BLACK COCK
Medium Outsider (Chaos, Evil)
| Hit Dice: | 6d8+6 (33 hp) |
| Initiative: | +4 (+2 Dex, +2 Improved Initiative) |
| Speed: | 30 ft. |
| AC: | 16 (+2 Dex, +4 natural) |
| Attacks: | 2 claws +9 melee; rapier +9/+4 melee; pistol +8 ranged |
| Damage: | Claws 1d6+3; rapier 1d6+3; pistol 1d10 |
| Face/Reach: | 5 ft. by 5 ft./5 ft. |
| Special Attacks: | Charm gaze |
| Special Qualities: | Shapeshift, spell-like abilities, darkvision (60 ft.), damage reduction 20/+1, MR 15 |
| Saves: | Fort +6, Ref +7, Will +6 |
| Abilities: | Str 16, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 12, Cha 19 |
| Skills: | Bluff +15, Diplomacy +15, Hide +8, Intimidate +15, Listen +7, Move Silently +8, Perform (any) +13, Spot +7 |
| Feats: | Improved Initiative, Power Attack |
| Climate/Terrain: | Any temperate or warm land |
| Organization: | Solitary |
| Challenge Rating: | 5 |
| Treasure: | Standard |
| Alignment: | Always chaotic evil |
| Advancement Range: | 7-18 HD (Medium) |
Black cocks are evil and charismatic shapeshifters that subsist on murder and betrayal. These foul creatures relish the seduction and subsequent slaughter of human women.
It is not known where black cocks come from or what their purpose is. They hunt their victims at social gatherings, the more extravagant the better. Black cocks are solitary creatures; no two have ever been sighted together. Some legends maintain that there is but one Black Cock, a creature of possibly fiendish origins.
Although black cocks can consume food and drink like any human, it is believed that they do not need such sustenance in order to survive. Some sages speculate that black cocks subsist on the very act of murder. The more emotionally charged the act, such as when the victim is surprised and horrified, the more fulfilling it is for the black cock. While hunting in a particular area, black cocks usually lurk in an abandoned cabin or barn. They are nomadic creatures, however, and make no permanent lairs.
Black cocks have no "normal" form. They can take the appearance of a human male of any physical description, though they may not mimic another individual. Black cocks are always clothed in the finest garments available, preferring dark green noble outfits.
Black cocks speak Abyssal and the local human language of the region where they hunt.
COMBAT
Black cocks are not combative creatures by nature. They rely on their charisma and special abilities to corner defenseless young maidens where they can be quickly slain. Should a black cock be confronted by a competent foe, it will use its abilities to delay or frighten opponents until it can beat a retreat.
Black cock usually carry gentlemanly weapons, such as a rapier or pistol. They may also transform their human legs into those of enormous black rooster, complete with ebon feathers, scaly flesh, and wicked claws. Black cocks prefer to use these natural weapons when slaying their victims, or when caught in the act by others.
Charm Gaze (Su): A black cock can charm creatures with its gaze. The gaze has a range of 30 feet. Creatures must succeed in a Will save (DC = 14) or be charmed by the black cock for one hour. Human females receive a -2 penalty to their saving throw. A black cock may not have more than one creature charmed at a time; if it successfully charms another creature, the first creature is freed. This a mind-influencing gaze attack.
Shapeshift (Ex): As a standard action, a black cock can alter its appearance to that of a human male of any generalized physical description. Specific individuals may not be imitated. Also a standard action, a black cock can transform its human legs into a pair of rooster legs, or vice-versa. The target of a true seeing spell always sees the black cock's rooster legs. Finally, a black cock can also polymorph into a black rooster (or back again) as a standard action.
Spell-Like Abilities: Once a day—deeper darkness, fear, fly, invisibility, shout, sleep, suggestion. These abilities are as the spells cast by an 8th level sorcerer. The save DC, where applicable, is 14 + spell level.
Skills: Black cocks receive a +2 racial bonus to all Bluff skill checks.