Medium monstrosity, unaligned
Armor Class 15 (Natural Armor)
Hit Points 52 (8d8+16)
Speed 20 ft.
Proficiency Bonus +2
Proficiency Bonus +4 (5th Edition Advanced Mode)
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 (+3) | 8 (-1) | 15 (+2) | 2 (-4) | 8 (-1) | 7 (-2) |
Saving Throws (suggested) Str +5, Con +4
Senses Darkvision 60 ft., passive perception 9
Challenge 3 (700 XP)
Petrifying Gaze. If a creature starts its turn within 30 ft. of the Basilisk and the two of them can see each other, the Basilisk can force the creature to make a DC 12 Constitution saving throw if the Basilisk isn’t Incapacitated. On a failed save, the creature magically begins to turn to stone and is Restrained. It must repeat the saving throw at the end of its next turn. On a success, the Effect ends. On a failure, the creature is Petrified until freed by the Greater Restoration spell or other magic. A creature that isn’t surprised can avert its eyes to avoid the saving throw at the start of its turn. If it does so, it can’t see the Basilisk until the start of its next turn, when it can avert its eyes again. If it looks at the Basilisk in the meantime, it must immediately make the save. If the Basilisk sees its reflection within 30 ft. of it in bright light, it mistakes itself for a rival and Targets itself with its gaze.
ACTIONS
- Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) poison damage.
BASILISK’s TACTICS (read article)
5th Edition Advanced Mode
Limiting the power of a character and making the overall difficulty of the game harder, does not reduce the creativity, indeed it does quite the opposite.
The Game Master has the option to use any and all of the instances proposed in this guide, or just some of them according to their preference.
It is the lack of something that move and motivate characters, not the abundance of it
DESCRIPTION
A basilisk is a monstrous reptile with eight legs and a row of bony spines along its back. Its most distinctive feature is its glowing pale green eyes, which have the power to turn living creatures to stone with a glance. A basilisk’s body is usually dark gray, brown, or orange, with a yellowish underbelly. It can grow up to 13 feet long and weigh up to 300 pounds. A basilisk has a slow metabolism and a robust digestive system, allowing it to consume even stone, which returns to organic form in its gullet. A basilisk is not very intelligent, but it is cunning and sometimes irrational.
COMBAT
A basilisk relies on its petrifying gaze to hunt and defend itself. If a creature starts its turn within 30 feet of the basilisk and the two of them can see each other, the basilisk can force the creature to make a Constitution saving throw or begin to turn to stone. The creature is restrained and must repeat the saving throw at the end of its next turn. On a success, the effect ends. On a failure, the creature is petrified until freed by magic. A creature that isn’t surprised can avert its eyes to avoid the saving throw, but then it can’t see the basilisk until the start of its next turn. If the basilisk sees its reflection in bright light, it mistakes itself for a rival and targets itself with its gaze.
A basilisk also has a powerful bite that delivers piercing and poison damage. It prefers to attack creatures that are already petrified or restrained by its gaze, but it will also bite any creature that comes too close. A basilisk is not very agile or fast, and it will flee if it faces too much resistance or danger. It is also nearsighted and has poor hearing, making it vulnerable to ranged attacks and stealthy approaches.
HABITAT / SOCIETY
A basilisk lives in warm climates, especially deserts, where it can find plenty of rocks and sand to camouflage itself. It makes its lair in dark underground caves or burrows, where it sleeps off its meals and waits for prey to wander in. A basilisk is solitary by nature, but sometimes it forms small groups of up to six individuals for mutual protection or mating purposes. A basilisk is not very social or loyal, and it will abandon or attack its companions if they become a threat or a nuisance.
A basilisk has few natural enemies, as most creatures avoid its deadly gaze. However, some adventurers seek out basilisks for their valuable eyes, which can be used as components for magic items or spells that petrify or protect from petrification. Some cultures also consider basilisk meat a delicacy, as it has a unique flavor and texture.
ECOLOGY
A basilisk is an apex predator that feeds on any living creature that crosses its path, regardless of size or type. It can digest almost anything, including stone, metal, wood, and bone. A basilisk’s stomach contains powerful acids that break down organic matter and return it to its original form. A basilisk can survive for weeks without eating, as it has a slow metabolism and a large fat reserve.
A basilisk reproduces by laying eggs in a hidden nest made of rocks and sand. The eggs are hard and gray, resembling stones. They hatch after about three months, releasing baby basilisks that are about one foot long and have fully functional eyes. The mother basilisk does not care for her offspring, leaving them to fend for themselves as soon as they hatch. The young basilisks grow quickly, reaching maturity in about two years.
A basilisk has a lifespan of about 20 years in the wild, but it can live longer in captivity if treated well. Some people have attempted to tame or train basilisks as pets or guards, but this is a risky and difficult endeavor that requires constant care and caution. A basilisk is not very loyal or obedient, and it may turn on its owner at any moment if provoked or bored.
Basilisk is employed as material component to empower the following spells: