Sylvan Owl

Class	Avian
Rarity	Rare
Size	Small
Stats	15 HP 6 Strength 4 Defense 8 Agility 10 Intelligence

Introduction

The Sylvan owl is a rare variant of the typical owl that is found in the forested areas of the Glade of Dragons. There it makes use of the vast open plains central to the region to hunt small critters and creatures such as rabbits, mice, and sometimes even wandering pixies or fairies who dare to roam outside alone after dark.

Habitat

The Glade.

Description

What makes this creature stand out as different from the more common owl breeds in the known world are its glowing eyes that commonly appear in shades of blue or yellow. This goes paired with their above-average size and colorful patterns within their feathery cloak, depicting all kinds of interesting shapes that immediately stand out in the dark as these patterns glow up under a clear night sky.

They usually have brown or gray feathers but there is a rare but small group of Sylvan owls that have silver-white feathers. This rarity only occurs when one of the owl’s eggs hatches under a full moon. Besides that, they have long feather brows that stretch out far beyond its head and above-average tail length.

When a Sylvan owl appears under the light of a full moon, it almost seems like it is a ghost. Almost as if it was see-through one could say, as the patterns seen in its feathers glow up bright in a starlike blue color and its eyes glow a bright yellowish white. When observed closely what seems like stars and other celestial bodies can be seen on its body, glowing within the patterns on its feathers. While this rarity occurs the owls are also seemingly all white in color, adding to their almost ghostly status. Yet this is all seemingly nothing but an illusion as when the first rays of sunlight creep over the horizon, the creature returns to its normal color and form.

These creatures have the potential to grow incredibly old, usually up to around 250 common years. Once they eventually die, their bodies rapidly decay, taking their prized feathers with them they are not retrieved quickly.

Behaviour

When one has the pleasure to run into one of these rare creatures, one will immediately notice that the creature is seemingly friendly, though it does not take kindly to being approached. It prefers to remain at a safe distance for the day as it hides under the canopy of the tallest trees until the night falls.

They build their nests as high as possible to ward off any potential predators going after their precious eggs. When one does climb all the way off with the intent to reach the nest, one will have to come prepared to deal with the ruthless attacks launched by the owl. Its attunement to the moon and through that the realm of Aether allows it to cast the spell “darkness” naturally to disorient the intruder or its prey and then mercilessly attack its target using its razor-sharp claws and beak.

Though at first glance this creature may seem like a ruthless predator, it is in fact the opposite. Within Elven culture, the creature is highly regarded and known to be very intelligent. Even despite not being able to speak, being able to understand and listen to spoken Elvish which makes it an excellent companion if the creature’s trust can be gained.

Abilities

Claw and peck attacks The Sylvan owl will viciously attack anyone who it deems a threat using its razor-sharp claws and beak. This attack has two attack rolls per turn and does 2 damage per successful hit.

Due to their natural attunement to the moon, the Sylvan owl is able to naturally cast the spell “darkness” to disorient potential enemies.

Darkness
The caster creates an area of darkness that even creatures with Nightvision cannot see through.
Level	1
Casting Value	13
Range	20 meters
Damage	The caster creates an area of pure darkness in a 10x10 area of their choosing for D3+2 rounds. Anyone within this darkness is afflicted with blindness until they exit the darkness or the spell ends, including the caster.
Critical Failure	The darkness seeps into the caster's vision only, as they cannot visualize the spell properly, causing them blindness for 2 rounds.
Critical Success	The spell stays for the maximum time and is increased to a 12x12 area.
Red Lines	Creatures with night vision are still blinded by this spell. The caster cannot create an area outside the maximum 20 range; anything past that will be cut off.

Drops

1-3 Sylvan Owl Feathers

These much-prized feathers are much wanted within the fashion industry, allowing designers to add all kinds of glowing patterns to their latest designs. Though expensive, items incorporating Sylvan Owl feathers are a true show of wealth, or barbarism depending on who you ask.

0-1 Sylvan Owl Egg (Rare) The glowing rare egg of a Sylvan owl is the ultimate prize for anyone daring enough to raid one of its nests. If preserved well it may one day hatch into a Sylvan Owl companion for life.