FREQUENCY: Uncommon ([Cold Freshwater Surface])
FREQUENCY: Uncommon ([Temperate Freshwater Surface])

NO. APPEARING: 1 or 2-16 (25%/75%)
ARMOR CLASS: 7
MOVE: 3" / 18" (MC: D)
HIT DICE: 1+2
% IN LAIR: Nil
TREASURE TYPE: Nil
NO. OF ATTACKS: 3
DAMAGE/ATTACK: 1/1/1-2
SPECIAL ATTACKS: [SB]
SPECIAL DEFENSES: Surprised only 1 in 10
INTELLIGENCE: Animal +
ALIGNMENT: Neutral
SIZE: M (8' wingspan)
LEVEL/X.P. VALUE: I | Nil

These aquatic birds tend to inhabit areas which similar waterfowl frequent --
rivers, ponds, lakes, and marshes.
A single swan will always be male (a cob).
It is only 25% probable that a lone swan will be encountered.
Otherwise,
encounters will be with mated pairs of cobs and pens (females) and their immature (but full-grown) cygnets.
The latter will number 1-2 per mated pair.
In situations where the swan's territory is invaded or the creatures are actually attacked,
both cob and pen will aggressively threaten or attack as circumstances warrant.
Attack is by flying leap,
a strong bill strike,
and blows with both wings.
This attack mode is 50% likely to blind and disorient an opponent so as to make any return attack in that melee round impossible.
Also,
swans (much as geese) have exceptional senses,
so that the approach of any danger will be noted 90% of the time.
If there are eggs,
the nest will contain 1-3.
If there are no eggs or nestlings,
the swans will escape by swimming or flying when severe danger threatens.
 

The swan is the sacred animal of Daikoku.

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