This installment of the My First Monster Manual blog series is the Tufted Owl Beast.
Environment: Forest and Woodlands
Monster Type: Neutral
Color: Male: Blue and White, Female: Grey and White, Yellow eyes and beak.
Features: Short feathered eye ridge, tufted ears
Abilities: Excellent vision, hearing and smell. Silent Flight
Recommended Equipment: Padded body wear, thick gloves, cookies.
Introduction:
The Tufted Owl Beast is a large feathered night predator. Its feeds mostly on small animals; rodents, snakes, and lizards. But is capable of taking down larger prey including foxes, deer, and ponies. The Owl Beast stands 6 to 7 SBL(Standard Brick Lengths) Tall. Its powerful wings allow it to silently fly short distances, If threatened, the Owl Beast can generate a powerful wind knocking a person over. The Owl Beast protects its territory and keeps balance in the forest.
Investigation:
Ending our observations of Jack, the Straw Golem, Dame Alice was kind enough to give us a bundle of fresh baked cookies. Continuing our journey we quietly followed the edge of the woods. We heard nothing as a large shadow flew over our heads eclipsing the sun before diving into the canopy of the trees. My assistant paused and snatched a long blue feather that floated down on the wind. We decided to investigate the enormous bird! Indeed, if our suspicion was correct, we were in the territory of a Tufted Owl Beast. An incredible monster to add to our investigations.
Observations:
We trudged as quietly as we could through the trees. In these deep woods the pine needles made a slippery path. Trying to maintain our footing exhausted us. We stopped under a huge tree to catch our breathe. The woods were so silent, we believed we were alone. That’s when animal bones dropped on our heads. There, looking down at us, was the Tufted Owl Beast, huffing and clicking his beak at us. He was bright blue with a white breast and white edging on the wings. He stared at us with those luminous intelligent eyes investigating us as we were investigating him. Not wanting to startle the owl beast and unsure what to do we stayed as still as possible. The Owl Beast landed on the forest floor directly in font of us. Seeming to accept our presence he bowed his great head. In awe, I watched as it moved in close, particularly interested in one of our packs. With the most delicate of motion it slowly opened our pack and pulled out the bundle of cookies Dame Alice had gifted us. The excitement was evident on the Owl Beasts large face, his beak clicking. He took great joy eating the sweet treats, one cookie at a time. His chomping stops suddenly, possibly forgetting that we were even there, he turns his head and looks right at us. Then the most amazing thing happened. He gently picked up two of the cookies in his claw and held them out to me. Moving slow I took one and gave one to my assistant. We leaned back against the tree and enjoyed a cookie snack break with the Owl Beast.
Conclusion:
The Owl Beast is an intelligent formidable monster. Cautious of strangers but capable of empathy and even sharing. A mighty protector of the forest indeed. He had been watching the Straw Golem making sure it was not a threat to his territory. He must of been familiar with Dame Alice’s baking habits. We’re unsure if this is the first time he’d been able to taste one of her treats. Once all the cookies were consumed, the owl beast leapt back up into the canopy, squealed, and whistled down at us as he flew towards the coast.
About:
The Tufted Owl Beast is part of our “My First Monster Manual” blog series where we will feature each of the monsters we are considering for inclusion in our new children’s book. Click here to learn more info on My First Monster Manual.
Artist: Joshua Johnson – joshings.com
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