Difference between revisions of "Basilisk"

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[[File:Basilisk image.jpg|440px|left|Basilisk]][[File:Basilisk chart.jpg|right]]
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[[File:Basilisk-image.jpg|350px|left|Basilisk|thumb]]
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{{Bestiarychart
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| name = Basilisk
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| species = [[Beast|beast]]
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| noapp = 1–2
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| behaviour = presocial
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| range = [[Steppe (range)|steppe]], [[Subterranean (range)|subterranean]]
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| size = 7 ft. long
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| weight = 110 lbs.
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| int = 2
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| AC = 4
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| HD = 6+1
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| AP = 3
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| THAC0 = 17
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| hpdie = d6
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| attack = bite
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| dmg = 1–10
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| special = petrification, surprise 4 in 6
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}}
  
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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it must either roll save against [[petrification]] or fight the beast with eyes closed (treating it as invisible and withdrawn, -8 to hit).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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[[Amphibians & Reptiles (sage study)|Reptilian]] in appearance, this six-legged creature is sometimes spontaneously born from the egg of a serpent or toad — though few know the reason why. The basilisk will never be far from [[Cover (defense)|cover]] or stone.  If it is hurt it will seek to disappear into a hole and escape.
  
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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.
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The basilisk is continuously on the hunt for meat and it delights in eggs.  If allowed, the basilisk's tongue is able to lick the stoneform of its victims and restore parts to meat, so it can be consumed.  Unusual eggs, like those of a reptile or immense bird, can be used to lure the creature into a [[Trap|trap]]; some zoophiles will keep a beast like this in an [[Oubliette|oubliette]], casting victims into the pit as needed to keep the basilisk alive.
  
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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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== Advantages ==
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The basilisk's chief threat is a gaze that transforms enemies into stone.  Once meeting and being surprised, or failing [[Initiative|initiative]], all creatures must roll a [[Saving Throws|saving throw]] against the basilisk's gaze, or [[Petrification|be turned to stone]]. Otherwise, it is presumed the creature has had time to look away and a saving throw is not needed. That said, any attack on the beast with eyes open will, again, require the saving throw.  This is true of every sighted attack that is attempted.  A combatant may attempt to fight the beast with eyes closed, but if stunned, a saving throw must be made to see if the hapless defender has opened their eyes at a wrong moment!  The only safe way to fight a basilisk is to retreat, tie a [[Blindness (condition)|blindfold]] over one's eyes and fight the creature that way. This takes time, however, and the basilisk isn't always willing to wait.
  
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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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Fighting the creature blind gives a penalty of -8 to hit.  The basilisk knows to make little sound and it may conceal itself among stones or beneath undergrowth, so as to be less detectable as it attacks. It will move around to attack from [[Rear & Flank Attacks|the flank or the rear]] as well, if it can.
  
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=== Encounters ===
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== Myths ==
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Though believed by many to be true, the glance of a basilisk cannot be redirected by a mirror, causing the basilisk to turn itself to stone. It is true, however, that the basilisk may be observed safely through a mirror.  Characters with [[Trick-shooting (sage ability)|trick-shooting ability]] may fight the basilisk this way with relative safety.
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#'''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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#'''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.
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See [[Bestiary|Bestiary]]
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See [[Bestiary|Bestiary]].
 
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[[Category:Bestiary]]
 

Latest revision as of 05:20, 27 June 2022

Basilisk
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 {{{stride}}}
THAC0 17
Hp/Die d6
Attack Forms bite
Damage 1–10
Special Attacks petrification, surprise 4 in 6

Reptilian in appearance, this six-legged creature is sometimes spontaneously born from the egg of a serpent or toad — though few know the reason why. The basilisk will never be far from cover or stone. If it is hurt it will seek to disappear into a hole and escape.

The basilisk is continuously on the hunt for meat and it delights in eggs. If allowed, the basilisk's tongue is able to lick the stoneform of its victims and restore parts to meat, so it can be consumed. Unusual eggs, like those of a reptile or immense bird, can be used to lure the creature into a trap; some zoophiles will keep a beast like this in an oubliette, casting victims into the pit as needed to keep the basilisk alive.

Advantages

The basilisk's chief threat is a gaze that transforms enemies into stone. Once meeting and being surprised, or failing initiative, all creatures must roll a saving throw against the basilisk's gaze, or be turned to stone. Otherwise, it is presumed the creature has had time to look away and a saving throw is not needed. That said, any attack on the beast with eyes open will, again, require the saving throw. This is true of every sighted attack that is attempted. A combatant may attempt to fight the beast with eyes closed, but if stunned, a saving throw must be made to see if the hapless defender has opened their eyes at a wrong moment! The only safe way to fight a basilisk is to retreat, tie a blindfold over one's eyes and fight the creature that way. This takes time, however, and the basilisk isn't always willing to wait.

Fighting the creature blind gives a penalty of -8 to hit. The basilisk knows to make little sound and it may conceal itself among stones or beneath undergrowth, so as to be less detectable as it attacks. It will move around to attack from the flank or the rear as well, if it can.

Myths

Though believed by many to be true, the glance of a basilisk cannot be redirected by a mirror, causing the basilisk to turn itself to stone. It is true, however, that the basilisk may be observed safely through a mirror. Characters with trick-shooting ability may fight the basilisk this way with relative safety.

See Bestiary

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