Wretch-Wing

"A creature has been terrorizing the nearby village of Killarney, poaching sheep and scaring the folk. Residents of the town report some massive winged beast, soaring silently through the night. Others have mentioned a piercing scream ringing out, filling them with paralyzing fear. Here's hoping this thing feels the bite of steel just the same as any other creature."

-- From the journal of Jorel Sigurna, monster hunter

Flight by Night

Giant bats are often found in deep, fey woods, but only rarely does word of a wretch-wing reach the ears of monster hunters. A wingspan reaching up to 20 feet, silent as the night, and voracious in their hunger, wretch-wings glide through the darkened skies searching for prey.

A single wretch-wing can decimate the livelihood of small towns and villages in a matter of weeks, its appetite for fresh kills being insatiable. Should a mated pair make roost near any settlement, they are quick to hire a hunter to drive them off.

Spawned of Darkness

Though their origins are unknown, it is hypothesized the wretch-wing appears wherever the dark essences of the Shadowfell enthralls an already overlarge bat and causes it to swell in strength. Other theories point to the creatures strange ability to project a high pitched scream, and surmise that it is instead natural but reclusive. Some even claim that wretch-wings are created by powerful vampire lords to protect their territories and spread fear among their people. Whatever the case, none deny that the presence of this winged beast is a horrid curse for any settlement.

For a monster hunter, a wretch-wing can be a valuable contract. The fangs and leathers of a wretch-wing are rare commodities, and collectors will pay handsomely for them. Medicine specialists will also purchase key portions of the wretch-wing for use in experimental salves and potions.

Wretch-Wing Tactics

A wretch-wing hunts alone or in a mated pair, but never more. They are fiercely territorial, and will seek out and kill any intruders.

The wretch-wing will glide silently above its intended target and unleash its sonic screech to momentarily stun it. Then it will swoop down for the kill, carrying its prey off into the night if possible.

If the target isn't incapacitated by the initial assault, a wretch-wing will retreat into the darkness and wait for an opening to strike again. Never with this creature land to do combat will its prey, preferring to stay airborne where it is most dangerous.