Roc

Gargantuan Animal
Hit Dice:	18d8+126 (207 hp)
Initiative:	+2
Speed:	20 ft. (4 squares), fly 80 ft. (average)
Armor Class:	17 (–⁠4 size, +2 Dex, +9 natural), touch 8, flat-footed 15
Base Attack/Grapple:	+13/+37
Attack:	Talon +21 melee (2d6+12)
Full Attack:	2 talons +21 melee (2d6+12) and bite +19 melee (2d8+6)
Space/Reach:	20 ft./15 ft.
Special Attacks:	—
Special Qualities:	Low-light vision
Saves:	Fort +18, Ref +13, Will +9
Abilities:	Str 34, Dex 15, Con 24, Int 2, Wis 13, Cha 11
Skills:	Hide –⁠3, Listen +10, Spot +14; racial bonuses
Feats:	Alertness, Flyby Attack, Iron Will, Multiattack, Power Attack, Snatch, Wingover
Environment:	Warm mountains
Organization:	Solitary or pair
Challenge Rating:	9
Treasure:	None
Alignment:	Always neutral
Advancement:	19-32 HD (Gargantuan); 33-54 (Colossal)
Level Adjustment:	—

Almost too big to be believed, rocs are huge birds of prey that dwell in warm mountainous regions and are known for carrying off large animals (cattle, horses, even elephants).

A roc’s plumage is either dark brown or golden from head to tail. In a few rare instances, red, black, or white rocs are sighted, but they are often considered bad omens. These enormous creatures are 30 feet long from the beak to the base of the tail, with wingspans as wide as 80 feet. A roc weighs about 8,000 pounds.

Rocs lair in vast nests made from trees, branches, lumber, and the like. They prefer to dwell high in the mountains, far from other rocs, to avoid straining their food supply; they hunt within a radius of about 10 miles around their nests.

Combat

A roc attacks from the air, swooping earthward to snatch prey in its powerful talons and carry it off for itself and its young to devour. A solitary roc is typically hunting and will attack any Medium or larger creature that appears edible. A mated pair of rocs attack in concert, fighting to the death to defend their nests or hatchlings.