Harpy (Dungeons & Dragons)
Encyclopedia
In the Dungeons & Dragons
fantasy
role-playing game
, the harpy is a monstrous monstrous humanoid
creature with the lower body, legs, and wings of a reptilian creature.
(1975). It is described as having the lower body of an eagle and the upper body of a human female.
The harpy was detailed in a pair of articles in Dragon
#115 (November 1986), in the "The Ecology of the Harpy: Songs of Beauty" and "The Ecology of the Harpy: Songs of Death.".
(1977, 1981, 1983). The harpy appears as a player character class in Top Ballista
in the "DM's booklet" (1989). The harpy was also later featured in the Dungeons & Dragons Game
set (1991), the Dungeons & Dragons Rules Cyclopedia (1991), and the Classic Dungeons & Dragons Game set (1994).
Savage Species (2003) presented the harpy as both a race and a playable class.
Dungeons & Dragons
Dungeons & Dragons is a fantasy role-playing game originally designed by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson, and first published in 1974 by Tactical Studies Rules, Inc. . The game has been published by Wizards of the Coast since 1997...
fantasy
Fantasy
Fantasy is a genre of fiction that commonly uses magic and other supernatural phenomena as a primary element of plot, theme, or setting. Many works within the genre take place in imaginary worlds where magic is common...
role-playing game
Role-playing game
A role-playing game is a game in which players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. Players take responsibility for acting out these roles within a narrative, either through literal acting, or through a process of structured decision-making or character development...
, the harpy is a monstrous monstrous humanoid
Monstrous humanoid (Dungeons & Dragons)
Monstrous humanoids are a "creature type" in the 3rd and 3.5 editions of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game. Monstrous humanoids are differentiated from humanoids by their monstrous or animalistic features, and not all are technically "humanoid" in body form...
creature with the lower body, legs, and wings of a reptilian creature.
Dungeons & Dragons (1974-1976)
The harpy was introduced to the game in its first supplement, GreyhawkGreyhawk (supplement)
Greyhawk is a supplementary rulebook written by Gary Gygax and Robert J. Kuntz for the original edition of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game...
(1975). It is described as having the lower body of an eagle and the upper body of a human female.
Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 1st edition (1977-1988)
The harpy appears in the first edition Monster Manual (1977), where it is described as a Have the bodies of vultures but the upper torsos and heads of women, their sweet-sounding calls cause creatures to approach the harpy who then tortures and devours them.The harpy was detailed in a pair of articles in Dragon
Dragon (magazine)
Dragon is one of the two official magazines for source material for the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game and associated products, the other being Dungeon. TSR, Inc. originally launched the monthly printed magazine in 1976 to succeed the company's earlier publication, The Strategic Review. The...
#115 (November 1986), in the "The Ecology of the Harpy: Songs of Beauty" and "The Ecology of the Harpy: Songs of Death.".
Dungeons & Dragons (1977-1999)
This edition of the D&D game included its own version of the harpy, in the Dungeons & Dragons Basic SetDungeons & Dragons Basic Set
The original Dungeons & Dragons Basic Set boxed set was first published by TSR, Inc. in 1977, and comprised a separate edition of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, distinct from the first edition of the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons game, which was initially published in the same...
(1977, 1981, 1983). The harpy appears as a player character class in Top Ballista
Top Ballista
Top Ballista is an accessory for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game.-Contents:Top Ballista is a "Creature Crucible" supplement and campaign setting that describes Serraine, the city of the skygnomes - which fly magical biplanes...
in the "DM's booklet" (1989). The harpy was also later featured in the Dungeons & Dragons Game
Dungeons & Dragons Game (1991 boxed set)
The New Easy to Master Dungeons & Dragons Game is an accessory for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, published in 1991....
set (1991), the Dungeons & Dragons Rules Cyclopedia (1991), and the Classic Dungeons & Dragons Game set (1994).
Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd edition (1989-1999)
The harpy appears first in the Monstrous Compendium Volume One (1989), and is reprinted in the Monstrous Manual (1993).Dungeons & Dragons 3.0 edition (2000-2002)
The harpy appears in the Monster Manual for this edition (2000).Savage Species (2003) presented the harpy as both a race and a playable class.