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. The forktails have killed many more humans than dragons.
"So I ride on, and what do I see? A forktail. Not very big, about four yards nose-tip to tail-tip. It's flying, carrying a sheep in its talons. I go to the village. 'How much?' I ask, 'will you pay me for the forktail?' The peasants fall on their knees. 'No!' they shout, 'it's our baron's youngest daughter's favorite dragon. If a scale falls from its back, the baron will burn our hamlet, and skin us.'"
- Geralt on lack of work over time, pg. 160, The Last Wish (UK edition)
Like all draconids their massive size does not stop them from quickly flying up and then counter-attacking from the air. They are able to use their weight and height to their advantage as they attack from the air knocking their prey over with their wings.
Once the forktail is on the ground, they are somewhat less mobile but still quite dangerous. They turn to other tactics centered around their massive size and spike-covered tails.[1]
Bestiary entry
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.
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. They are as aggressive as Wyvern, and make use of their foot talons in order to slash and kick at their prey.
The singers on the tip of their tail are highly poisonous, 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.
