Cockatrice

Small monstrosity

Armor Class: 6
Hit Dice: 5 (average 17 hp)
Movement: 90 ft / 180 ft flying
Attacks: 1 beak (1d6 + petrification)
Morale: 7
Alignment: Neutral
XP: 500

Description

The Cockatrice is a grotesque creature with the body of a cock, the tail of a serpent, and leathery bat wings. It is not especially large or powerful — but its touch turns living flesh to stone.

Special Abilities

Petrification by Touch: Any creature touched (not merely gazed upon) by a Cockatrice must save vs. petrification or be permanently turned to stone. This applies on any successful attack roll.

Not Intelligent: The Cockatrice is an animal. It does not scheme or set ambushes — it simply attacks anything that disturbs it.

Tactics / Encounter / Notes

Cockatrices are territorial and aggressive. They attack with their beak, and the petrification effect applies on each hit. They are encountered alone or in pairs. Their relatively low morale means they may flee if wounded, but a cornered one is extremely dangerous.

35% chance the encounter is at their lair.

Treasure

Cockatrice lairs contain Type D treasure (previous victims' petrified remains and carried goods).