hollowworld.uk

- COCKATRICE -

_________________________________

“Frozen in fear”

H A B I T A T

========

Cockatrices roost where there is plentiful shade year-round. They generally prefer high altitudes, as the elevation gives them an easier time swooping down upon their prey or beasts who intrude on their domain.

Because of their inherent agitated disposition, they seek out ruins and dark caves to nest as the darkness and shade calms them down significantly.

P H Y S I O L O G Y

==========

Cockatrices bear a stark resemblance to roosters, though are five times larger and a hundredfold more ferocious. Their beaks are lined with deceptively sharp teeth useful for tearing flesh, same with their powerful talons though those are mostly used to pin their prey in vulnerable positions. Should a cockatrice be surrounded, they have long, whip-like tails as surprise weapons that cut into prey from a decent distance.

Cockatrice skin is exceptionally tough and resistant to heat. Despite having a pair of wings their muscles are only strong enough to launch a few feet into the air and noisily glide downwind. Most notably, these monstrosities have a toxin gland in their wattles located either below the beak on males and on the sides of the head on females. This toxin is a powerful spastic substance.

Diet: Carnivorous.  Sometimes scavenge if food is scarce.

Lifespan: On average live about 20 years. Lay eggs yearly.

B E H A V I O R

========

Cockatrices are ambush predators by nature. They are inherently high-strung and anxious creatures. This manifests as sudden and frantic movements during hunts or attacks, shrill cries, and tremors when idle.

A B I L I T I E S

==========

[Rend] - Beak, Talons, or Tail.

[Toxin Spray] - Cockatrices spray a toxin directly into a victim's face or fresh wounds. Over the course of two to ten minutes, depending on the size of the prey and the potency of the dose, the prey's muscles begin to stiffen and cramp. This lasts up to a painful four hours.

W E A K N E S S E S

==========

Though cockatrices can maintain their cool during hunts, their high-strung nature make them prone to being easily overwhelmed in chaotic environments. Rapid shifting, quick and many loud noises, and vibrant colours occurring at once are examples of chaotic environments. Whilst this does temporarily disorient cockatrices, they are able to quickly shake off the confusion and strike back.

Y I E L D S

==========

Tough but delicious meat, comparable to duck. The glands must be carefully harvested and in the hands of a proficient alchemist can be used as localised anaesthetic.

Art credit: Arvalis

appr