4d4 Owlbear's Nest

Owlbears are a staple of low-level adventures. There is nothing more frightening for neophyte adventurers than facing down this mad mixture of bear and owl.

When owlbears aren’t hunting, they retreat to their nests, making it one of the most likely place for adventurers to encounter them. While owlbears have animal intelligence, they are cunning and aggressive, especially when it comes to protecting their nest (or young).

Use these lists to add depth and flavour to a owlbear’s nest.

What’s Going On?

Art Matt Morrow

The owlbear…

1. Has a wounded live deer trapped in the nest.

2. Is watching over six eggs; the largest is in the process of hatching.

3. Stands over the corpse of its mate. Its mournful cries are a mixture of growls and shrieks.

4. Is busy chasing a rat through its nest, while the rat frantically tries to escape.

Major Lair Features

1. The nest surrounds a granite column reaching from floor to ceiling.

2. Several partially eaten corpses of wolves, deer and so on are strewn around the nest.

3. A rope bridge connects two ledges above the nest.

4. Fissures crisscross this location. A disused nest rests precariously at the edge of a steep drop.

Owlbear’s Appearance

The owlbear…

1. Has a scar running down the left side of its face and crossing its left eye, rendering it blind in that eye (this does not affect the owlbear in combat).

2. Has a pale, heart-shaped owl’s head and is missing the ear tufts common to owlbears. Its fur is jet black.

3. Is missing all its feathers, giving it bald patches on its head and upper body.

4. Has grey and white fur which suggests it has reached a surprising advanced age. It is also missing one of its talons from its right claw.

Treasure

1. Tucked in a corner is a neatly stacked pile of smooth, shiny rocks. One of the rocks is a small translucent green gemstone (a bloodstone worth in the region of 50 gp).

2. A severed, rotting left hand buried in the nest bears a golden ring on its index finger.

3. Three brown eggs surround a white egg. (The white egg contains a cockatrice.)

4. A blue speckled egg sits among the brown and white owlbear eggs. On closer inspection, the speckles reveal themselves to be tiny sapphires.

Want More?

This article is an extract from the Complete Monstrous Lair Collection which is available here for immediate download. Alternatively, check out the 4d4 Archive for more handy, flavoursome and time-saving 4d4 articles ready for immediate use in your campaign.

Design Mike Welham Art Matt Morrow