Alphabestiary - C

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A strange creature rumored to inhabit Ethiopia, the Catoblepas resembled a cross between a buffalo and a boar, with a tough scaly or armored back for protection. It was said to have a massive head on a very long, thin neck too weak to support its weight, so it always walked with its head dragging and facing the ground - quite fortunate, since, like the cockatrice or basilisk, anyone who looked into its eyes would die immediately. Other variations on the legend stated that its breath was toxic, due to the animal only feeding on poisonous plants.