Cockatrice

A Cockatrice is an ornithosaur, also known as a "skoffin".


 * "Cockatrices are born of eggs laid by roosters consorting with other roosters. The egg must be incubated for forty-four days by a toad, which is devoured by the little beast as soon as it hatches. A cockatrice hates everything that lives so fiercely that its glance turns the living to stone. Only a bold adventurer with a mirror can deflect its deadly gaze and defeat the cockatrice."

Location

 * Sewers
 * Cave in the Swamp

Source

 * Siegfried
 * Ornithosaurs



"Had meself eight heifers, five of ‘em milchers. Then this cockatrice sprung up nearby, and now all’s I got left’s dried patties in an empty field."

- Jethro, peasant from Pindal

Like the Basilisk, there have been supersititions around the cockatrice that it can kill with its gaze alone, of course this is complete nonsense. However, that does not mean they are docile creatures that are easy to kill, they have long sharp beaks and tails that can have fatal effects on those not paying attention.

They thrive in dark caves, abandoned ruins, anywhere old, dank and dark. They are much smaller compared to a Griffin or Manticore, but they are more than capable of killing anyone that they come across.

They do not back away from a direct fight, during which they will strike furiously with their wings and tail in an attempt to exhaust their opponent. A blow from their beak is especially dangerous, as they have deadly aim and can strike exposed flesh and vital organs with ease and leave behind life-threatening wounds. During a fight against one you should make liberal use of Draconid oil as well as Grapeshot, whose shrapnel will pierce their delicate wings.

Combat Tactics
A cockatrice will fight aggressively once the fight begins, to take advantage of this aggression and force them to remain on the ground you should use Aard and/or Grapeshot to your benefit.

It will use its talons, wings and feet to strike against its foe, as well as its razor-sharp beak and tail tip. These blows will almost always accurately target vital regions on its victim, causing massive amounts of bleeding that will lead to an inevitable death if not careful. A Witcher should always have the swallow potion ready in order to counteract any wounds sustained.

The best attack is to try and flank the cockatrice, as head on you are always exposed to its beak and talons. Once a cockatrice is grounded, it will try and remain close to its prey. Should the victim try to escape on foot, the cockatrice is able to leap great distances in an attempt to either block the prey's escape or even tackle it to the ground.



Notes and references
Kurolišek Gorgo Gallotriz Cocatrix Kukorix Cockatrice Gaidikslis Kuroliszek Кокатрикс