Talking owl

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Greyhawk Creature
Talking owl
General information
Size:Small
Alignment:Lawful Good[1]
Type:Magical beast


Talking owls are very rare magical creatures found in the Flanaess.

Ecology

Like regular owls, talking owls prey on frogs, insects, rodents, toads, and daylight birds. They are hunted in turn by Wyverns.[1]

Environment

Talking owls can be found anywhere you might find a regular owl, though at a far rarer frequency. They tend to be active primarily at dusk.[1]

Typical physical characteristics

Talking owls are physically identical to a variety of large mundane owls, with an average wingspan of 6ft. They differ, of course, in their ability to speak.[1]

Society

Talking owls usually live solitary lives, and lack hierarchical social structures of their own, but they delight in observing those of others. On rare occasion, these magical birds will lend their services to humanoid organizations.[2]

When they do socialize, talking owls are generally soft-spoken and humble, rarely looking down on others, and even openly admiring those who risk their lives to combat the forces of evil. Towards individuals they truly like, talking owls act sagely, kind, and generous, while offering wise guidance and advice.[2]

Language

Most talking owls are capable of speaking Common and up to six additional languages.[1][2]

Religion

Though they don't universally associate with any specific deities, most talking owls serve a good-aligned religion or deity of their choice.[2]

Relationships

Talking owls of the Gnarley Forest are allies of Serendya and her sisterhood of Swanmays.[3]

Abilities

Talking owls can detect good at will, and can't be surprised. Additionally, they have a 20-25% resistance to magic and are immune to being charmed or frightened.[1][2][4]

Activities

In the Gnarley Forest, talking owls are known to act as spies for the Swanmays and the denizens of Corustaith.[3][5]

In the Welkwood, talking owls make up part of the defense network for Oakvein, alongside Brownies, Pixies, Treants, and Unicorns.[6]

Upon encountering adventurers, a talking owl will sometimes feign a broken wing to see how they treat it, and gauge their goodness of heart. If they impress the creature, it may offer its aid to them for up to three weeks.[1]

Rumors and legends

It is believed that talking owls are sent by divine powers to aid great heroes in their struggles against evil.[2]

References

Citations

  1. a b c d e f g Monstrous Compendium Volume One (TSR, 1989), pg.105
  2. a b c d e f Dragon Magazine #269, "Animal Henchmen" by James Wyatt (March 2000), pg.32
  3. a b From the Ashes Campaign Book (TSR, 1992), p.42
  4. Vale of the Mage (TSR, 1990), pg.28
  5. From the Ashes Campaign Book (TSR, 1992), p.45
  6. From the Ashes Campaign Book (TSR, 1992), p.46

Bibliography

Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index

The Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index (EGI) is based on previous work of Jason Zavoda through '08, continued by numerous other fans. The EGI article has a list of sources, product names, abbreviations, and a link to the full, downloadable index.

Topic Type Description Product Page/Card/Image

Bird, Talking Owl Monster Dragon magazine #269 32
Bird, Talking Owl Monster From the Ashes: References Card #14
Bird, Talking Owl Monster MC1 - Monstrous Compendium Volume 1 Insert (Owl)
Bird, Talking Owl Monster WG12 Vale of the Mage 28
Talking Owl Monster Reference SEE Bird, Talking Owl