# Wilora >[!rimg]+ > ![[Placeholder2.png]] *This stork-like creature has long blue legs and a ravenlike head with a sharp, straight beak. The creature’s plumage is breathtaking, with thin, prismatic feathers cascading down its back. It has a magnificent, brightly colored crest and long tailfeathers similar to those of a bird of paradise.* <div class="grid-container"><div class="MON">Wilora</div> <div class="CR">CR 2 (600 XP)</div> <div class="SOU">City of Splendors: Waterdeep pg. 141</div> <div class="SYS">Dungeons & Dragons 3.5</div></div> CN Tiny Magical Beast (shapechanger) **Init** +9 **Senses** darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision; **Perception** +4 #### defense **AC** 19, 17 touch, 14 flat-footed (+5 Dex, +2 natural, +2 size) **hp** 11 (2d10) **Fort** +3, **Refl** +8, **Will** +2; +4 vs. enchantment **Feint** 14, **Demoralize** 14 **SR** 13 #### offense **Speed** 20 ft., fly 50 ft. (average) **Melee** 2 claws +9 (1d2-3) **Space** 2 1/2 ft., **Reach** 0 ft. **Special Attacks** hypnotic song, snatching gaze #### statistics **Str** 5, **Dex** 20, **Con** 10, **Int** 12, **Wis** 14, **Cha** 17 **BAB** +2, **CMB** -3, **CMD** +12, **TA** +1, **RTA** +9 **Feats** [[Alertness]]^B, [[Improved Initiative]], [[Weapon Finesse]]^B **Skills** Bluff +5, Diplomacy +5, Disguise +5, Perception +4 **Languages** Auran, Common **SQ** change shape (Large or smaller bird-like animal or magical beast, _polymorph_) #### special abilities ### Change Shape (Su) A wilora is bound to its true form during the day, but after nightfall it can change into any bird or bird-like animal or magical beast size large or smaller (including giant eagles, giant owls, griffons, hippogriffs, or owlbears), remaining in that form until daybreak if it wishes. In addition, if the wilora has successfully used the memory-snatching gaze during the current night, the wilora I may assume the form of the last creature upon which it successfully used its memory-snatching gaze. It gains the ability to speak any language that creature knows while in that form. This ability otherwise functions as _polymorph_. ### Hypnotic Song (Su) While in its true form, as a full-round action a wilora can trill a captivating song that affects all living creatures within a 30-foot spread. Such creatures must succeed at a DC 16 Will save or become entranced by the song as if by a hypnotism spell cast by a 2nd-level sorcerer. This is a mind-affecting, sonic attack. The save DC is Charisma-based and includes a +2 racial bonus. ### Memory-Snatching Gaze (Su) If a wilora meets the gaze of a helpless, fascinated or willing target (such as a target that has been hypnotized by its song) within 30 feet, the victim must succeed at a DC 16 Will save or his memories and knowledge become accessible to the wilora through an intrusive telepathic link. Each round, the victim may make a new saving throw to break the link, but in each round that the victim fails the saving throw the wilora learns the answer to one question, to the best of the victim's knowledge. These questions are posed telepathically, and the answers are imparted directly to the wilora's mind. Once a victim makes a Will save against the wilora's gaze, he becomes immune to that particular wilora's gaze for 24 hours. Unlike most gaze attacks, this gaze attack requires the wilora's concentration; it cannot target more than one creature in a round. The wilora may only use its memory-snatching gaze while in its true form. This is a mind-affecting, telepathy effect. The save DC is Charisma-based and includes a +2 racial bonus. #### ecology **Environment:** Warm forests **Organization:** Solitary **Treasure:** Standard **Advancement:** 3–6 HD (Small) The wilora is a cunning and deceptive creature that can steal the memories of those who meet its gaze; it can then assume the form of its victims at will. Wiloras are not uncommon in large cities of the southern Realms. They have recently appeared in Waterdeep thanks to the machinations of the Unseen. Wiloras are said to be a creation of Beshaba, formed from the eggs of tropical birds that have been soaked in the blood of doppelgangers. Indeed, the similarity between the wilora’s abilities and those of a doppelganger seems more than coincidental. Wiloras commonly adopt the guise of a local species of bird, and then search for particularly interesting or intriguing individuals from which to steal hedonistic or amusing memories. Wiloras are sometimes befriended by thieves’ guilds; their unusual talents can be used to great effect in the creation of alibis, the blackmailing of wealthy targets, and the extraction of information from prisoners or public officials. However, should that relationship falter, a wilora can do great damage by exposing the guild’s criminal activities. ### Combat A wilora forced into combat in its natural form relies heavily on its hypnotic song—it is far from a dangerous creature in melee. When forced into melee in its true form, it claws with its talons and hopes for the best. A wilora hides and rests during the day. At night, the wilora takes full advantage of its alternate forms when forced into combat. If it doesn’t have access to a humanoid form, a cornered wilora is quick to assume the form of a birdlike beast to fight more effectively.