| Other Names | Cockatrice |
| Climate/Terrain | Temperate Forests, Mountains, Subterranean |
| Frequency | Very Rare |
| Organization | Solitary |
| Activity Cycle | Any |
| Diet | Carnivore |
The dreaded basilisk is described by those who have survived encounters with it as a serpent like creature that moves on four reptilian legs that end in three taloned claws. It’s body is larger than a horse and is adorned with emerald scales that glitter in the light. The large head sits atop a serpentine neck and is crowned by a crest of horrid spines which trail down the creatures back and tail. Its jaws narrow to a point, almost like a beak. It’s large eyes are the color of molten gold and swirl in mesmerizing patterns.
This dangerous creature has several potent weapons. Its long talons and vicious fangs can deliver terrible wounds, but these pale in comparison to its eyes. Many who meet the gaze of a basilisk become paralyzed with fear. Some have even died on the spot from fright! Furthermore, the creature is quick and cunning, always attempting to position itself where it can unleash its gaze upon its opponent. Battling while averting the eyes is difficult and more than one warrior has inadvertently glanced at the creature’s eyes and suffered the effects.
The basilisk exudes a foul poison from its mouth, claws and head spines. Any successfully attack from either inflicts poison into the wound. Anyone poisoned will suffer damage continuously as the poison burns through their body. Without intervention, the poison kills within a few minutes.
The basilisk prefers remote and isolated places far from civilization. It is usually encountered in forested hills, mountains and forgotten ruins. It lairs in caves and can be encountered underground.
The poison of the basilisk kills plant life on contact. The vegetation around the mouth of the creature’s lair is often blackened and lifeless. It can sometimes be tracked if the basilisk has passed through a meadow or grassy field as there will be a trail of dead grass and blackened flowers.
The liquid of the eyes of a basilisk is a valuable alchemical component and is useful in items related to fear, paralyzation and death.
Its poison can be collected from glands in claws and mouth and bottled or used on weapons. The poison is a foul smelling viscous slime with a pale green color. If kept in an air tight container, the poison will remain potent for years. Once applied to a weapon, the poison becomes inert within one hour due to exposure to air. Typically, the poison harvested from a dead basilisk is enough for six applications.
It has been theorized that the basilisk is the product of experimentation by a wizard. The creature does appear to be a bizarre fusion of lizard and rooster. Basilisks have been creeping around the world for centuries. The truth of its origin may never be known.
The basilisk is sometimes called a “cockatrice” and goes by that name in some ancient texts.
This website was last updated April 30, 2025. Copyright 1990-2025 David M. Roomes.