Large monstrosity, unaligned
Armor Class 16 (Natural Armor)
Hit Points 123 (13d10+52)
Speed 25 ft.
Proficiency bonus +3
Proficiency Bonus +6 (5th Edition Advanced Mode)
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 (+5) | 6 (-2) | 19 (+4) | 2 (-4) | 8 (-1) | 7 (-2) |
Saving Throws (suggested) Str +8, Con +7
Skills Perception +2
Senses Darkvision 60 ft., passive perception 10
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
Petrifying Gaze. If a creature starts its turn within 30 ft. of the Greater Basilisk and the two of them can see each other, the Basilisk can force the creature to make a DC 15 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.
Poisonous Breath. Everyone facing the Greater Basilisk in melee must succeed a DC 15 Constitution saving throw takes 10d6 poison damage and suffer the poisoned condition. A successful saving throw halves the damage and avoid the poisoned condition.
ACTIONS
- Multiattack. The greater basilisk makes three attacks, two with its claws and one with its bite.
- Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) piercing damage.
- Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d6 + 5) piercing damage plus 3 (1d6) poison damage.
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 greater basilisk is a monstrous reptile with eight legs and a powerful jaw. Its most fearsome feature, however, is its eyes, which can turn any living creature that meets its gaze into stone. A greater basilisk is larger and more intelligent than a normal basilisk, and can even cast some spells. It has dark red or black scales, and a crest of horns on its head. A greater basilisk can grow up to 15 feet long and weigh up to 4,000 pounds. These monsters are typically used to guard treasure.
COMBAT
A greater basilisk prefers to ambush its prey, hiding in dark places or behind cover. It uses its petrifying gaze to immobilize its enemies, then bites them with its venomous fangs. A greater basilisk can also use its spells to enhance its abilities or hinder its foes. Some of the spells it can cast are darkness, dispel magic, greater invisibility, and fireball. A greater basilisk is immune to its own gaze and the gaze of other basilisks. It can also see through magical darkness and invisibility. A greater basilisk is vulnerable to bright light, which blinds it and prevents it from using its gaze. The only way to reverse the petrification caused by a greater basilisk is by using a greater restoration spell or other powerful magic.
A greater basilisk attacks by raising its upper body, striking with sharp claws, and biting with its toothy maw. The claws carry a poison that can weaken or paralyze the victim. Its foul breath is also poisonous, and all creatures coming close to its mouth, even if just for a moment, are exposed to poisonous effects.
HABITAT / SOCIETY
A greater basilisk is a solitary creature, rarely associating with others of its kind. It claims a large territory, usually in a dark and secluded place, such as a cave, a ruin, or a forest. It hunts any living creature that enters its domain, and sometimes ventures out to raid nearby settlements or caravans. A greater basilisk collects the statues of its victims, either as trophies or as food. It can digest the stone, which returns to organic form in its stomach. A greater basilisk can communicate telepathically with other creatures that share its language, usually Abyssal or Draconic. It is often hostile and arrogant, but can be persuaded by offers of treasure or power.
ECOLOGY
A greater basilisk is a rare and unnatural creature, created by fiendish experiments or dark rituals. It is not native to any plane of existence, but can be found in the Abyss, the Underdark, or other places of evil. A greater basilisk has no natural predators, except for adventurers or other powerful beings that seek to destroy it. A greater basilisk reproduces by laying eggs, which it guards fiercely until they hatch. The hatchlings are independent from birth, and soon leave their parent to find their own territory. A greater basilisk has a lifespan of about 200 years.