b'Alke \n'b'  Large   monstrosity ,  unaligned  \n'b'  Armor Class  14 (natural armor)  Hit Points  114 (12d10 + 48)  Speed  50 ft., climb 30 ft.\n'b' STATS STR: 18 (+4) DEX:  15 (+2)  CON:  18 (+4)  INT:  4 (\xe2\x80\x933)  WIS:  13 (+1)  CHA:  12 (+1)  \n'b'\n'b'\n'b'\n'b'\n'b'\n'b'\n'b'  Saving Throws   Dex  +5,  Cha  +4  Skills   Acrobatics  +5,  Perception  +7,  Stealth  +5  Condition Immunities   petrified   Senses   darkvision  60 ft., passive  Perception  16  Languages  \xe2\x80\x94  Challenge  5 (1,800 XP)  Proficiency Bonus  +3 \n'b' SPECIAL TRAITS \n'b'\n'b'  Back Spikes . Any Small or larger creature riding the alke against its will must make DC 15  Dexterity  saving throw at the start of its turn, taking 14 (4d6) piercing damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. \n'b'  Keen Sight . The alke has advantage on  Wisdom  ( Perception ) checks that rely on sight. \n'b'  Pounce . If the alke moves at least 30 feet straight toward a creature and then hits it with a Claws  attack  on the same turn, that target must succeed on a DC 15  Strength  saving throw or be knocked  prone . If the target is  prone , the alke can make one Beak  attack  against it as a bonus action. \n'b'\n'b' ACTIONS \n'b'\n'b'  Multiattack . The alke makes one Beak  attack  and two Claws attacks. \n'b'  Beak .  Melee Weapon Attack : +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.  Hit : 8 (1d8 + 4) piercing damage. \n'b'  Claws .  Melee Weapon Attack : +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.  Hit : 11 (2d6 + 4) slashing damage. \n'b'  Piercing Roll (Recharge 4\xe2\x80\x936) . The alke tucks in its head and throws itself spikes first into nearby foes. The alke moves up to 25 feet in a straight line and can move through the space of any Medium or smaller creature. The first time it enters a creature\xe2\x80\x99s space during this move, that creature must make a DC 15  Strength  saving throw. On a failure, a creature takes 14 (4d6) bludgeoning and 14 (4d6) piercing damage and is knocked  prone . On a success, a creature takes half the damage and isn\xe2\x80\x99t knocked  prone . \n'b'\n'b' REACTIONS \n'b'\n'b'  Repelling Spikes . The alke adds 3 to its AC against one melee or ranged weapon  attack  that would hit it. To do so, the alke must see the attacker and not be  prone . \n'b'\n'b' ABOUT \n'b' This ferocious, wingless griffon sports hardened feather-spikes where its wings should be. \n'b' Alkes, also called an alce or a keythong, are cousins to griffons, but they grow spikes instead of wings along their backs. More ferocious in battle than typical griffons, alkes use their bulk and superior speed to topple prey, exposing it to their crushing beaks and rending claws. Alkes are solitary creatures, too proud and volatile to share territory with others of their kind. They always consider themselves at the top of the food chain, even if stronger beasts reside nearby. This sense of pride easily turns into dangerous arrogance, preventing them from backing down from an aggressor. \n'b'  Contemptible Creatures . While alkes regard all beasts as prey, they bear an instinctual contempt for other monstrosities, including griffons and other alkes. This contempt comes not from a sense of jealousy but rather the alke\xe2\x80\x99s pride in its own prowess. Any indication of another creature\xe2\x80\x99s advantages, whether manufactured or natural, incites a primal need in the alke to prove itself superior. Alkes keep a special animosity for cockatrices, gorgons, and medusas. Immune to these creatures\xe2\x80\x99 petrifying abilities, alkes toy with and torment these hated foes before moving in for a kill. \n'b'  Potent Components . The alkes\xe2\x80\x99 immunity to petrifying effects makes clear they are infused with magic. Herbalists prize their spikes as powerful spell components for healing and protective properties. Big game hunters, poachers, and would?be heroes have attempted to slay or capture alkes for glory and profit. Often, the alke winds up the hunter and its pursuers the prey.'