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I'm a
rooster
, sir, and I've invested in half the town! Do as you must, but I'm unflappable!

The Airship Enthusiast, Shovel Knight: Plague of Shadows

Cooper the Airship Enthusiast, also known as the Rooster Gent,[1] is an investor and former adventurer, and a recurring character in Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove. He commandeers the Glidewing and helps King Knight in King of Cards.

Appearance[]

Cooper appears as a bipedal white rooster with a red comb and an orange beak. In the first two campaigns, he wears an orange shirt with a brown vest and brown trousers and holds a black-red cane. In the other two, he wears instead a brown aviator vest and a red and white striped shirt along with his brown trousers.

Personality[]

Cooper has a fondness for airships and always displays his admiration of them. He is also brave even in the face of danger, and takes easily offense at being confused for a chicken.

Story[]

Shovel of Hope[]

In Shovel of Hope, the Airship Enthusiast can be seen at the Armor Outpost, inside the front of the Aerial Anvil with the Yoppler. He no longer owns the Glidewing but invested in the place while continuing his admiration of airships. He reappears in the ending, among the court of King Pridemoor after he regained his throne from King Knight.

As the Rooster Gent, he can be found in the Mysterious Area. He appears after the Battletoads have been defeated to comment on their futuristic airship, the Vulture. Its creator, Professor T. Bird, greets him as a response to his admiration.

Plague of Shadows[]

In Plague of Shadows, Cooper is the only character that does not flee when Plague Knight invades the Armor Outpost. He stands outside the Fancy Shop.

Specter of Torment[]

In Specter of Torment, Cooper appears briefly during the ending. He rides aboard a small airship among Propeller Knight's fleet. As the fleet takes flight, he slows down when approaching the 'Edge Farmer on the Flying Machine's bridge. He throws him a rose before leaving, which impresses the hedgehog.

King of Cards[]

In King of Cards, Cooper captains the crew of the Glidewing, his own airship, and partnered with the Bard to seek the Joustus Crown. He encounters King Knight outside the House of Joustus, where he offers him to board the Glidewing and to aid him to win the tournament.

Dig[]

In the prequel Shovel Knight Dig, Cooper traveled with the Glidewing to the recently-discovered Well where he hopes to find good candidates to join his crew. He meets there Duelist Di, who tells the rooster to ask her out whenever he would need a Joustus duelist.

Dialogue[]

Treasure Trove[]

Click to expand

Talked to in the Armor Outpost "Airship Enthusiast: I do say, sir! Why, I haven't seen such a decadent airship since I sold mine! Hah!"
Talked to in the Mysterious Area "Rooster Gent: I say! This airship rivals the Aerial Anvil... and so advanced! Who is the proprietor!?"
"Professor T. Bird: Greeting, fellow bird nerd! Ah, yes! The Vulture is my finest creation!"

Talked to in the Armor Outpost "Plague Knight: Hee hee hahaha, If they're not cowards, they're chickens!"
"Airship Enthusiast: I'm a
rooster
, sir, and I've invested in half the town! Do as you must, but I'm unflappable!
"

Outside the House of Joustus, after Black Knight leaves or when attemping to use the rope "Cooper:
You there!
You, the pauldrons! Fancy-pants! Yes, you!
My friend and I have an offer for you. We need to talk- elsewhere.
"
"King Knight: Sorry, petitioners. I am not accepting gifts from peasants, and I won't have a word of your pleasantries."
"Bard: Does the Joustus Crown ring a bell? We bid you no harm, and wish to hear your story. Please,
your highness?
"
"King Knight: Hmm.. finally some recognition of my status! Very well! I'll hear you out. Heave to and grab the rope!"
Talked to again before using the rope "Cooper: Time's a wastin', your majesty. Kindly teach us your gilded rope trick, would you?"
Boarding the Glidewing for the first time "King Knight: This ramshackle monstrosity seems ready to splinter to bits, but...
I must say, this view of my future kingdom is quite remarkable.
"
"Cooper: The Glidewing is a sturdy lass! My crew of fortune-seekers depends on her, and we turn a mighty profit."
"Bard: And lately, we've had our eyes on the Joustus Crown."
"Cooper: But we need a champion who can outplay King Pridemoor. And clearly- you, my friend, have a magic touch!"


[This last sentence is replaced by "... And you, my friend, certainly look the part!" if the Glidewing is boarded without defeating Black Knight]

"King Knight: Oh, I assure you, the Joustus Judges will be small work for a talent such as my own."
"Cooper: Your grace, I believe we have an understanding. If we work together, the glory will be yours!"

[King Pridemoor's banner is unfurled]

"Cooper: First up is King Pridemoor, a bearded noble with a razor wit! We're nearing his domain- Pridemoor Keep.
But, it will be a moment yet. Have a stroll around the Glidewing, and rest up. Welcome aboard!
"

Boarding the Glidewing after acquiring two followers "King Knight:
Mother! What are you doing here?
"
"Mom: Sugar plum! Here you are! I grabbed one of your little rat ropes, and suddenly I was whisked up here!"
"Cooper: Your dear mother was just telling us all about the many virtues of King Pridemoor!"
"Mom: I just love King Pridemoor. I read in King's Weekly that he was a real stickler for the rules!"
"King Knight: Mom... hush! You know you're not to disturb my quests!
Stay out of my thing!
"
"Bard: Without rules, one can't be much of a ruler. Perhaps your mother's insight could help guide our quest!"
"Mom: Oh, what a thrill, dearies! To fly through the sky, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of a king!"
"King Knight: ..This is nonsense! Hogwash! mother,
Say nothing to my servants!
"
Boarding the Glidewing after defeating King Pridemoor "Cooper: My days, King Pridemoor stands among us! All of you, kneel in the presence of our king!"
"King Pridemoor: No formalities are needed among friends! I've just met King Knight and glimpsed his strategic brilliance!"
"Bard: King Knight, champion of a monarch. Huzzah! Unfurl the banner!"


[The first victory banner is unfurled, the followers leave the hall]

"Bard: King Knight, I'm impressed. You've bested the undefeated King Pridemoor at Joustus?! Well done."
"King Knight: Oh, uh.. Yes! Pridemoor succumbed easily to my Joustus genius. Now, shall we send him on his way?"
"King Pridemoor: Don't fret over me, I'm quite invigorated! In fact, now that I'm here,
I could just stay!
"
"Cooper: King Pridemoor, it would be our
distinct honor
to have you as our guest!
"
"King Knight: ..."


[The Troupple King's banner is unfurled]

"King Pridemoor: Well, then, it's a royal flight! Full steam ahead to the Troupple Grotto.
I still remember the secret path to the reclusive Troupple King, after all these
years!
"
Boarding the Glidewing after defeating the Troupple King "Bard: A Troupple Acolyte has come aboard.. but there's no sign of the Troupple King?"
"Troupple Acolyte: I'm here in lieu of his majesty. He bows his stem to King Knight, heir apparent to the Joustus Crown!"
"Cooper: Gulpin' Gizzards, he's done it! He's beaten the Troupple King!
B'KAWW!!
"


[The second victory banner is unfurled, the followers leave the hall]

"Bard: Details, man, out with it! Mustn't keep your audience waiting! How did you outsmart the Troupple King?"
"Troupple Acolyte: ...Well, ah, actually, you know, I'm not sure if--"
"King Knight: Simple strategy, my subjects! when Ii exerted my
superior
intellect, the answer became clear!
"


[King Birder's banner is unfurled]

"Cooper: ..Right, very good. Just one Judge left, now. But King Birder is different - we've only recently heard of him!"
"Troupple Acolyte: If I may? His finned fruitness tells tale of the Birder Bluffs, where many birders tend to flock.
But we've yet to meet this new king ourselves. Something's fishy- the Troupple King's roots seed a
dire warning.

I shall reflect belowdecks, King Knight, but do stop by. I might have a whale of a surprise for you.
"


[The Troupple Acolyte leaves the hall]

"Bard: There isn't much time to lose, then. Let's gather our wits, and compose ourselves. Onward, to the Birder Bluffs!"

Boarding the Glidewing after defeating King Birder "Bard: You're back! Our cohorts just told us the awful news!"
"Troupple Acolyte: It's all true! the Joustus Crown was a sham! The Enchantress distracted us all!
We're doomed!
"
"Cooper: Everyone, settle down! Your attention, please!
Hope is not yet lost. The Enchantress> fooled us all... but unfortunately for her, she also brought us together.
"
"King Pridemoor: Our captain is right. We must unify, and fight for what we cherish! My kingdom, my griffoths.."
"Troupple Acolyte: My friends at the Troupple Pond, and our majestic king!"
"Birder: For birders, and all those without a voice. I may have just joined, but your angle is true!"
"Cooper: It's been quite a journey, but our goal is now clear. We can't let The Enchantress win. Now,
who's with me!?

I'll fly us close to the Tower of Fate ahead. This is it, King Knight. We're all depending on you.
"

Talked to when the Glidewing flies near the Plains "Cooper: We'd been scouting around the plains for Joustus players, before we met you. It's peaceful here."
Talked to when the Glidewing flies near Pridemoor Keep "Cooper: King Pridemoor. No surprise he's a Joustus Judge. Mind like a steel trap, a heart of gold, and a charming, to boot."
Talked to when the Glidewing flies near the the Lich Yard "Cooper: My heart pangs in these blighted ghost lands, ever since our last champion vanished here. Let's hurry through."
Talked to when the Glidewing flies near the Troupple Pond "Cooper: See that vast thicket? It covers the troupple pond. The view of the ground is poor, even from our vantage point."
Talked to when the Glidewing flies near the Lost City "Cooper: The lost city was a natural wonder, a treasure to the kingdom, before it was plundered bare by opportunists."
Talked to when the Glidewing flies near the Explodatorium "Cooper: Plague Knight seems a bit mad. But his explosives are devastating, and his prices are fair. What can I say?"
Talked to when the Glidewing flies near the Iron Whale "Cooper: I've always loved the sky.. but feared the sea. I shudder to think of what would happen if we crashed here."
Talked to when the Glidewing flies near the Clockwork Tower "Cooper: This tower is a sight to behold! Hengineer's tales did naught to prepare me for this mechanical marvel!"
Talked to when the Glidewing flies near the Flying Machine "Cooper: The free skies are but a fading memory. Until recently, none dared claim it as their personal playground."
Talked to when the Glidewing flies near the Stranded Ship "Cooper:
Th-The chill of this sky puts an ache in my hollow bones.
What torturous frost! I bid you h-haste, sir!
"
Talked to when the Glidewing flies near the Birder Bluffs "Cooper: Few birds have soared higher than me, but here King Birder's lair stands, atop the billowing clouds. Astounding!"
Talked to when the Glidewing flies near the Tower of Fate "Cooper: Do you reckon a tower as old as this is equipped with cannons? Ready yourself for anything!."
Propeller Knight attacks the Glidewing "Bard:
Ahhhhhhh!
We're under attack!
"
"Cooper:
This is serious!
I know our foe all too well. The ship's on lockdown until we're rid of the enemy!
Take out the intruders! I'll try to steer us out of this mess!
"
Propeller Knight defeated "Doe: Thank goodness, you made it! We held her together best we could, captain, but she took a beating."
"Cooper: Propeller Knight could be back at any moment. We've got to keep an eye out."
"Doe: Got one eye open in my sleep. You'll be the fist to know."

Spin-offs[]

Click to expand

Wandering the campsite (alternating) "Cooper: The Glidewing is docked nearby. That's my airship, you know! We're a band of fortune seekers, yes, and this place looks awfully rich!"
"Cooper: We're on the lookout for heroic candidates to join our entourage. If you see anyone qualified, let us know!"
Sitting alone by the campfire "Cooper: Campfire's nice. Reminds me of havin' my momma sit on me, while I was still in the shell."
Sitting by the campfire with Duelist Di "Cooper: My chums and I have been feeling rather entrepreneurial! We're looking for a champion, and a business venture suited to their skills."
"Duelist Di: Intriguing... If you ever have need of a card-playing duelist, you know where to find me."
Sitting by the campfire with a yellow Canary Scout "Cooper: That's, uh, quite a responsibility, sony. Your team puts a lot of trust in you!"
Sitting by the campfire with the Prospector, a red Bag Fellow, and Duelist Di "Cooper: Me, I split my workout days. I try to alternate between wings, thighs, and drumsticks."

Trivia[]

  • Rooster Gent was the original name for this character during the development of Shovel Knight, evidenced by the name of his sprite "Rooster Gent" and his original concept art.[2]
  • Despite his change of name, the developers of Yacht Club Games still refer to the Airship Enthusiast with his old name:
    • In his cameo appearance in the Battletoads bonus stage.
    • During the "Yacht Club Presents" stream of the 8.28.19., where during the Q&A segment the developers talked about how much of a bigger role the Airship Enthusiast, first encountered during Shovel Knight's campaign, will play in King of Cards, addressing the Airship Enthusiast as Rooster Gent every single time.
    • In the blog post detailing the creation of Shovel Knight's dance button.[3]
    • In the 5th anniversary blog post of Shovel Knight.[4]

Nomenclature[]

Language Name Meaning
English Cooper A surname which was likely chosen as a pun on chicken coops, where roosters and chickens are usually kept in farms.
French Coquelet Cockerel, a young male chicken.
Italian Signor tacchino Mister turkey
German Gockel Rooster
Spanish Señor Gallo Mister Rooster
Japanese クーパー
kūpā
Cooper
Russian Сэр Петух
Ser Petukh
Sir Rooster
Brazilian-Portuguese Cristavaldo -
Korean 쿠퍼
kupeo
Cooper
Simplified Chinese 库柏
kù bǎi
Cooper
Traditional Chinese 庫柏
kù bǎi
Cooper

Gallery[]

References[]

Shovel of Hope Characters
Main Characters: Shovel KnightShield KnightBlack KnightThe Enchantress
The Order of No Quarter: King KnightSpecter KnightPlague KnightTreasure KnightMole KnightTinker KnightPolar KnightPropeller Knight
The Wandering Travelers: ReizeBazMr. HatPhantom Striker
Guest Characters: KratosBattletoadsMadam MeeberPassmaster
Village: FarrelsBardMollyGoaticianGoatarmorerGastronomerMagicistJuice MaidDancerDeposed KingGrandma SwampMonaCroakerChesterTroupple AcolyteHoop KidPlaying KidHedge FarmerWater CarrierGrizzled Seer
Armor Outpost: WallaceToaderFishermanMary SweetsLeoPeacock GentDollyArmorerShovel SmithYopplerAirship EnthusiastScholarFish Head
Wandering NPCs: KnightsLady KnightsAdventurersFishermenBag FellowsMaidensDeer LadiesGatherersVillagers
Relic Stages NPCs: VillagerAdventurerGrizzled Seer
Hall of Champions: TicketerCultured FellowPatronThe Big Creep
Troupple Pond and sparkling pits: Troupple KingTroupples
Mini-Bosses: TeethalonThe Dinghy DropperThe Alchemeister
Final Boss: Remnant of Fate
Plague of Shadows Characters
Main Characters: Plague KnightMonaPercyBlack KnightShovel KnightThe Enchantress
The Order of No Quarter: King KnightSpecter KnightTreasure KnightMole KnightTinker KnightPolar KnightPropeller Knight
The Wandering Travelers: ReizeBazMr. HatPhantom Striker
Guest Characters: Madam Meeber
Village: Farrels
Team Plague: MagicistHedge PupilMail Minion (Grandma Swamp) • OolongPlague Minions
Armor Outpost: ChesterTroupple AcolyteAirship Enthusiast
Hall of Champions: Head GuardCultured FellowPatron
Troupple Pond: Troupple KingTroupples
Mini-Bosses: TeethalonThe Dinghy DropperThe Alchemeister
Final Bosses: Plague of ShadowsCorrupted Essence
Cameo/Ending Only NPCs: BardMollyDollyLeoPeacock GentMary SweetsToaderFishermanWallaceYopplerGrizzled SeerWater CarrierHedge FarmerGastronomerCroakerDeposed KingTroupple AcolyteDeer LadiesLady KnightsBag FellowsFishermenGatherersVillagersKnightsMaidensAdventurers
Specter of Torment Characters
Main Characters: Specter KnightShield KnightLuanReizeDark ReizeBlack Knight (Terrorpin) • The Enchantress
Order Recruits: King KnightPhantom StrikerPlague KnightTreasure KnightMole KnightTinker KnightPolar KnightPropeller Knight
Guest Characters: Madam Meeber
Tower of Fate: RedMannyMissyDark AcolyteCreechLegionScrying GlassMemmecDragon Goldarmor'Edge FarmerHoraceScarletDancerGallBazBoneclangGoldarmorBirderRail RiderPlague MinionSpecter Knight impersonator
Wandering Minions: WizzemsBoneclangsGoldarmorsLiquid SamuraisHoppiclesesPlague MinionsHover MeanieHoverhaftGhostTundreadRail RiderGulper MageCogslotter
The Lich Yard: Super Skeleton
Mini-Bosses: TeethalonThe Dinghy DropperThe AlchemeisterHurlsvelgr
Final Boss: Nightmare Reize
Ending Only NPCs: Deposed KingTroupple KingVillagerGrizzled SeerPatronLady KnightAirship EnthusiastMonaMr. HatPeacock GentLeoDollyMaidenToaderFishermanWallaceKnightsFarrelsHedge FarmerHedge Pupil
Beeto's Big Break: Adventurer
King of Cards Characters
Main Characters: King KnightMomKing PridemoorTroupple KingKing BirderSpecter KnightThe Enchantress
Glidewing: DoeCooperBardCardiaGouacheHengineerLedge FarmerVicar of VigorGrandma Swamp
Glidewing Recruits: Hedge PupilDuelist DiTraitorusSkipBartonTroupple AcolytesTMK-500Mr. Hat
The Wandering Travelers: Phantom StrikerBazPlague Knight (Percy) • Treasure KnightMole KnightTinker KnightPolar KnightPropeller Knight
House of Joustus: RookieHoop KidPlaying KidGoaticianJuice MaidCroakerRuffianBlack Knight (Terrorpin) • KnightsGathererGrizzled Seers
Cavern of Joustus: VisitorCloaked Figure (Wandering) • ArmorerShovel SmithMole MinionBlorb/BlazorbToaderMona
Crag of Joustus: Old LadyLeoCogslotterHover MeanieCroakerToaderSpinwulvesYopplerOolongPlague MinionCloaked Figure (Wandering)
Tower of Joustus: MissyLiquid SamuraiWizzemRedHorace
Joustus houses/Glidewing: Chester
Wandering NPCs: Old LadiesCard PlayersBag FellowsVisitorsRookiesAdventurersGamblersLady KnightsPlague MinionsLunksWizzemsHoppiclesesCogslottersHover MeaniesTundreadsHoverhaftsRail RidersGhostsGoldarmorsGulper MagesBoneclangsLiquid Samurais
Chest Stage NPCs: Hedge FarmerFarrelsGrizzled SeerGastronomerSnow MaidenBag Fellow
Eerie Manor: The Big Creep
Void Crater: DollyHorzio
Fairy Glade: Madam Meeber
Mini-Bosses: Mole MinionTeethalon
Final Boss: The Grand Triumvirate
Background/Ending Only NPCs: The AlchemeisterWhippiclesesPeacock GentTicketerCultured FellowsPatronsMagicistShovel Knight
Showdown Characters
Playable Characters: Shovel Knight (Fish Head) • Shield KnightBlack KnightThe EnchantressPlague KnightSpecter Knight (Donovan) • King KnightTinker KnightMole KnightTreasure KnightPolar KnightPropeller KnightReizeBazPhantom StrikerMr. HatMonaDark ReizeLiquid SamuraiGoldarmor (Dragon Goldarmor) • Random Knight
Chester's Choice: Chester
Glidewing Crew: CooperBardDoeHengineerVicar of VigorMomKing PridemoorTroupple AcolyteHedge PupilDuelist DiTraitorusBartonSkipTroupple MissionaryTMK-500
Village - Town Center: Water CarrierFarrelsYoppler
Village - House of Joustus: Lady KnightsLunksOld LadiesAdventurersGamblersCard PlayersRookiesVisitors
Troupple Grotto - Royal Pond: Troupple KingTroupples
Troupple Grotto - Axolongl Cave: Axolongls
Tower of Fate - Mirror Chamber: Dark AcolyteMissyRedMannyHorace
Colosseum - Percy's Targets: PercyBeetos
Final Boss: Mirror of Fate
Dig Characters
Main Characters: Shovel KnightShield Knight (Altius) • The Enchantress
The Hexcavators: Drill KnightSpore KnightHive Knight (Fleck) • Scrap KnightTinker KnightMole Knight
Surface Merchants: HoofmanWhiskerArmorer
The Well Merchants: Master ArgusTom BolaGastronomoleFetcher
Surface/The Well Merchant: Chester
Surface NPCs: WalterMaster ArgusBig BohtoHoop KidBlack Knight
Wandering/Campfire/Side-room NPCs: Duelist DiCooperPercyBag FellowPeacock GentAdventurerGastronomoleHunterLamp LighterMeleeistOremanCanary ScoutGuardFan BoyProspectorStudent MageCasterFarmsmithBow LadySpelunkerForagerClawed Miner
Final Boss: Drill Knight
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