Knight's Handbook: Bestiary - Firehawks

Description:
   Firehawks are large birds of prey native to high temperature, more barren regions of Endvale.  They are exceptionally rare in Lustra, but not unseen, as they sometimes nest in mountainous areas.  Their plumage is black, with edges that glow like embers.  They are exceptionally hot to the touch, but are immune to the effects of heat and flame themselves.  When a firehawk flies at high speeds, such as when diving towards prey, its body ignites as an oily substance it secretes over its feathers catches fire.  The flames linger for a time, usually between thirty seconds and a minute until a full layer of its oil burns away.  A firehawk whose flames have recently burned out has ashen-colored feathers, until it can renew its secretions.  Their diet primarily consists of small- and medium-sized birds and mammals, which will die quickly from its flames and talents if it does not kill them on impact.

Tactics:
   Though they generally do not recognize humanoids as prey, they will attack if they are starving, or they feel that they or their nests are threatened.  Evasion is preferred to conflict, but if a firehawk must be put down, ranged combat is preferred.  If its secretions have been expended and a firehawk still feels threatened, it will retreat, so taking cover is also a viable method of dealing with aggressive firehawks.  They are difficult but not impossible to tame, but if not raised from birth they can have behavior concerns, especially during storms.  They are easily detected at nighttime due to the glowing edges of their feathers.

Abilities:
   A firehawk that has burst into flames burns hot enough ignite nearby cloth in a couple of seconds, and can begin melting steel armor in about ten seconds.  Their talons are no larger or sharper than any other bird of prey of a similar size.  They are unaffected by fire, though their oily coating can be ignited pre-emptively.  They can reach unmatched speeds while diving, allowing them to intercept even fast-flying birds when they are hunting.  Their senses of sight and smell are extremely keen, able to spot even small prey from a mile away.

Summary:
   Power: Moderate
   Mobility: Extreme
   Durability: Low
   Magic: Low
   Intelligence: Moderate
   Awareness: Extreme
   Tactics: Low
   Size: Small
   Threat Rating: High