Cockatrice Riders

The Cockatrice Riders are a small band of black-hearted brigands numbering around twenty-five strong that use Pascorel as a base for their raids into the buffer zone (and the Orcish Empire of the Pomarj). No lovers of Greyhawk, they also despise Turrosh Mak for the destruction wrought throughout the Wild Coast during the Greyhawk Wars.

The orcs of the Pomarj hate the Cockatrice Riders and the two groups have clashed many times. Their most well-known battle was fought over control of Castle Sulafrait, once home to a robber-baron and occupied by orcs during 584 CY. In Patchwall 585, the Cockatrice Riders assaulted the fortress slaying around 60 orcs and driving the remainder out. In turn, though, the Cockatrice Riders were forced out by a larger, better led band of orcs attacking under cover of a thunderstorm (but not before they plundered much loot from the castle).

Although they dwell in the Welkwood, the Cockatrice Riders have little or nothing to do with the elves that dwell within. While Sir Diarmeck and the others have little love for the elves, they also realize that fighting them would be pure folly. (That doesn’t mean they won’t set upon, kill, and loot any lone elves they encounter, however.) For their part, the elves ignore the Cockatrice Riders. Although they are fully aware of the depravity of the group, the elves would rather the Cockatrice Riders kill orcs then elves.

The Riders are a diverse group. Some, like Diarmeck, are natives of the Wild Coast driven from their homes during the Greyhawk Wars. Others are opportunists who see loot for the taking in the lands of the orcs. Still others are natives of Pascorel simply fighting to keep their village independent. The Riders number nine orcs and six half-orcs among their number. To a “man” they are an evil, cruel bunch. When abroad, the Cockatrice Riders ride light warhorses, cover their faces with black masks, and wear wide-brimmed hats to which they affix a single cockatrice feathe

Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index

The Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index (EGI) is based on previous work of Jason Zavoda through '08, continued by numerous other fans. The EGI article has a list of sources, product names, abbreviations, and a link to the full, downloadable index.

Topic	Type	Description	Product	Page/Card/Image
Cockatrice Riders of Pascorel	People Group		From the Ashes: Campaign Book	55, 58
Cockatrice Riders of Pascorel	People Group		Living Greyhawk Gazetteer	17
Cockatrice Riders of Pascorel	People Group		The Adventure Begins	66