Basilisk
| Species | beast |
| No. Appearing | 1–2 |
| Behaviour | presocial |
| Range | steppe, subterranean |
| Size | 7 ft. long |
| Weight | 110 lbs. |
| Intelligence | 2 |
| Armour Class | 4 |
| Hit Dice | 6+1 |
| Action Points | 3 |
| Max. Stride | 7 |
| THAC0 | 17 |
| Hp/Die | d6 |
| Attack Forms | 1: fangs |
| Damage | fangs (1–10) |
| Special Attacks | petrification, surprise 4 in 6 |
Basilisks are reptilian beasts whose petrifying gaze can turn the unwary to stone in an instant, making them both feared and hunted for the alchemical properties of their remains. Possessing six legs, these creatures are sometimes spontaneously born from the egg of a serpent or toad — though the reason remains a mystery to most. A basilisk will never stray far from cover or stone, relying on its surroundings for concealment. If injured, it will instinctively seek out a hole or crevice in which to disappear and escape.
Contents
Always on the hunt for meat, the basilisk has a particular craving for eggs. If given the opportunity, its tongue can lick the stoneform of its victims, restoring flesh so that it may be consumed. Unusual eggs, such as those of a reptile or immense bird, can serve as bait to lure the creature into a trap. Some zoophiles have been known to keep a basilisk confined in an oubliette, casting victims into the pit as needed to ensure the beast remains well-fed.
Tales of basilisks have circulated for centuries, with accounts from learned men of the 16th century drawing heavily from medieval bestiaries and the writings of ancient natural philosophers. The creature is often cited in grimoires and treatises on monstrous beasts, where scholars debate whether its unnatural origins stem from corruption in the natural order or the meddling of sorcerers who sought to breed creatures of death and ruin.
Some claim that basilisks were once the hidden familiars of necromancers and alchemists, used to dispose of failed apprentices or enemies without leaving behind anything but lifeless stone. In certain remote regions, rural folk whisper of petrified villages, abandoned after some unfortunate soul disturbed a basilisk's den. The creature's reputed ability to return flesh to stone has led to dark speculation that some victims of petrification may not be entirely beyond saving, though such efforts are fraught with risk. Kings and inquisitors alike have been known to pay handsomely for basilisk remains, believing them to be of use in alchemy or to counteract poisons, while others seek them out for their supposed supernatural properties — though few hunters return to claim their reward.
Though widely believed, the notion that a basilisk can be turned to stone by its own reflected gaze is false. No matter how polished the surface, the creature remains unaffected by its own image. However, it's true that a basilisk may be safely observed through a mirror, as its petrifying effect does not pass through reflections. This knowledge has led to the development of specialized hunting techniques, particularly among those skilled in trick-shooting. Such individuals may engage a basilisk with relative safety by angling their attacks while using a mirror to track the beast, though this method demands both precision and nerve.
Advantages
The basilisk's greatest threat is its gaze, which transforms victims into stone. Upon first encountering the creature, any who are surprised or fail initiative must immediately roll a saving throw against petrification. If successful, it's presumed the character has looked away in time, and no further saving throw is required unless they choose to look directly at the beast. However, any attack made with open eyes will require another saving throw, as even a momentary glance can be fatal. This applies to every sighted attack attempted against the basilisk.
A combatant may fight with eyes closed, but doing so comes with risks...and each time the defender is stunned during battle, they must roll a saving throw to determine whether they have involuntarily opened their eyes at the worst possible moment. The only sure way to face a basilisk without risk of petrification is to fight completely blind, tying a blindfold over one's eyes. However, this takes time, and the basilisk will not always allow its prey the opportunity to prepare.
Fighting blind additionally imposes a -8 penalty to hit, making even skilled warriors struggle to land a blow. The basilisk is aware of its advantage and moves with calculated cunning, keeping silent as it creeps among stones or low undergrowth to evade detection. It will attempt to strike from the flank or the rear whenever possible, exploiting its environment to catch its foes at their weakest.
See Bestiary
