Cockatrice

An odd combination of lizard and rooster, no one really knows how and where these first stepped foot on Serrus. They are a testament to the oddities of the world that the random nature of how Elan manifests itself at times.
Despite their odd appearance, one should not think they are helpless creatures. They are in fact quite deadly. Their main two forms of defense both turn their victims to stone. One is a petrifying gaze and the other is a cone-like breath which also petrifies. These two attacks expend a great deal of effort and energy on the cockatrice to do and they usually can perform these attacks only once. Frequently, when these two attacks fail, the cockatrice prefers to flee rather than stay and fight.
These two attacks are not used when the cockatrice is hunting as it cannot digest stone. When it seeks to hunt, it uses it's powerful lizard-like hind legs to pounce on its prey and rend it with claws on their feet. They also have a powerful beak, which they can use to peck at vulnerable areas of their prey and either incapacitate it through the blunt trauma or the piercing sharpness. Despite the long thick scaled tail it has, it is mostly used for balance and the cockatrice does not use it in defense.
Mercifully, the cockatrice prefers to steer clear of those it deems more powerful than itself and is not adverse to fleeing if necessary. Cockatrice are extremely swift due to its hind legs. Its wings can be used for short bursts in the air or short glides, but they are not suitable to extended flight.
Due to the inherent dangers of aggressing on a cockatrice, only skilled individuals should approach them. There is no known cure for the petrification of the cockatrice. If one can somehow avoid both of its primary forms of defense, the ensuing fight becomes much easier, assuming you can isolate it and prevent it from fleeing.
Cockatrice feathers are used throughout Serrus as an herbal remedy for many things: stomach ache, the flux, and headaches. In addition, wearing a cockatrice feather on your person seems to give that person incredible toughness. Its for this last reason, many people seek out cockatrice to harvest its feathers. The feathers are sought after by generals and mercenaries throughout Serrus.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The cockatrice's head and upper body is that of a large rooster.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Usually found within deep forests or hills all over Serrus. They are thankfully a rare occurrence.

Average Intelligence

Animal-like instincts

Lifespan

50 years

Average Height

5 feet tall

Average Weight

300 lbs.

Average Physique

Cockatrice are fairly powerful and can use their slight bulk to overpower others.