Achaierai

Though not demons, achaierai are native to the Abyss. They are giant birds, somewhat like ostriches with short necks and four legs each. They attack as 9 hit dice monsters. Their bite attack (1d10 damage) is usable only against foes they can reach—typically those flying or over 8-ft tall. Against smaller creatures they have only two attacks with their talons.

Creatures under 8-ft tall, however, are at an equal disadvantage against achaierai. They may hit the creature's body (AC 8) only with missile weapons, spears or polearms (such as pikes). If armed with a hand weapon, they must attack the achaierai's legs (AC -1).

Special Abilities

Attack as 9 HD monster — They attack as 9 hit dice monsters.

Height-dependent combat — Bite attack (1d10 damage) is usable only against foes they can reach—typically those flying or over 8-ft tall. Against smaller creatures they have only two attacks with their talons.

Armour Class variation — Creatures under 8-ft tall may hit the creature's body (AC 8) only with missile weapons, spears or polearms (such as pikes). If armed with a hand weapon, they must attack the achaierai's legs (AC -1).

Poison cloud — If seriously wounded, such as losing more than two legs, the achaierai can emit a cloud of poison in a 20-ft diameter sphere. This cloud causes insanity (as the druidic spell feeblemind) for three hours unless a saving throw vs poison is made, inflicts 2d6 hp damage regardless of the save, and blocks line of sight.