dungeonstrugglers

Ethereal Nighthawk

Added 2023-01-12 21:50:43 +0000 UTC

The ethereal nighthawk is a small predatory bird endemic to the Bleakwood. Warped by the necrotic energies of Titan’s Tomb, these birds exists on the thin line between the Material Plane and the Border Ethereal. They can see into both realities and planeshift at will to avoid detection, predation, and obstacles while darting through their native forested valley.
The ethereal nighthawk’s wings make a distinctive booming sound when pulling out of a dive or changing direction mid-flight. This intense vibration can be aimed by the nighthawk at a nearby creature and it packs enough punch to disorient the senses. Ethereal nighthawks will use this trick as a back-up maneuver to dissuade predators or stun elusive prey.
Ethereal nighthawks are insectivorous, feeding on flying insects with their broad mouths while on the wing. Once a year, the nighthawk molts and leaves feathers behind. These feathers are prized for their connection to the Border Ethereal and are excellent reagents in magical items or concoctions. These magical birds also make great familiars for mages interested in making use of their unique abilities. Many of the scholars within the Spectare Mortem have nighthawk companions. The Marrowa believe ethereal nighthawks are messengers of the dead, ferrying gossip and news between the deceased. They treat nighthawks with reverence and see it as a blessing if one chooses to roost in their home.