Erdlu
The erdlu is a smaller version of the crodlu. Its body is covered in tough scales, and its folded forelimbs sprout useless wings. Hardy and fast, this drakelike creature is a fine riding beast for a Small rider. It is too skittish to be trained for war, however.
Erdlus are flightless, featherless birds covered with flaky gray-to-red scales. They weigh as much as 200 pounds and stand up to seven feet tall. They have powerful, lanky legs ending in four-toed feet with razor-sharp claws, and can run at great speeds over short distances (no more than half-a-mile). Their bodies are massive and round, with a pair of useless wings folded at their sides. Attached to their yellow, snake-like necks are small round heads with huge wedge-shaped beaks.
Erdlus make ideal herd animals, as they can eat many forms of tough vegetation, as well as snakes, lizards, and other small reptiles. They instinctively band together in flocks for protection. When threatened, their first impulse is to flee. If this is not possible, the entire flock will turn and give battle as a group. When they fight, they strike at their attackers with their sharp beaks and then rake them with their claws.
Erdlu (2nd edition)
Erdlu eggs are excellent food, containing all the nutrients that a human or demihuman needs to survive for months at a time. If eaten raw, they can even substitute for water (1 gallon per egg) for periods of up to one week. In addition, the hard scales of their wings make excellent shields or armor, their beaks can be used to make fine spearheads, and their claws are often crafted into daggers or tools.
Stats[]
4th edition[]
Medium natural beast (mount, reptile). Level 1 Skirmisher. XP 100.
HP 28; Bloodied 14. Initiative +5. AC 15. Fortitude 14, Reflex 14, Will 12. Speed 8.
| Str 16 (+3) | Dex 16 (+3) | Wis 13 (+1) |
| Con 12 (+1) | Int 2 (-4) | Cha 8 (-1) |
- Alignment: Unalingned.
- Languages: ---.
- Medium Steed: A Small character can use an erdlu as a mount.
- Escape Sprint: When an erdlu runs, it gains +4 to speed, instead of +2. The erdlu and its rider don't grant combat advantage when running.
- Beak (At-Will). Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +6 vs AC. Hit: 1d6+3 damage.
- Speed per Hour: 4 miles (6,5 Km approx).
- Speed per Day: 40 miles (65 Km approx).
- Normal Load: 160 lb (72,5 Kg approx).
- Heavy Load: 320 lb (145 Kg).
- Push/Drag: 800 lb (363 Kg approx).
Sources[]
- Dark Sun Campaign Setting. Dungeon & Dragons 4th edition. Wizards of the Coast.
- Dark Sun Bestiary (Part 1: Domestic Beasts). New Monsters for Fifth Edition. DMDave Publishing Website.