Forktail (Polish: widłogon) is a creature related to dragons, but smaller and not intelligent. Just as the name suggests, it can be recognized by its forked tail. They are often found in mountainous regions, nesting on high peaks and rocky outcrops, and naturally prefer isolated locations, far from human settlements.
A bestiary entry can technically be obtained by reading Death From Above, but the book doesn't appear during gameplay.
Forktails... Bah! Fuckers' tails're more like cleavers. – Yavinn Buck, veteran of the Mahakaman Volunteer Regiment
Forktails owe their quaint name to the long sharp growths at the tip of their tails. A blow from this weapon can slice an oaken shield in two – along with the arm that was carrying it. Thus, though its name conjures images of cutlery, fighting a forktail is nothing like a dinner party and ends in death rather than dessert.
Forktails are active by day. They usually hunt alone or, more rarely, in pairs. They attack big game, including domesticated animals, mainly cattle and pigs and even humans from time to time.
Unobtainable without reading the book:
Like all draconids their massive size does not stop them from flying and attacking from the air. They use their weight and height advantage as they swoop down to knock their prey over with their wings. Once on the ground, they are somewhat less mobile but still dangerous, turning to other tactics centered on attacking with their massive, spike-covered tails.
Combat tactics[]
Like all draconids, the forktail is more than a capable flier, though it can be brought to the ground with crossbow bolts or grapeshot bombs. They are as aggressive as wyverns, and make use of their foot talons in order to slash and kick at their prey.
The stingers on the tip of their tail are highly venomous, and because of this Golden Oriole is essential. They will use their tails aggressively while in combat and the only counter is to try and evade these attacks. However, do not become so pre-occupied with the tail that you forget its head. Bites from the forktail come at near-lightning speeds, but can be parried and countered.