Stryx are the result of mad experiments deep within the plane of Shadows. They resemble owls and can pass as normal birds as long as they don’t speak or open their mouths. The stryx have a larger mouth hidden behind their beaks, filled with gleaming human teeth. Stryx range in color from pale gray to sooty black, with gleaming eyes.

Strange Alchemy. The stryx are unnatural beings that came about through terrible manipulation of normal owls and kidnapped humans.

The Shadow’s Eyes. Stryx thrive in the plane of Shadow and on the Material Plane equally, and they enjoy attaching themselves to powerful beings as spies, servants, and translators. Their purposes are muddied, however, because they constantly relay what they learn to their mad creator.

Stryx

Tiny monstrosity, neutral
Armor Class 13
Hit Points 10 (4d4)
Speed 10 ft., fly 60 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
3 (-4)	17 (+3)	11 (+0)	8 (-1)	15 (+2)	6 (-2)

Skills Perception +4, Stealth +5
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 14
Languages Common, Elvish
Challenge 1/8 (25 XP)

False Appearance. Until a stryx speaks or opens its mouth, it is indistinguishable from a normal owl.

Flyby. The stryx doesn’t provoke opportunity attacks when it flies out of an enemy’s reach.

Innate Spellcasting. The stryx’s innate spellcasting ability is Wisdom. It can cast the following spell, requiring no components:
3/day: comprehend languages

Keen Hearing and Sight. The stryx has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or sight.

Actions

Talons. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 1 slashing damage.