Harpy

A harpy is a maligned humanoid creature with a reptilian lower body and a pair of wings. It subdues its prey by its ability to magically sing, inducing a trance in those that hear, and then tormenting it.

Appearance
A harpy has the upper body of a humanoid but the lower body of a reptile, with scaly clawed feet and hands. It has filthy tangled hair on its head. It possesses wings with which is able to fly and its eyes are black.

Ecology
Harpies do not wear clothing, but will adorn themselves with jewerly or trinkets from their victims. They communicate with a language of shrieking and cackling that is quite in constrast to the beauty of their magical singing. Harpies use primitive weapons; usually bone clubs, but can also bite, and rake with their claws. They have no preference over their victims, and enjoy the killing and torture of any creature. A harpy lives for around fifty years.

Society
Harpies make homes in groups of around six in caves near shorelines, in marshlands, preferably near to well-travelled routes. They venture out to hunt, and victims are often brought back to the lair to be killed and eaten. There is no social structure to harpy life and there are constant quarrels, sometimes resulting in a fight to the death. Harpies are quite content to eat their own kind.

There has never been a recorded discovery of a male harpy. Females are able to lay eggs at will, always hatching as female offspring. Harpies do not look after their young whatsoever, leaving them to fend for themselves.

It is not unknown for harpies to cooperate with other evil humanoids if it serves their interests.

Earlier incarnations
In 2nd edition Advanced Dungeons &amp; Dragons, harpies had the torso and head of a woman, but the legs of a vulture.