Cockatrice

RARITY: 4/5

MIGHT: 3/5

By Kinky Pie

Closely related to the fearsome Chimera and the proud Manticore, the Cockatrice is considered something of a troublemaker rather than a psychopathic killer. The Cockatrice is the result of the rather bizarre magical blending of a Chicken and a Drake, with the head of the bird and the body and wings of a dragon. Like the Chimera and Manticore, the Cockatrice's origins can be stemmed back to the magical intervention of some outside influence - possibly that of a Draqonequus.  

These creatures are known for their 'death glare' which causes petrification in its prey, but despite the powerful magic they possess, the Cockatrice can only use the curse by achieving eye contact with the victim. if they lack the element of surprise, the Cockatrice may attempt to force their eyes open with its powerful wings, or just simply poke their head out of a bush to confuse others into thinking they've found a snack, thereby luring them in. While dangerous, it is possible to kill these creatures by forcing them to look at their reflection, although such drastic measures are rarely necessary, as most Cockatrices are very rarely foolish enough to attack somepony who is in the possession of a mirror.

In some legends, there are thought to be two kinds of Cockatri, ones that spit fire, which may have been where the dragon-hind theory originated from (possibly attributed to the Chimera by mistake) and others that use the trademark petrification ability. Some Cockatri have rancid breath, capable of causing burns when it comes in contact with the flesh, and these burns can continue to cause significant pain for several weeks if treatment is not applied swiftly. Other legends say that the common weasel is immune to petrification, and that Cockatri will die upon hearing a rooster's crow. They are also said to kill by conducting poison through roughly made weapons, from materials such as wood, stone, and even their own scales.

The effects of the petrification are reversible, but oddly killing the cockatrice will not reverse the effect. In most cases, the Cockatrice has to actually be persuaded (usually through less than savory means) to release its victim, lest they remain lifeless statues forever. Some tales however, suggest that it takes a large amount of magic, and others suggest a special brew from created by the Zebra witch doctors is the only known cure that has been created artificially.

cockatrices are rare creatures, and are cowardly - preferring to tackle creatures many times less their size in search of sustenance and very rarely go out of their way to attack ponies, unless the creature met is particularly brave or overconfident.  

The Cockatri that do exist are often found in the Everfree forest, sometimes wandering alone or sleeping in caves. During the day, they hunt, usually by hiding in bushes to confuse their prey. They have special digestive acids that let them eat stone, though they are unable to eat anything larger than a bug without constant pecking. Any cockatri with the ability to petrify will often do so to larger creatures, but will most likely leave them where they were at the time of petrification. On rare occasions, cockactri will break apart these statues and ingest them, but usually only do so in times of great hardship.

Despite having the head of a chicken, Cockatri are omnivorous and will sometimes resort to tearing the victim apart with its talons and the claws on the end of their wings. They also have the ability of flight, and their tails are capable of slashing foes, utilising the spikes along it.

It is not recommended that you should approach this creature, but if you do, take extreme caution and try to bring and/or always stay near reflective surfaces.

Next: Draconequus