Harpy

A harpy is a winged creature with humanoid features that inhabits high cliffs, mountain gorges, and ruins above difficult terrain. In Elaria, old tales of transformations and wild magic offer different explanations for its origins. Its nesting place may contain remains of prey and objects carried from nearby roads. Strange singing heard among the rocks may be the party's first warning that it has entered harpy territory.

A harpy may act alone or in a small group. It can choose an advantageous position and exploit whatever draws visitors' attention. Some groups have dominant individuals; others cooperate loosely according to the availability of prey and safety. Food, protecting a nest, or acquiring interesting objects may motivate it. Intelligence and the possibility of negotiation vary with the particular harpy, which may see strangers as threats, opportunities, or sources of information.

Once per battle, Luring Song functions as a magical attack that deals no damage. If it overcomes magical defense, it weakens the target's next attack by two. This does not automatically mean complete control or a command to jump from a cliff. Height and broken terrain nevertheless make the encounter dangerous in their own right. The party can seek another approach, discover why the road is being attacked, or negotiate the return of an object. The song may also reveal the location of a nest that can be avoided.