Basilisk

Large monstrosity

Armor Class: 4
Hit Dice: 6+1 (average 21 hp)
Movement: 60 ft
Attacks: 1 bite (1d8 + petrification by touch)
Morale: 9
Alignment: Neutral
XP: 600

Description

The Basilisk is a massive eight-legged lizard with a gaze that turns living flesh to stone. It moves slowly but is extremely dangerous — its petrifying gaze works in two ways, and the creature is not intelligent enough to feel fear.

Special Abilities

Petrifying Gaze: Any creature that meets the Basilisk's gaze must save vs. petrification or be turned to stone. Meeting its gaze can occur simply by looking at it in combat — the Referee should determine when this risk applies.

Petrification by Touch: A creature bitten or touched by the Basilisk must also save vs. petrification.

Own Reflection: A Basilisk shown its own reflection (via mirror) must save vs. its own petrifying gaze or be petrified itself.

Not Intelligent: The Basilisk is a predatory animal. It does not scheme.

Tactics / Encounter / Notes

Fighting a Basilisk without meeting its gaze (by fighting with eyes averted, or using a mirror) imposes a −4 penalty to attack rolls. Clever use of a mirror can cause the creature to petrify itself.

40% chance the encounter is at their lair.

Treasure

Basilisk lairs contain Type F treasure — petrified victims and their possessions.