Cryptid Wednesday: The Mountain Devil

Every Wednesday I write up a new cryptid for Swords & Wizardry. This one is from California, where it's known as the Lone Pine Mountain Devil; I'm leaving the location off but keeping the monster.

Mountain Devil

Hit Dice: 5
Armor Class: 5 [14]
Attacks: 2 claws (1d6/1d6) or bite (1d8+poison)
Saving Throw: 12
Special: Poison
Move: 12 (18 flying)
Alignment: Neutral
Challenge Level/XP: 7/600

A Mountain Devil is a fierce bird-like predator that dwells in forested mountains. It stands the height of an average human and has wings and sharp talons, but its frame is furred and its mouth is full of venomous teeth. Their screech will cause pack animals to scurry away in fear.

When a Mountain Devil first attacks, it will swoop down and use its talons to make a first warning attack. If its opponents scatter, it will continue to harry them out of its territory. However, if they stand and fight the Mountain Devil will use its bite, which contains a powerful poison (save vs. poison or die).

Despite their name, Mountain Devils are not evil, but will attack predators and humans in their habitats who are in any way despoiling nature. There is a 75% chance that a Mountain Devil will speak the secret druidic language, and in any case they will never attack a party containing a druid.