Giant Macaw

Macaws are a group of parrots known for their brilliant plumage. They are intelligent, trainable, and can be taught to speak. Giant macaws are large enough to carry a halfling or goblin, and are sometimes used as steeds by small humanoids in these environments. The average life of both types of bird is 1d5 x 10 years in the wild, but some can live much longer. For every decade a macaw lives beyond 50, roll 1d12 and consult the following: 1d12 Change 1-6 No change. 7 The macaw gains 1 Hit Die. Giant macaws also grow, so that a giant macaw which gains 3 HD becomes large enough to carry a human and does 1d6 damage with its bite. A gaint macaw which gains 6 HD is large enough to carry a small giant, and its bite does 1d8 damage. Otherwise, for every 2 HD gained, macaws of both types gain a +1 bonus to Fort saves, and for every 3 HD gained they also gain a +1 bonus to attack rolls and Will saves. 8 The macaw’s intelligence grows. Although intelligent for birds, a macaw’s intelligence is negligible when compared to that of a human. When this is first rolled, the macaw gains a 1d8+1 Intelligence; each subsequent roll increases this by +1d6. 9 Having overheard arcane spellcasters in its long life, the macaw gains access to a single random level 1 wizard spell (spell check 1d16 + Intelligence modifier). A macaw whose intelligence has not grown has a -4 Intelligence modifier and may attempt to cast the spell at random times. These macaws may well evidence one or more corruptions. 10 If the macaw has an Intelligence of 9+, it gains one level as a wizard. If the macaw has lower Intelligence, it instead gains +1d3 points of Intelligence (treat a macaw whose intelligence has not grown through aging as having an Intelligence of 1). 11 A primordial avian or rainforest god touches the macaw’s soul, granting it one level as a cleric. The macaw’s alignment changes to that of its god. This grants no additional intelligence, but the macaw is moved by the purposes of its deity. 12 Roll 1d10 twice, and apply both results. Macaw feathers may be used as decoration, or to create textiles (although these tend to degrade over time). A normal macaw is worth 1 sp dead, 2 sp alive, or 1 gp alive and trained. A giant macaw can be sold for 1 gp dead, 50 gp alive, or 250 gp alive and trained.