(Sorry if this took a while. I was dry on ideas and also went on vacation for a bit. I wanted to do the Codrille cause a plague dragon sounded really cool. It was only until today that I finally figured out a good theme for this piece. A care guide welcoming you to the job.)
Welcome to the Codrille Care Program! Once you have received the initial package containing this pamphlet, you are now an official member of the program. We’re glad to have you on board! The following segment will be a QnA dictating the extent of the program’s duties and history.
What is the Program? The Codrille Care Program is a small organization tasked with caring for the small flock of Codrilles owned by the plague demons when they are not in use. We dutifully follow the care guidelines outlined in the master document and are dedicated to giving them the maximum quality of life possible. Fun Fact: Although Codrilles are noted to have a lower intelligence compared to other dragons leading to an inability to speak, that just means their intelligence is on par with highly intelligent animals such as dolphins or corvids.
Why? It is our duty to uphold the Dragon’s Pact at all costs despite outsider opinions on the usefulness of Codrilles. Despite their unorthodox abilities disqualifying them from the usual smithing career many other dragons take, they are still an important asset to Hell due to their plague spreading abilities. Many plague demons have compared their impact to that of a warplane spreading a biological payload. Fun fact: Codrilles have flown alongside several military planes throughout history in order to boost the effects of their payload such as with the spread of Agent Orange.
How? Cordille care is somewhat similar to the care of other dragons with a few notable key differences. The main difference lies their more animalistic nature. Codrilles are kept in stables and cannot directly communicate their needs and desires and thus must be either inferred or learned through bonding with the Codrille. Our Codrilles are highly personable with a variety of quirks that will make anyone fall in love with them. Another important aspect of care is their weekly crown polishing. A Codrille’s crown gem will lose its luster over time as it generates the Codrille’s natural plague aura. In the wild their gem is recharged by solar power and ambient earth magic but due to the Pact and human activity they are unable to access these resources. The gem can be charged and cleansed using demon magic however Codrilles have various different reactions to the process from complete calmness to rage. Fun Fact: During a Codrille’s juvenile salamander stage, it requires a heavy dose of pure natural magical energy in order to grow its gem. It has been theorized that humans looking at a Codrille and becoming aware of it sends some human magic into it which disrupts said delicate process and causes the Codrille’s death.
What about me? Once you clock in for your first day, you will be assigned to a Codrille of any age stage. If you are assigned to our breeding program, you will be in charge of the chicken flock that hatches the Codrille and will note if the rooster lays an egg. Once the egg has been determined to host a Codrille (if it is not, they will be given to other dragon rehabilitators), you will be assigned to watch over its development in the mortal world. Do not look at it when it hatches before it sees you. Demon magic has been shown to corrupt a Codrille’s developmental stages leading to defects in adult life. If you are assigned to the juvenile program, you will be tasked with feeding the salamanders and tracking their food intake. You are not allowed to look at them in this state either but you will monitor their health based on the amount of bad luck emitted by them in this state. If you are assigned to the adult program, you will be placed with a team of carers assigned to a Codrille tasked with meeting its needs and keeping it satisfied in between the occasional deployment. You may be tasked with ride training a Codrille to get it accustomed to being ridden by a plague demon. Fun Fact: Codrille riders were one of the major forces that saved a lot of dragons from the cullings that occurred prior to the Pact.
Good luck on your new endeavors with us!
Now that I think about it, it is kind of funny that I have always gone on a rant about Dragon Beasts versus True Dragons, and yet I haven't put in any entries about True Dragons! Whoops! I imagine people were starting to think that real dragons didn't exist! Well, have no fear, for they are very much real and there is much to say. I will have to go through more of my writings to find some more entries to add, but lets at least get one in!
So folks already know a whole lot about Dragon Beasts, and how they are all a scattering of various species with no connections to each other. It is why they seem so bizarre and out of place compared to one another, as they come from completely different orders and families! Bone Dragons are bugs, Pig Dragons are mammals! They are in no way alike, so that is why there is so much variation. But True Dragons are related to one another, and they all belong to the same order! So thus True Dragons are not so bizarre and wildly different, right? Wrong! While they do have connections, they still have a wild amount of variety amongst them. Just because they are real dragons doesn't mean they are all winged fire breathers! Some have wings, some don't. Some have legs, some don't. Some breath fire and others breath other things entirely! The trunk is all the same but the branches bear some interesting fruit! A good example of this is the subject of this entry, the Codrille. Based on its appearance, some believe it to be some sickly bird, but it is indeed a True Dragon, one that belongs on a nasty offshoot of the order.
If you live in a place where Codrilles can exist, then you know what a Codrille is. It is one of those species that entire civilizations dare not forget. However, that does not mean you know the full story. Some people say the Codrille is a worm, others a nasty salamander or perhaps a horrifying dragon. The real answer is: all three! Codrille have an interesting life cycle, where they go through a variety of forms. When they first hatch, they come out as a small worm, which slithers around on a limbless body. It spends many years in this form, slowly surviving and developing. After a while, they undergo a transformation that gives them limbs, much like a tadpole to a frog! This is when they look like a salamander, albeit a pretty sickly looking one. After several more years of stalking the land and building up energy, the beast finds a safe place to cocoon itself and undergoes a grand metamorphosis. What emerges from this vile cocoon is the horrible beast that stars in so many legends. A four legged creature with a pair of powerful wings, this is the dragon people have nightmares about. It is done with its days of slithering and crawling, it now can take to the heavens and soar across the land. I imagine it is quite the rush for a beast that spent most of its life in the underbrush, but for the rest of the world, this flight is doomsday.
For those who don't know about Codrilles, I can sum the problem they cause up pretty succinctly: they are often called "Plague Dragons." Yes, indeed, forget about the Colompo, those little rascals don't even come close to the devastation these things can cause. Though they change forms throughout their life, there are a few things consistent in every iteration of Codrille. Take a look at the drawings and see that horribly torn and sloughing skin. These are not injuries or some kind of skin disease. No, the Codrille's body appears to grow new layers of skin at an astonishing rate, so much so that it always seems to be shedding. The new layer pushes off the old, which is covered by the last one and the one before that. In short time, the Codrille is engulfed in a shroud of dead flaking skin, hiding its true body beneath this vile cloak. The patches and crust you see is a result of these layers breaking down over time or sustaining damage, giving it a tattered sickly look. This skin growth is not without reason. During its younger stages, the Codrille is a small meal for almost any predator. A worm like that would catch the eye of a lot of birds! Several layers of crumbling skin would mean that predators would have a hard time getting a hold on this creature, as they would only get mouthfuls of dead tissue. It also serves well as a disguise when in the brush, as one would have trouble spotting it when its form is hidden beneath this rotting cloak. While these are neat little tricks, that is not the real purpose of this constant shedding. The skin it constantly sloughs off is no good for most creatures, but there is something else that really loves the taste.
From what we can tell, the skin that grows on Codrille is the perfect breeding ground for diseases and mold. Something about its makeup causes it to develop some kind of sickness, much like disease on a bloated corpse. It takes hold on the Codrille's skin, which is then shed and added to its rotten shroud. Not long after it has hatched, the Codrille becomes caked in diseased skin and will remain that way for the rest of its life. Whatever sickness grows on its body will stay with it til death, and some believe that these diseases may be unique to each individual. So with layers of plague covering their bodies, it would be wise not to touch them, right? Unfortunately, it isn't that easy. The skin dries out and crumbles as it becomes older and is exposed to the elements, breaking down into bits and dust. As the Codrille moves about, small pieces flake off and drift through the air. If someone happens to breath this in or have it land on their skin where they touch it and spread it, then that community of diseases will find a new home. With these decaying layers, Codrille release clouds of disease-riddled skin flakes where ever they go, and the rest of the world has to pay for it. Breathing it in will cause horrible respiratory infections, and any other sensitive parts or orifices that are exposed will get something just as nasty. Peeling skin and horrible rashes are almost always guaranteed, and coughing up sickly green mucus is to be expected. Even dryads aren't immune! These skin flakes carry a wide variety of infections, and that includes fungus! Mold is almost always present, and if a dryad breathes it in, it will quickly take root. We too suffer when a Codrille is in the area. Peeling bark, webs of mold, and nasty leakage. Utterly horrid! For all species involved, this sickness does not guarantee death, but it does seal the fate of any who are old, young or already weakened. Perfectly healthy adults will be knocked down by this disease and complications of health can make things go south fast. Recovery is possible, but it is a long and painful road. Not everyone dies from this sickness, but most tend to wish for that mercy. Thankfully, on its own these, diseases aren't highly contagious, only affecting those exposed to the toxic dust. However, close contact with sick individuals and exposure to infected fluids can pass on the pain to others. As long as people are smart and safe, they should be fine. It is highly important to wear protection when caring for sick individuals and keep isolated if you come down with it. Always seek medical attention and listen to the advice of your healers. I know humans tend to be intimidated by their plague doctors, but they know what they are doing, so listen well!
Their cloud of miasma isn't the only thing a Codrille possesses. Look to their foreheads to see a great crown jewel embedded within. This is present in their worm form and only becomes more brilliant as it grows. This "jewel" is like a horn, but not a solid one. If one looks close, they can see something bubbling and brewing within. This horn is where the Codrille keeps its store of toxins, because of course they have that. The heat of the sun shining through that horn cooks this poison and makes it even more potent. When threatened, the Codrille can whip out a venomous bite or release a toxic spit. This defense is mainly used when they are worms or salamanders, as not much challenges a full grown Codrille. Their bite is deadly and the spit is caustic, getting inflicted with either means a long painful death. Codrille also clean their claws with their noxious saliva, so don't get scratched either! This horn is the seat of this horrible toxin, which earns this bejeweled structure the name of "Death's Emerald." While it is flashy looking and gives the appearance of treasure, don't be thinking that this is a path to riches. This jewel is almost worthless unless you find an insane collector, as people commonly believe this horn emanates disease. To have one in your possession means you doom the entire area to death, or so they think. This structure doesn't carry the sickness (unless you don't properly clean it) but it is steeped in its own toxin. If you cut yourself on it or touch it then lick your fingers, then that jewel will be going to your next of kin. So going out to slay a Codrille for riches is not really a thing, but it is advised to get slaying because the presence of a Codrille will mean death is going to be showing up sooner or later.
With a name like Plague Dragon, you should already know that Codrilles are menaces. Their mere presence spreads death and disease, and they leave corpses in their wake. The worms are not too much of a threat, unless one of your chickens tries to eat one. The salamander form is a bit more trouble, as they go after livestock and other animals for food, and their skin is more likely to spread. They are brave enough to go after people and will sneak into camps to raid the supplies or go after those who are sleeping. Once again, them merely passing through the same area as you can spell disaster, so people are quick to kill them if one arises. Not only is it good to stop the spread of miasma, but one does not want these salamanders to reach adult form. If they grow old and fat enough, they will slink off and cocoon themselves. What tears free from this web of rotted skin is the embodiment of disease, now able to take to the skies and spread the misery. Adult Codrilles don't use their venom and toxic spit because they don't need to. When they fly, clouds of crumbling skin will fall to earth and contaminate everything below them. A Codrille flying over a town will result in a plague, so it doesn't even need to land to cause death. However, the Codrille needs to eat, so it will touch down in populous spots to feed on the sick and dying. They tend to target places with plenty of wildlife and people, then blow their winds of sickness out to weaken their prey. They simply have to wait for the disease to take hold, then they swoop down and feast at their leisure. Slaying them is no easy feat, as getting close is almost impossible. Codrille know that they have an aura of death, and they will freely use it. Simple wing beats will send out deadly clouds at foes, and they will shred their own skin to add more fuel to this fire. Even if one can strike them down, the threat isn't over. The corpse still releases this plague, meaning the only option is to burn it to ash. This is important to keep in mind if you plan on killing a Codrille. I recall the tale of a Codrille that was shot down by a team of archers. The great beast took an arrow to the heart mid flight and plummeted to earth. As the warriors celebrated, the carcass made impact and released a massive plume of disease that swallowed the slayers and a nearby village. Though the Codrille died that day, many more followed shortly after.
Of where Codrilles arise or where they come is not really known. Codrille reproduction is still a debated subject, as it hasn't fully been understood when they develop their eggs and when they lay them. Freshly hatched Codrille start their lives completely alone, with no parents around to raise or protect them. This is how the emergence of a Codrille is often a terrible surprise for the locals, as no one realizes its existence until it has grown to dangerous proportions. If the parents had stuck around to raise it, or if a full grown one arrived to lay the eggs, then people would know about it. Yet, the appearance of these beasts seem to be at random and catches everyone off guard. Tales often reference Codrille appearing out of ruins or ghost towns, but they never mention how the eggs got there in the first place. Since most creatures reproduce when they have reached their mature stage, it would be safe to assume that their winged form is when they lay their eggs, but no one has witnessed one building a nest or seeking out a mate. The most popular theory is that Codrille do not lay eggs the way we are used to when it comes to birds or reptiles. Instead, these eggs are scattered upon the wind when the Codrille is in flight, seeding the land beneath it has its sheds its plagued skin. The idea is that these eggs are tiny and soft, able to drift with the wind and land safely to the ground. Rather than laying two or three eggs, the Codrille releases hundreds of these small things, hoping that a few make it to adulthood. To better the odds of its young, these eggs are dropped onto lands the Codrille flies over, which means it is a place that will face the poison of their parent. The dust of its skin will spread sickness throughout the land, killing creatures that may possibly feed upon these scattered eggs. Not only that, but if these eggs are able to hatch, then some corpses may remain for them to freely feast upon. It is a pretty strong theory, but that still leaves the debate of when the mating occurs. The flying adults are rarely ever seen together, and no mating ritual has ever been witnessed.
This has led to the idea that mating may occur before the final metamorphosis, during its salamander form. Perhaps these smaller forms are be able to seek each other out and mate in secret, without the people or predators discovering them. Then, when the female reaches the time to cocoon, the eggs develop with her as she takes on the adult form. This idea is well accepted too, but it brings to question if the eggs are laid during this stage as well. It would explain how some of these eggs wind up in secluded and tucked away places, areas no breeze could ever place them. But then if they can go through their full reproduction at this stage of life, why become a dragon? It is a constant question and one that will take quite some time (and a few miracles) to fully answer. Unfortunately, studying these beasts is quite difficult, what with the horrible disease and poison they spread. So when live ones are spotted or when they are turned to corpses, it isn't an easy feat to just go in and dig around for answers. Like I mentioned, very few creatures are spared of this plague, so not many are willing to risk getting near one, alive or dead.
As far as we know, there have been only two instances where people have been able to get close to a Codrille safely. One involved a group of human plague doctors who created incredibly complex and cumbersome suits to keep the dust off and out of them. This was done to help remove a carcass that was spreading its crumbling skin upon the breeze, threatening entire towns. These suits required a whole lot to make, and they were still left with the chance of death. One wrong move or one loose stitching would spell doom for the wearer. So while they worked that time, it still doesn't leave people with confidence, or for a researcher to easily get their hands on one for study. Believe me, I have tried. The only other people to approach a Codrille safely was a team of dryads, who each were a Venoness. However, they weren't just simple practitioners, they had been in the field for decades and fully committed to their craft. A lifetime of consuming venom and working with poisons had thoroughly soaked their flesh with toxins, which made their bodies inhospitable to the disease. Once again, this worked for them, but it really isn't easily replicated. Becoming a Venoness isn't easy and you would need decades of exposure to the poisons to develop this immunity. And you never really know if you are fully immune until you take in that dust, which means you have to bet with your life to see if it worked. Not a practical method, especially for simple researchers. So up close study is quite difficult, so perhaps research from afar is the answer? Well, not really. One of the reasons Codrille are so surrounded by mystery despite their devastating presence is because...they just....well....leave.
When a Codrille gains its wings and becomes the horrible plague dragon we all know and fear, it seems to linger in the area for only a few months. Its spread of disease and terror is meant for it to gain food and strength, whatever territory it gains is only temporary. If the Codrille isn't slain, it will eventually take to the air and begin a bizarre migration. This is the infamous flight that everyone knows, where it soars across the land and spreads its poison. It may stop a few times to feed and terrorize, but in time it will return to the skies. It seems that all adult Codrille are heading to a specific location, one that is lost to us once they reach the ocean. The Codrille will soar to the sea and vanish over the horizon, heading to place we have yet to discover. This is the destiny of all Codrille, and they will not tolerate any attempts to stop them. This drive has served as a mercy for towns attacked by these beasts, as waiting it out will eventually mean that they leave for good. But this does not help someone like me any, as we have no clue where they go or why. Wherever it is they wind up, it appears to be a permanent move. Ancient Codrille have never been seen, though a few dusty scrolls beg to differ. If they are correct in identifying an old Codrille, then it is a good thing we haven't seen them, as these stories usually tell the death of entire kingdoms. So wherever they go, they stay, and since they have not been found on major continents, it is safe to assume it is an unknown island where they wind up. This place is a mystery to us, as no one has yet to find it, but that hasn't stopped the stories and legends. How strange that these tales arise from events that have no survivors or from places that no one has ever seen.
What my research into the subject has found is the adamant idea that the Codrille do not live on a barren piece of rock. Legends passed down over the centuries all seem to agree that the ancient Codrille meet on the grave of a long lost culture. A civilization that died long before, leaving a grave that is only visited by these wretched beasts. Of who they were or why they perished, there are many ideas and stories, so there is no telling which is true (if any even are). One legend suggests that they were a people of incredible magic, able to create miracles and wield the power of life. When outside civilizations grew envious of this power and sought to claim it, the people used their magic to fend them off. Though they easily won against these invasions, the ruler of this land grew paranoid. They believed that these foes had to be stopped once and for all, even though they posed no true threat. They used their magic to create the Codrille and released these young plagued abominations onto the lands of their enemies. The disease they spread toppled kingdoms and brought their opponents to ruin, and the people celebrated their demise. With the threat forever gone, their isolated sanctuary was safe and the power was all theirs. But the end of the war brought an end to the Codrille's mission. With the kingdoms dead, all the released Codrille yearned for their original home. Their want gave them wings and they flew back to the island that birthed them. Their return turned the sky to poison and death rained from above. The great civilization died at the hands of their very own weapon, and it is where the Codrille sleep once they have finished their task.
Another story claims that it was not war and fear, but hubris that ended this society. The people of this island were known for their grand architecture and incredible inventions. They were years ahead of all other civilizations, crafting devices and contraptions no one could even dream of. Their genius led to the idea that they could build a tower to the heavens, and reach the realm of the gods. Every citizen worked tirelessly to create this impossible monument, and the great tower started to rise up. The gods saw this as a threat to their authority, and thus they demanded these people stop. These warnings went unheeded, as this only confirmed that their plan would work. After being ignored, the gods gave one final warning: cease this effort or they would strike this structure down themselves. The tower ascended without pause, and the gods let loose their fury. A great earthquake was unleashed, one that would surely topple this blasphemous tower. The people knew this day would come, so they had reinforced the tower to survive such a quake. When the dust settled, the tower remained standing and the people rejoiced. But it appears this valiant effort only spelled their doom. Though the quake failed to topple the tower, it released a devastating tsunami that tore across the ocean. Unbeknownst to the people, this wave struck a certain island and wiped it off the map. This land turned out to be the nest of the ancient Codrille, who were soon without a home. The gods were all too eager to direct these diseased beasts to a new island, and the civilization was drowned in a storm of poison. To this day, the tower still stands, and the Codrille roost upon it. They perch upon it like crumbling gargoyles, sleeping within cocoons of rotting skin. Which tale is true, no one knows, but they all paint this island as one where only death lives.
The mystery of the Codrille and this lost island has left many curious of where this ancient land is. The oceans are a vast place, making the search almost futile, if anyone is even willing to look. While there are indeed those who think this lost island is rife with treasure or ancient forbidden knowledge (as they always are, apparently), the drive to find it is not a priority to many. The desire to seek out an island known to be the roost of the plague isn't one a lot of people have. Some places even forbid it, as expeditions to track migrating Codrille somehow always shut down. Many will claim that such a find isn't worth anything, and money is better spent elsewhere instead of chasing down some imaginary island. In truth, it is believed that many lands are terrified of this supposed place and fear disturbing it. What if someone were to find it and rouse the slumbering dragons? There is a chance that trespassing on this cursed land would wake these devils and unleash them upon the world. It is a chance that very few want to take, so this island will remain lost for the time being. It is kind of a shame that we cannot find these answers, but I already know that I would never be able to visit such a place. Eucella and Vera have made a list of locations that I am forbidden from, and I had to swear to them I would never go. This Codrille island is one of those places, so it is off limits for me. I swore to it by the name of my family tree, so you know I meant business! I know some people would say I could just sneak off and never tell them, as those places are on the other side of the map. They never follow me on my trips, so who would know? Eucella would, I just know she would. She can find a single scrap of paper I slipped into a pile of drafts or hone in on a meager entry she told me to cut. If I set root in one of those places, I am sure I would turn around to find her standing right there ready to drag me home. I guess I shouldn't complain, the banned list is a pretty short one, so I still have options. I just need to make sure I don't run my mouth or write down any of these other places. Which means I should probably stop writing here because I already know she is going to have some questions when she reads this.
Chlora Myron
Dryad Natural Historian
This species came to be with the help of Lediblock2 , who informed me that such a bizarre mythical creature even existed! A literal plague bird dragon thing, the perfect creature to use!
Wyverns are by far the most successful group of dragons out there. Most of their success comes from their adaptations to avoid competition with their serpentine brethren. While there are dragons in the North, most have to spend most of the year sleeping, only being able to come out during the summer or during periods of unusual warmth. Wyverns bypassed this by developing a fur-like filament to keep them warm, even in the coldest months. Another feature to keep them from standing in the way of other dragons in flight, which allowed them to conquer the continent of Europe in a matter of centuries. Many compare them to birds, and this is apt, though they still have many draconic attributes which birds lack, like their resistance to many poisons and foreign toxins, long liveliness, and general hardiness. Getting rid of a wyvern isn't as simple as it looks, you could hit one with a shovel and it'd just get mad. But, there's little to fear about them. Even the biggest ones are more interested in livestock and smaller prey, and they rarely bite unless provoked. They do however sting, through a ray-like spine on their tail.
These creatures are separated into four families: The Dacians (lower left), whom mostly populate Eastern Europe and are the earliest members of the family; the Georgians (upper left) are more common in Western Europe and America, and as such are more represented in their stories and media; Catalonian wyverns (lower right) opted to lose their tail sting for better maneuverability when flying and, with Spanish Colonialism, have diversified in the New World; and the Venetians, who have a family to themselves. Venetians are the smallest and shortest lived, but make up for it in their rapid breeding. In some areas, they've nearly replaced pigeons, being resistant to the poisons used to kill their avian rivals.
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This took a lot longer than previously thought. I had the bright idea of drawing all the wyverns, but didn't take into account how long it would take and how sore my hands would be afterwards. So, at least until I change my mind, here are all the wyverns for my in-universe canon.
[My second take on a dragon-type basilik +, after the regulus]
Codrille
CR 20 CE Dragon
This huge dragon has a vaguely avian cast to its features. Its body is covered in a layer of filthy, stained feathers.
A codrille is an ascended form of a basilisk, cockatrice or other deadly reptilian monster. Codrilles are blessed by gods of rot and undeath, transforming them into avatars of decay and ruin that seek to exterminate all life. Fortunately, codrilles are extremely rare—a basilisk or cockatrice must survive for a thousand and one years in order to be transformed in such a fashion.
Codrilles are not terribly intelligent, but they know enough to use their multitude of deadly abilities to kill entire armies at a time. They understand that spells can protect mortals from their litanies of death and destruction, and so focus on spellcasters above all other targets. They are almost never found in association with another codrille, but they do traffic with powerful undead of all kinds. Often times, these undead monsters are more intelligent than the codrille, and serve as advisors or powers behind the throne in the cursed lands where codrilles dwell.
A codrille grows to about fifty feet long, half of which is tail, and their wingspans are easily that length. A codrille does not age naturally and can only be slain by violence.
Codrille CR 20
XP 307,200
CE Huge dragon
Init +12; Senses blindsight 60 ft., darkvision 120 ft., low-light vision, Perception +33, scent
Aura rot (30 ft., Fort DC 30)
Defense
AC 36, touch 18, flat-footed 28 (-4 size, +7 Dex, +18 natural, +4 deflection, +1 dodge)
hp 362 (25d12+200); regeneration 10 (positive energy)
Fort +26, Ref +25, Will +23
DR 20/good; SR 31
Immune curses, death effects, disease, poison, magic sleep and paralysis
Defensive Abilities negative energy affinity
Offense
Speed 40 ft., fly 120 ft. (poor), swim 40 ft.
Melee bite +32 (2d8+11 plus necrotic poison/19-20), 2 claws +32 (2d6+11), 2 wings +30 (1d8+5), tail slap +30 (2d8+16)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 20 ft. (15 ft. with claws)
Special Attacks death gaze, powerful blows (tail slap), rend spells (2 claws, 2d6+16)
Spell-like Abilities CL 20th, concentration +26
Constant—unholy aura (DC 24, self only)
At will—blight (DC 20), cloudkill (DC 21), darkness
3/day—finger of death (DC 23), greater dispel magic, quickened harm (DC 22)
1/day—create greater undead, wail of the banshee (DC 25)
1/week—curse of night, cursed earth
Statistics
Str 32, Dex 24, Con 27, Int 8, Wis 21, Cha 23
Base Atk +25; CMB +40; CMD 57 (61 vs. trip)
Feats Combat Reflexes, Critical Focus, Dodge, Flyby Attack, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Mobility, Multiattack, Power Attack, Quicken Spell-like Ability (harm) Staggering Critical, Stand Still, Stunning Critical
Skills Fly +22, Intimidate +34, Perception +33, Sense Motive +33, Stealth +22, Swim +18
Languages Abyssal, Draconic
Ecology
Environment any land and underground
Organization solitary
Treasure triple standard
Special Abilities
Aura of Rot (Su) All living creatures within 30 feet of a codrille must succeed a DC 30 Fortitude save every round or take 1d4 points of Con drain. This is a disease effect. The save DC is Constitution based.
Death Gaze (Su) Range—30 ft.; effect—150 negative energy damage; save—Fort DC 28. This is a negative energy, death effect. Undead creatures are immune to this effect, but are not healed by it. The save DC is Charisma based.
Necrotic Poison (Ex/Su) Bite—injury; save Fort DC 30; frequency 1/round for 10 rounds; damage 1d4 Str drain and 1 negative level; cure 3 saves. The negative level is a negative energy, death effect, but the Str drain is a poison effect. The save DC is Constitution based.
Rend Spells (Ex/Su) When a codrille uses its rend special attack, it also affects its opponent with a targeted greater dispel magic (CL 25th). Unlike an ordinary greater dispel magic, this ability attempts to dispel spells that provide immunity or resistance to poison, disease, negative energy or death effects before any other spells.
Better known as French Dragons, these guys are just all over the place. Frankly ridiculous.
Codrille (Codrille basiliskos)
Habitat: Wastes near Central France. Generally keeps itself secluded from all other life.
Diet: Uses its deadly gaze and poisonous fumes to kill prey. Can kill large prey just by crawling under them.
Distinguishing Features: Has a life cycle similar to amphibians, metamorphosing into different forms throughout its life. It starts out as a small useless little lizard thing, then becomes the bird-like adult stage, finally becoming a huge vouivre. Though this is incredibly rare.
Gargouille (Gargouille vouen)
Habitat: Make their homes near the Seine basin in Northern France.
Diet: Mostly heron-like when catching fish, lizards, and small mammals, but for larger prey they spit a stream of venom, like a gargoyle spitting water.
Distinguishing Features: Easily the largest species of the wyvern family, almost as big as an ostrich.
Vouivre (Guivre vipera)
Habitat: Lakes and rivers all across France. Probably the most common type of dragon in France.
Diet: Fish mostly, but also livestock and people.
Distinguishing Features: Every individual is a female, who reproduce by parthenogenesis. Control large territories, at the center of which is a large pile of loot and carrion taken from prey. The most precious part of the hoard is the gem set in their head, acting as its eye. If the gem is taken, it becomes blind. Often confused with the Codrille.
Tarasque (Tarascon martha)
Habitat: Bodies of water in Southern France, but some have been found near the coast.
Diet: Don't have venom or fiery spit, so they mostly rely on sneaking up on prey. If it determines the prey is slow, it'll give chase as they're surprisingly fast.
Distinguishing Features: The most mammalian of the Green Dragons, around the size of an ox. Not as common as vouivre, but a few are kept by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Marseille in honor of Saint Martha.
La Velue (Peluda gigantus)
Habitat: Pretty small territory, centered in the Huisne river.
Diet: Keeps hidden in its "shell", waiting for prey to come near. When it does, the la velue spits venom, paralyzing prey.
Distinguishing Prey: The shell isn't a true shell, like the tarasque has, but rather a pangolin-like set of armor. In addition to normal spines, the armor can spring up, acting as a good defense. Weak spot is the golden tail kept hidden away.
General Information:
African Cockatrice - A strange bird-like species descended from the basilisk. It's gaze, with its chameleon-like eyes causes instant paralyzation, and if the gaze is held for more than a minute can kill the brain. Wildly they dwell in the scrubs and deserts around the Nile where they hunt small prey. Conflict with humans is usually fatal, but larger animals pose more of a problem to them. Often form symbiotic relationships with catoblepas, as they're immune to the effects, sort of like cattle egrets and water buffalo. Have two sets of eyelids, to halt the disastrous effects of their sights. Males fight over females with their spurs rather than sight.
Northern European Cockatrice - Like the African cockatrice, but more closely related to wyverns than the basilisk. Also, breath a toxic, chlorine-like gas produced somewhere in the throat. Live in Britain, and parts of Europe. The most common variety of cockatrice. Solitary, with no sexual dimorphism. Unable to fly, but can glide. Hunt on the ground, often using their gas to flush out burrowing animals. Sometimes apply their natural draconic fire-proof-ness to raid salamander nests and coat themselves in their poison, as a deterrent to larger predators like other dragons, who are too large to be affected by the gas.
Codrille - A descendant of the guivre and ancestor to all modern wyverns. Often confused with the basilisk. Have a very draconic lifestyle, starting out as a snake, then changing into a smaller lizard, then becoming a juvenile version of the more recognizable adult form. The adult form is stork-like in its appearance and hunting, also using its gem-like eyes to paralyze predators. Its teeth are venomous, allowing them to quickly bite any larger animal that disturbs them, run away, and wait for it to die, though this is rare. Unlike the basilisk, they breed naturally. Males have green-ish crests. After countless years they gain the ability to fly and migrate to an unmarked area in the Middle East, believed to be where they think the Tower of Babylon is. Unfortunately, most codrille never reach this impressive age and live as emu-sized stalkers.
Notes:
Again, the cockatrice has a lot of confusion surrounding it. People are never quite sure if it's the breath or the eyes that kill, nor where they're supposed to live. So, they've been split up. The African one is more basilisk like, while the European one is more dragon-like. Then the Codrille, a mix of the two, but with clearly draconic origins. Unfortunately I've again had to ignore a few of the weirder aspects of the codrille, as it's very similar to basilisk in more than a few ways. Other than that I'm quite happy with these bird dragons.
I cannot remember where, but I once read that one common thing involved in dragon myths in both France and Slavic Europe is their relation to shooting stars. Can't find my source for the life of me, but it seemed like a good idea to talk about sexual dimorphism. Like in many other animals, males will prefer a type of ritual dance or act that attracts females during the mating season. Because of this, their bodies are more adapted to preforming this act. In guivres, the male (codrille) is quite smaller than the female, with a more wyvern-like build than the vouivre's crocodile-like build. Because codrilles aren't able to defend themselves with physical strength like the females, they're gem eyes can paralyze attackers like cockatrices. Both start from a humble snake-like beginning, but develop rapidly into different shapes.
The dimorphism is less obvious in slavic dragons. Females are only a bit larger than males, but males also possess winged lizard-esque spine projections. Along with they strong legs, they shoot themselves into the air, covered in flames, making serpentine streaks of light to catch a female's eye.
Then there's some weirdos. Yan-gant-y-tan and Fi Follet are both wisps. Yans are wiry, monkey-like fey that mislead people unless given gold or food or attention. Fi Follet are more lumpy and amphibian. I decided to use my clabbert design, but made it more distinct with its schnoz. Abiku are a Yoruba demon that hunts kids during the night. It's described as a black fog and can't see you if you cover yourself with blankets. All that sounds like some big, not very bright protozoan, here a ciliate. Then there's the Aloes which is basically the Penguin or wyverns from the Caribbean. Yowie's, surprisingly, are sort of like dog-sized lizards crossed with insects, having six legs and body armor, which is a whole lot more neat than some apeman. Finally Lavellan are big shrews with snake-like venom, here a deinogalerix-sized beast.
