Kes’ ’trekel
A scrawny black bird squawks as it circles around overheard, looking for a meal. A blood-red patch on its head is its only distinguishable feature.
Kes’ ’trekel CR 1/2
XP 200
N Tiny animal
Init +1; Senses low-light vision, scent; Perception +9
Defense
AC 15, touch 13, flat-footed 14 (+2 size, +1 Dex, +2 natural)
hp 5 (1d8+1)
Fort +3, Ref +3, Will +1; +4 vs. disease
Offense
Speed 10 ft., fly 60 ft. (average)
Melee bite +2 (1d6+1)
Special Attacks Communal Psychic Energy (Feast on Fear)
Statistics
Str 12, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 2, Wis 16, Cha 8
Base Atk +0; CMB +0; CMD 11
Feats Flyby Attack
Skills Fly +7, Perception +9; Racial Modifiers +8 Perception
Ecology
Environment warm plains or hills
Organization solitary, pair, or flock (3–30)
Treasure none
Description
The kes‘trekel is a carrion eater, constantly on the search for dead prey. Cowardly birds, they usually shy away from large targets, but have been known to assemble in packs to attack larger prey. In large numbers, the kes‘trekel can sometimes muster enough collective psychic energy to manifest the psionic power of aversion. Kes‘trekels are extremely territorial and use their psycic powers to scare trespassers away from their nesting areas. They pair only long enough to mate. They are often captured and used as guards, as their nervous territorial squawking reveals the presence of all but the stealthiest intruders. Their eggs are considered a delicacy in Nibenay (if procured within two weeks of laying), and their eyes are sometimes eaten by the barbaric tribes of the Ringing Mountain in the belief that they grant enhanced vision. The foot-long bird has a three-foot wingspan with black plumage; the only spot of color is a crimson patch on its head. Feral kes’trekel have a life span of approximately 15 years, while domestic kes’trekel sometimes live as long as 25 years. Combat Kes’trekel are extremely vulnerable on the ground and prefer to attack from the wing if at all possible.
Communal Psychic Energy (Sp): A group of 20 or more kes‘trekels can manifest Feast on Fear three times per day (Will DC 18 negates). For every 10 additional kes‘trekel, increase the save DC by 1. Manifester level 9th. The save DC is Charisma-based.