Hyena, Giant

A giant hyena is a fearsome and predatory creature, resembling its smaller hyena counterparts but on a much larger and more intimidating scale. It possesses a robust and muscular build, with a lean body covered in coarse fur. The fur can vary in color, typically ranging from shades of brown, gray, or black, providing excellent camouflage in various environments.

The giant hyena is known for its powerful jaws and sharp, formidable teeth. Its massive head is adorned with a set of large, curved canine teeth that can deliver bone-crushing bites. These teeth are used not only for hunting but also for scavenging and devouring its prey with ruthless efficiency.

With a menacing and slinking gait, the giant hyena moves with both agility and speed, capable of pursuing its quarry relentlessly. It possesses keen senses of sight and smell, allowing it to detect prey from great distances and track their movements with precision. Its powerful legs enable it to pounce upon unsuspecting victims or engage in swift pursuits.

Giant hyenas are highly social creatures, often living in organized packs led by an alpha individual. The pack hierarchy is fiercely maintained, and cooperation within the group ensures successful hunting and defense of their territory. Their eerie vocalizations, including haunting laughter-like calls, can be heard echoing through the night, adding to their mysterious and intimidating presence.

These creatures are opportunistic hunters, preying upon a wide range of animals, from smaller mammals to weakened or injured larger creatures. They possess a strong appetite and are known for their ability to consume flesh, bone, and other organic materials, making them efficient scavengers as well.

Encountering a giant hyena in the wild can be a perilous experience. They are aggressive and territorial, fiercely defending their hunting grounds and pack members. Their pack mentality and coordination make them formidable adversaries, capable of overwhelming even well-prepared adventurers.

Despite their ferocity, some cultures regard giant hyenas as symbols of cunning and survival. Their resilience and adaptability in harsh environments have earned them a place in folklore and mythology. In certain regions, they are feared as harbingers of death and destruction, believed to be omens of impending doom.

Approaching or engaging a giant hyena requires caution, as their powerful bites and pack tactics can quickly turn the tide against intruders. Only those with considerable skill, strength, and tactical prowess may stand a chance against these formidable creatures.

Special Abilities

Rampage

When the hyena reduces a creature to 0 hit points with a melee attack on its turn, the hyena can take a bonus action to move up to half its speed and make a bite attack.

Actions

• Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) piercing damage.

Proficiencies

• Skill: Perception +3