Stalker Basylysk (bæsɪlɪsk)
“Basylysk” is a word that strikes fear into the hearts of men. Most people know it as a large reptile from Shlekahul, one that is king among them and can petrify foes with its gaze alone. The natives of Shlekahul, however, know this is merely a misinterpretation of stories told by adventurers to the island: that is, it was so terrifying that explorers couldn’t move from fear.
What’s more, “Basylysk” is not a single species, but rather two animals that, according to Sesali mythology, are descendants of the same primordial being. While these creatures may not be mythical per se, both species are still very important to the people of Shlekahul and hold a significant place in their culture. The stalker basylysk is a gigantic lizard, muscular and low-slung slinking through the underbrush on the prowl for whatever it can wrap its jaws around, even human beings.
What’s more, “Basylysk” is not a single species, but rather two animals that, according to Sesali mythology, are descendants of the same primordial being. While these creatures may not be mythical per se, both species are still very important to the people of Shlekahul and hold a significant place in their culture. The stalker basylysk is a gigantic lizard, muscular and low-slung slinking through the underbrush on the prowl for whatever it can wrap its jaws around, even human beings.
Basic Information
Anatomy
The stalker basylysk is a large varanid lizard, with robust limbs and a sturdy head. The body is heavily built, low slung, and armored, with osteoderms-scales with bones in them-that act as a sort of natural chainmail. Only the eyes, nostrils, lips, and top of the head lack these scales. The tail is muscular and just as long as the entire body, lined with reserves of fat as much as it is powerful muscles. The robust limbs are easily able to support the animal and lined with recurved claws that allow it to slink across large rocks if it so choses. The skull is large-even in proportion to the body-with a pair of devilish crests over the eyes and flexible jaws lined with serrated, sword-like teeth.
Ecology and Habitats
The stalker basylysk inhavits the regions of the island where it is hot and dry, traditionally being found in open grasslands and scrublands though it can occasionally be found in low elevation rainforests. The blistering heat and lack of diversity in large prey animals makes this place unsuitable for large mammalian predators, while the basylysk’s reptilian physiology makes it much more capable for this habitat.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Both basylysks are obligate carnivores, who require meat to sustain themselves, and who's primary weapon is their teeth. Stalkers rely almost entirely on these teeth not just for the kill, but also for the butchery. The serrations on them make them butcher meat easily off the bone, much like a knife through a tender steak, while the forelimbs hold the carcass down. Almost all the meat and organs are eaten, or until the basalysk has consumes most of its body weight should the meal be of a sufficiently large animal. Small game-such as goats, deer, dogs, or even toddlers under the right circumstances-are typically swallowed whole. The basylysk then finds a sunny location to bask, increasing its metabolism and speeding its digestion, before regurgitating the indigestible parts in a pellet.
When it comes to eating habits, stalker basylysks are not fussy or cleanly, readily consuming carrion when available. They also are happy to use their size and weaponry to force smaller predators off their kills. Having said that, like any top predator, basylysks prefer fresh game, with ambush being their preferred tactic. The basylysk will lay under some shrubbery or thicket, especially near a source of water, as cover for when passing animals meander by and charge with tremendous force and speed, latching its jaws on any exposed flesh it can. If it can go for the neck or head it will, but generally attacks go for the limbs and underbelly, occasionally tails though that is not a preferred attack point. Once the bite is established, venom is pumped into the saliva and riddles the wound, preventing blood from clotting and causing necrosis of the muscles. The venom is generally used against larger or armored prey like the large sloths and armadillos of the island: smaller prey like humans or goats are typically ripped apart instead. For large prey, the basylysk is more than happy to lie in wait for the venom to bring the animal down, or at least weaken it to where it cannot fight.
When it comes to eating habits, stalker basylysks are not fussy or cleanly, readily consuming carrion when available. They also are happy to use their size and weaponry to force smaller predators off their kills. Having said that, like any top predator, basylysks prefer fresh game, with ambush being their preferred tactic. The basylysk will lay under some shrubbery or thicket, especially near a source of water, as cover for when passing animals meander by and charge with tremendous force and speed, latching its jaws on any exposed flesh it can. If it can go for the neck or head it will, but generally attacks go for the limbs and underbelly, occasionally tails though that is not a preferred attack point. Once the bite is established, venom is pumped into the saliva and riddles the wound, preventing blood from clotting and causing necrosis of the muscles. The venom is generally used against larger or armored prey like the large sloths and armadillos of the island: smaller prey like humans or goats are typically ripped apart instead. For large prey, the basylysk is more than happy to lie in wait for the venom to bring the animal down, or at least weaken it to where it cannot fight.
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