The catoblepas is a bovine creature originating from Ethiopian legend. Originally described by Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder, it is said to resemble a wildebeest or a cape buffalo. Its description has been altered slightly throughout the ages, with different authors making different claims about the catoblepas' appearance and abilities.
Physiology[]
The catoblepas has consistently been described as bovine with a stocky, heavyset body. It possessed horns like those of a bull, but some claimed that it had a face similar to a hog as well as a thick mane and a scaly hide. Because of its great weight, its head was always looking downwards.
Capabilities[]
The catoblepas was said to possess the ability to breathe fire from its nostrils. Much like the Gorgons of Greek legend or the European basilisk, it was also believed to kill people or turn them to stone by glaring at them or poisoning them with its toxic breath.