-like creatures, will ruthless seek to exterminate any bitternai they encounter. The bitternai generally get along decently well with the lizard men, and stay out of the way of the bullywugs, which is not difficult to do.
Druids and rangers greatly respect the bitternai, and those that spend time in the swamps count them a useful ally. Though very difficult to find, they have been known to aid adventurers if approached properly.