Difference between revisions of "Basilisk"

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[[File:Basilisk image.jpg|440px|left|Basilisk]]
 
 
{{Bestiarychart
 
{{Bestiarychart
 
| name = Basilisk
 
| name = Basilisk
| species = beast
+
| species = [[Beast|beast]]
 
| noapp = 1–2
 
| noapp = 1–2
 
| behaviour = presocial
 
| behaviour = presocial
| range = steppe, subterannean
+
| range = [[Steppe (range)|steppe]], [[Subterranean (range)|subterranean]]
 
| size = 7 ft. long
 
| size = 7 ft. long
 
| weight = 110 lbs.
 
| weight = 110 lbs.
| int = 1
+
| int = 2
 
| AC = 4
 
| AC = 4
 
| HD = 6+1
 
| HD = 6+1
 
| AP = 3
 
| AP = 3
| THAC0 = 15
+
| stride = 7
 +
| THAC0 = 17
 
| hpdie = d6
 
| hpdie = d6
| attack = bite
+
| attack = '''1''': [[Fangs (attack)|fangs]]
| dmg = 1–10
+
| dmg = fangs (1–10)
| special = petrification, surprise 4 in 6
+
| special = [[Petrification|petrification]], [[Surprise (combat)|surprise]] 4 in 6
 
}}
 
}}
 +
'''Basilisks''' are [[Amphibians & Reptiles (sage study)|reptilian]] [[Beast|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 (defense)|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.
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[[File:Basilisk.jpg|350px|left|thumb]]
 +
__TOC__
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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|trap]]. Some zoophiles have been known to keep a basilisk confined in an [[Oubliette|oubliette]], casting victims into the pit as needed to ensure the beast remains well-fed.
  
Reptilian-like in appearance, the basilisk possesses a powerful attack in the form of a gaze that transforms enemies into stone. Any creature forced to roll initiative with the basilisk or attempting to attack it must either roll save against [[petrification]] or fight the beast with eyes closed (treating it as invisible and withdrawn, -8 to hit). The basilisk makes very little sound and may, if it wishes, conceal itself among stone or beneath undergrowth so as to be undetectable at a distance of more than one [[Combat Hex|combat hex]].
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'''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.  
  
The beast's preferred method of attack a single prey for meat, which it will not turn to stone by means of a second eyelid. If attacked by multiple opponents, however, it will turn all except its intended prey to stone without hesitation, the eyelid opening and snapping shut in an instant as needed. Its intended prey is safe from petrification and need not make save, but all attacks from the basilisk's jaws (causing 1–10 damage) will be directed at this prey.
+
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.
  
Contrary to popular myth, the glance of a basilisk cannot be turned by a mirror so that the basilisk will turn itself to stone. However, the basilisk may be observed safely through a mirror. Though attacking the basilisk hand-to-hand with a mirror for aid is impractical, characters may use a mirror to fire a weapon at a basilisk, with a -5 penalty to hit. Note that the basilisk will never be far from cover or stone, however, and once struck will quickly move into a camouflaged position.
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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 (sage ability)|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.
  
Basilisks will often consume stones to ease its digestive process. When consuming humanoid prey, the basilisk will also swallow gems, which will remain in its belly for months.
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== Advantages ==
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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|initiative]] must immediately roll a [[Saving Throws|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.  
  
=== Encounters ===
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A combatant may [[Combat|fight]] with eyes closed, but doing so comes with risks...and each time the defender is [[Stun Lock|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 [[Blindness (condition)|blindfold]] over one's eyes. However, this takes time, and the basilisk will not always allow its prey the opportunity to prepare.
  
#'''Camouflaged:''' the basilisk will wait in camouflage for its prey to move within attacking range. It will prefer a single prey, which it will attack by moving forward one hex and attacking, if that single prey moves to within 10 feet of the camouflaged beast (2 hexes). At two hexes, the beast cannot be observed, but its presence will be revealed by detect malevolence or enemies. If passing prey is part of a humanoid or carnivorous group, the basilisk will instinctively remain hidden — but if someone does move within a hex of the beast, its presence will become immediately evident (no roll required).
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[[Fighting Blind|Fighting blind]] additionally imposes a -8 penalty [[Roll to Hit|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 [[Rear & Flank Attacks|the flank or the rear]] whenever possible, exploiting its environment to catch its foes at their weakest.
#'''Wandering:''' the basilisk has chosen to change its location and will be discovered moving openly along a hall, through a cavern or across an area of open scrub. Typically, it will be observed at a distance of 9–16 hexes. There is only a 15% chance that the basilisk will be moving in a direction that will require the first observer (roll randomly) to make a saving throw against petrification. If sighted and avoided, then the basilisk will continue on its way without attacking.
 
  
See [[Bestiary|Bestiary]].
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See [[Bestiary|Bestiary]]
 +
 
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[[Category: Reviewed]]

Latest revision as of 16:04, 13 February 2025

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.

Basilisk.jpg

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