Sun Crow Mimics
Brinemarch Sun Crows
1HD | Attacks: Peck (1 dmg) | No. Appearing 1d6 -> 2d12
Summary: Black corvids with striking yellow underwings. Mimics any sound it has heard (voice, cry for help, animal call); lures predators to vulnerable targets. If it dances in flight, then the predator is imminent (increases wandering monster check frequency by +1 for 1d6 turns).
They signal powerful predators that they have found something vulnerable and edible.
Trigger:
1d6 appear anytime an individual PC scouts ahead, is bleeding, or plays music. 1d12 appear after a group failed {navigation}, {stealth}, or {survival} check, played music.
Birds disperse if
- rain, or weather, yielded any precipitation -any party member gave a [full ration] to birds
- any party member gave [gear] or clothes to birds **
- 50% if PC attempted intervention (spiritual, magical, or physical) |
Doppelgänger Rite: If given a piece of clothing that witnessed the donor's death, may assume their form (voice, stats, habits), but this doppelganger's blood is iridescent.
Treasure: Find ground caches near landmarks (ruins, large roots, old statues, cairns). Contents: Buttons // Lost or needed objects of the party // curios // engraved stones // trinkets of minor magical significance // keys // lockets // hints about past victims.
Giving clothing marks a PC for future {Doppelgänger replacement} if they die in sight of [Sun Crows].
Trail Signs
Sun Crows act friendly, intrusive. They lure predators to prey so they can scavenge. As their numbers grow, unwanted attention from fauna, fiends and factions follows.
- Mimicry: Hearing a familiar voice or cry for help when alone.
- Luring: Predator mating call, too close.
- -Mocking: Attempted to sow discord among PCs
- Warning:
- Dancing Crows: Spinning flight signals an encounter is about to begin.
Options if an audience of Sun Crows assembles:
If the crows (3+) begin dancing (spinning in flight), danger is imminent.
Options:
- flee
- hide
- combat
- plea
Doppelgänger Amnesia
If any Sun Crow witnesses the dying breath of a being who ever gave it a personal gear or piece of clothing, it will take their form.
- The copy is identical, retaining the victim’s voice and stats.
- Its blood appears as motor oil with a rainbow sheen.
- For two weeks, it lives the victim’s life — eating their food, walking their routines.
- Once satisfied, it embraces freedom as a true Doppelgänger.
Other Sun Crows dispose of the body and belongings in the nearest river to cover the replacement.