Basilisk

Basic Information

Anatomy

The basilisk is a quadrupedal reptile-like creature. Its front limbs are semi-feathered, and are believed to be the remains of vestigial wings. The basilisk is widely known for its unique mouth structure, with three rows of differently-shaped teeth. It’s first row of teeth are sharp: used to inject venom; the second row are flat: used to crush stone and bone alike; the third row of teeth are perhaps the most terrifying of the set: this row operates independently of the other two, used to pin it’s prey down and drag them further into the beasts maw. This third set appears to be mostly for moving and crushing dead prey into its gullet

Ecology and Habitats

Basilisks are primarily found in rocky terrains, such as mountains and badlands

Dietary Needs and Habits

Despite what one might assume from its flat teeth, Basilisks are actually pure carnivores. Their usual prey includes large vertebrates such as coyotes, wolves, sheep, and caribo.
What is especially unique about basilisks and their hunting strategy is their venom. When hunting prey, a basilisk will slowly approach them from behind. Once it has landed a bite, the hunt becomes a waiting game. Basilisk venom is extraordinary in that it causes the tissue of its prey to calcify, slowly turning their bodies into bone. Once the prey has become immobile due to its muscles completely calcifying, the Basilisk can eat at its leisure.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Basilisks usually leave their nest at around three years of age. While primarily a solitary species, Basilisks do often share a den with their life-mate (they do mate for life) and their young

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Though Basilisks retrieve most of their dietary staples from calcified prey, they are also known to snack on rocks. However, because they cannot digest most valuable metals, basilisks often end up simply regurgitating them. Due to their robust digestive system, the materials vomited up are done so in a much more pure state then they had entered in (sometimes after having been collected over the course of weeks or even months of storage). This wealth of metals is what makes basilisk lairs such a valuable find for any adventurer foolhardy enough to tread upon them

Average Intelligence

Basilisks are surprisingly intelligent, and some are even said to create trails of valuable metal nuggets to lure unsuspecting Dwarves into their dens

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

The basilisk is known for its excellent sense of smell and sight. This, combined with their startling intelligence, makes them among the most feared hunters in the natural—and supernatural—worlds

Lifespan

85 years

Average Height

7ft

Average Weight

Male: 900-1300 lbs
Female: 1500-1800 lbs

Average Length

14ft