Pharaoh's Vulture

Description

Descended from the common Mulhorandi Vulture, found throughout the southern Inner Sea region, from the Vilhon Reach through the Shaar, the Pharaoh's Vulture is generally only found in Mulhorand, and more rarely in Unther. Closely resembling the white-feathered, bare-headed cousin, like any vulture it spends its days soaring high in the sky, keep an ever watchful eye out for carrion, offal, and vulnerable animals (and humans). In fact, the resemblance between this monster and the normal, relatively harmless Mulhorandi Vulture is that most will be unable to distinguish between the two, with rangers and druids about 50% likely to make the distinction (give a knowledge of both birds).

The Pharaoh's Vulture though is different in two aspects. First, though the bird rarely bites, it does on occasion to help a dying creature to the afterworld so that it may feed, or for defense. In addition to the relatively minor damage of 1-2 hit points of damage, the victim has a 35% chance per hit to contract a rotting disease, the same which mummies spread. The recipient will die in 1-6 months, with each month the disease afflicts the person 2 points of charisma are lost, permanently. Curable only by a cure disease spell, it negates all cure wound spells. Second, the bird is immune to all forms of disease, poison, and gas attack, as well as all sleep spells and effects that cause sleep.

Scholars speculate that this species developed its powers from feeding upon entombed pharaoh's and nobles in Mulhorand, or perhaps were allowed to eat the entrails left over from the preparation of mummies. Others believe it is a curse upon those who would rob the dead, or perhaps a malicious creation of Set. Whatever the cause, the abilities are now inherited, and each new generation presents a danger for the unwary.