Gjall

Gjall is a large flying creature found in the Mistlands. It is one of the biome’s most dangerous threats, but it also gives itself away well before it is seen: its approach is marked by a loud, distinct sound and the fog around it turns a bright orange tint, making it easier to spot at range. Gjall often patrols in wide circles and can detect the player from a considerable distance.

In combat, Gjall relies on several attacks. Its main ranged attack is a burst of two fireballs that inflict both blunt damage and burning; the projectiles travel quickly, have a fairly wide spread, and can be fired only when the target is within medium range. It also has an egg-dropping attack that releases three eggs, which hatch into Ticks when they hit the ground. At close range, Gjall can sway side to side and deal repeated blunt damage in a small area around itself. The attack pattern changes depending on distance, and standing on top of a Gjall disables both its fireball and egg-dropping attacks.

Gjall has a vulnerable underside: hits to the orange egg sacks on its belly deal critical damage, making ranged weapons especially effective despite the creature’s height and mobility. Because it usually stays above the player, bows, crossbows, and magic are strong choices. If a player manages to land on it, Gjall will quickly shake them off, causing blunt damage in addition to fall damage, though short jumps can help avoid being thrown off repeatedly.

Useful defenses and tactics include:

• Fire Resistance Barley Wine or Yagluth’s power reduce its fire damage.
• Bonemass’s power greatly reduces the blunt damage from its attacks.
• Pierce resistance helps against Ticks if they become a problem.
• Its fireballs can be dodged by moving, jumping, or rolling as soon as the shot is fired.
• Blocking or parrying greatly reduces the damage from its projectiles.
• Gjall can be outrun if you have enough stamina, so retreat is a valid option.
• Large ships are more likely to be hit by its projectiles than small targets.

Gjall is immune to stagger, so parrying does not provide the usual counterattack advantage. Its attacks are threatening, but with enough preparation and awareness, the encounter can be managed safely.