Editing Hook Horror (section)

==Pride of Place with 4th Edition==
[[File:Hook horror 4e.jpg|right|300px]]

Ironically, the much-maligned [[Dungeons & Dragons 4th Edition]] was the first edition to feature hook horrors in the original [[Monster Manual]]. Despite fairly different underlying rules systems, the 4th Edition hook horror is quite close to its 3rd Edition counterpart. The artwork in the Monster Manual shows a hook horror with a similar build to the Monster Manual II version, but with whiskers and a touch of the more insectoid look from the Monstrous Manual artwork blended in.

Hook horrors are now found in small hunting packs, or in large clans. Clans are ruled over by the strongest egg-laying female (a slight change from the previous eldest female). Hook horrors still defend their territory fiercely. They are omnivores that hunt live prey when necessary. As well as climbing, they are now good at jumping, and in combat they can drag opponents with their hooks and even fling them. Sometimes a hook horror will fling a foe towards its hungry pack mates, but it more typically uses its hooks to toss aside opponents that are too tough to kill outright.

Although hook horrors have echolocation (modelled as blindsight) they don't suffer any penalties in normal light, and can see just fine. The eerie clicking noises they use to communicate continue to alert and alarm adventurers who hear them. This hook horror has forgotten that it could ever speak a language in 3rd Edition.

In 4th Edition, many creatures, including the hook horror, spawned unusual varieties. Demon Queen's Enclave has Rotting Hook Horrors, whose bite does necrotic damage. Dungeon #163 includes an encounter with Shadow Hook Horrors capable of cloaking themselves to become invisible. Underdark provides the most unusual variation; the Hook Horror Darkfiend replaces its hook attacks with a charging pounce, a horrific shriek and the ability to create a zone of magical darkness. The Elder Hook Horror in Dungeon #204 is designed to be a challenge for epic tier play. As well as being beefed up significantly in level and hit points this hook horror also has a reflexive claw attack which it can automatically use against any enemies moving nearby.