Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Cockatrice

Small · Monstrosity · CR 1/2 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Monstrous Menagerie

27 (6d6+6)

1/2

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

-2

DEX

CON

INT

-4

WIS

CHA

-3

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Small

Type Monstrosity

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 100

Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 20 ft (6.1 m)

Fly 40 ft (12.2 m)

Swim 10 ft (3 m)

Climb 10 ft (3 m)

Crawl 10 ft (3 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 11

Actions

Bite

+4 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d4+2 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage and the target makes a DC 11 Constitution saving throw against being petrified. On a failure the target is restrained as it begins to turn to stone. A lesser restoration spell ends this effect. If still restrained the creature must repeat the saving throw at the end of its next turn. On a success the effect ends. On a failure the creature is petrified for 24 hours.

Reactions

Frenzy

1/day

When attacked by a creature it can see within 20 feet, the cockatrice moves up to half its Speed and makes a bite attack against that creature.

About Cockatrice

Cockatrice is a small monstrosity with a Challenge Rating of 1/2. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 12 and possesses 27 hit points (derived from 6d6+6).

GM Tips: Using Cockatrice

1 tips available

When using Cockatrice in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

Flight Control Strategy: Target flying creatures with spells like 'Hold Person', 'Web', or 'Grease' to ground them. Without flight restriction, they can escape melee range easily. Consider area denial spells below their flight altitude to force them into disadvantageous positions.

Player Guide: Facing Cockatrice

1 strategies available

When your party encounters this creature, keep these strategies in mind:

Counter Flight Advantage: This creature can fly! Use ranged attacks, reach weapons, or spells like 'Thunderwave' to push it away. Consider 'Gust of Wind' or 'Earthbind' to ground it. Melee characters need fly speed or flight magic to engage.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 1.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 2 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 75 XP
Hard: 112 XP
Deadly: 150 XP

Based on D&D 5e Dungeon Master's Guide encounter building guidelines. CR roughly equals party level for medium encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the challenge rating of Cockatrice?: Cockatrice has a Challenge Rating of 1/2, making it appropriate for parties of level 0.5.
What type of creature is Cockatrice?: Cockatrice is a Small Monstrosity, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.