Savage Menagerie: Crocotinae

No. Enc.: 1d2 (2d4-nest; 2d10-migratory flock)
Alignment: Neutral
Movement: 70' (30'); Fly: 140' (60')
Armor Class: 7
Hit Dice: 2
Attacks: 1
Damage: 1d8
Save: L2
Morale: 7
Horde Class: None

The crocotinae (krow-KOT-in-ay) is a small duck-like creature with the head of an alligator or crocodile. Crocotinae (also called "snapping waddlers") make their nests in swampy or marshy areas, though they have been occassionally encountered in fresh water ponds and lakes. Brutally vicious and territorial, the crocotinay will attack anything it views as a threat to its nest or territory. It is also carnivorous, so a hungry crocotinae is a dangerous one. Crocotinae have developed a mental link amongst the flock. Whatever one snapping waddler sees, the entire flock sees and will react accordingly.

One particular danger: As winter approaches, crocotinae will abandon their current nests and begin a southernly migration. These V-shaped migratory flocks contain 2d10 crocotinae. During migration, the birds eat whatever they can find on route. Herd animals and wandering travelers spied by an overhead flock of crocotinae are often later discovered stripped to the bone. If a party spies a flock overhead, they had best find cover and hide while the crocotinae pass over. There is a 40% chance the party will be seen by the flock if they're out in the open or caught by surprise. And if they've been seen by one crocotinae, they've been seen by all of them, and the flock will swoop down to feed.

Mutations: Metaconcert