The Cocatrice's Curse

    By Josh Coors

    The Cocatrice's Curse cover image

    25 Apr, 2024

    a creepy looking tree with a skeleton face in the middle of it's roots and water in the foreground, a woodcut, dark fantasy art, gothic art, Ed Binkley

    Deep within the sedgemore swamp lived Grammy Gwyndolyn, a hideous hag. Despite her fearful demeanor, she spoke in a soft whisper that sent chills down your spine.

    a skeleton sitting on a bench in a swampy area with trees and mushrooms around it, with a creepy looking face, an ultrafine detailed painting, eldritch, gothic art, Dirk Crabeth

    Grammy Gwyndolyn had a strange affection for the deadly cockatrice. She had a pen full of them, from which she harvested their poisonous eggs.

    a house with a staircase in the middle of a forest with trees and moss on the ground and a staircase leading to the upper level, a detailed matte painting, matte fantasy painting, gothic art, Alexander Jansson

    Grammy's hut was built within a hangman tree, bodies serving as ghastly ornaments. Two sconces illuminated her porch, casting long, eerie shadows around.

    a house in the woods with a tree house on it's roof and stairs leading up to it, a storybook illustration, storybook illustration, fantasy art, Dan Mumford

    In the dim light, the cockatrices moved restlessly within their pen, their strange cries echoing through the swamp. The smell of rot was almost overwhelming.

    a room filled with lots of jars and a skeleton statue in the middle of the room with a light on, a still life, dark art, vanitas, Dirk Crabeth

    Inside the hut, the air was filled with an even stronger stench. Grammy Gwyndolyn was busy brewing her potions, the contents of her cauldron bubbling ominously.

    a creepy looking man holding two eggs in a forest with trees and branches around him, with a creepy look on his face, a storybook illustration, magic the gathering artwork, gothic art, Ed Binkley

    In her hands, she held a cockatrice egg. 'My precious,' she cooed, 'Soon, another will join our family and taste your deadly delight.'

    a knight standing in a forest holding a sword and a sword in his hand, with a pond in the foreground, concept art, dark fantasy art, fantasy art, Artur Tarnowski

    Unaware of the danger, a young adventurer ventured towards the swamp. He was seeking treasures rumored to be hidden deep within the marshland.

    a man in a suit of armor sitting on a tree in a swamp with two swords in his hand, concept art, dark fantasy art, fantasy art, Chris Rahn

    As he neared Grammy Gwyndolyn's hut, he felt a shiver run down his spine. The sight of the bodies hanging from the tree made him pause.

    a creepy looking man holding a lantern in a forest with trees and moss on the ground, with a candle in his hands, a woodcut, dark fantasy art, gothic art, Ed Binkley

    Suddenly, Grammy Gwyndolyn appeared, a wicked grin on her face. She offered him a cockatrice egg, promising him the taste of a rare delicacy.

    a man in a costume holding an egg in a forest with a skull on it and a skull in the background, a detailed painting, magic the gathering artwork, fantasy art, Ed Binkley

    The adventurer, unaware of the danger, accepted the egg. But as he prepared to take a bite, he noticed the hag's cruel smile.

    a knight standing in a swamp with a skull in the background and a giant tree in the foreground, concept art, dark fantasy art, fantasy art, Anato Finnstark

    Sensing danger, he tossed the egg aside and fled from the swamp. Behind him, Grammy Gwyndolyn's laughter echoed, a chilling reminder of his close encounter.

    a knight in a forest with a sword and a lot of people in the background with trees and bushes, concept art, dark fantasy art, antipodeans, Eddie Mendoza

    The adventurer returned to his village, sharing tales of the hag and her deadly cockatrice eggs. His tale served as a warning to all who dared venture into the sedgemore swamp.