Monstrous Lair #86: Cockatrice’s Den by Robert Manson is a role playing game supplement published by Raging Swan Press. The supplement is stated to be system neutral, but also compatible with any version of Dungeons & Dragons, and is therefore covered by the Open Game License with some parts considered to be Open Game Content as a result.
The supplement is available as an 8-page PDF for $1.65 from DriveThruRPG but was purchased at a reduced price thanks to a special offer. The supplement comes in two versions, a plaintext file and a PDF. Two pages of the PDF are the front and rear covers, two pages are ads, about half a page the front matter and Contents and one page the Open Game License.
Using this Monstrous Lair is a standard piece of text for the series and explains what the tables are and that the supplement makes two assumptions; the GM has a map of the lair and stats for monsters and details of any treasure.
The first paragraph gives some brief details on cockatrices.
1: Outside the Lair has details for what might be found around it.
2: What’s Going On? is things that might be happening, which may or may not involve the cockatrice.
3: Major Lair Features has the more significant features of the lair.
4: Minor Lair Features is smaller items of dressing.
5: Cockatrice’s Appearance has ten descriptions for cockatrices.
6: Treasure has items that are generally of worth, though values are not given.
7: Trinkets & Trash is basically just rubbish.
Monstrous Lair #86: Cockatrice’s Den in Review
The PDF is bookmarked with major and minor sections linked. The Contents are to a similar level of depth and is hyperlinked. The text maintains a two-column format and appeared to be free of errors. There is a single piece of black and white stock art. Presentation is okay.
How close to the theme these supplements are does vary quite a bit. Possibly given to the more unique nature of cockatrices, this is one that does follow it pretty closely. Monstrous Lair #86: Cockatrice’s Den is a useful supplement in the series and it can be found by clicking here.
Leave a Reply