Basilisk

"Rock Lizards are one of the most dangerous creatures you can run into on the road. They can pop out of no where then you're stone. No good bye. No defending yourself. Just dead."
~ Unknown Merchant

Basic Information

Genetics and Reproduction

Basilisk mate on average of four times per year. Each clutch averages six eggs. The eggs typically hatch within eight to 10 weeks over a one to two day period.

Ecology and Habitats

Basilisk live in damp cool areas close to a cavern system. If discovered in the Underdark Basilisk live near civilization or areas that see a lot of foot traffic.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Basilisk are carnivorous in nature. They subsist off of the creatures that they turn to stone for sustenance. There's a chemical in the Basilisk saliva that converts petrified objects back into their original state.

Behaviour

Basilisk are very territorial creatures. Even after mating the Basilisk will attack each other till one flees. Mother Basilisk will raise their young for 12 weeks before driving them out of her territory.
Basilisk can be domesticated at an early age but requires constant training. If the training does not take hold before the creature becomes an adult then arcane or divine magics will have to be utilized.

Additional Information

Average Intelligence

Basilisk have an above average intelligence for beast. They're able to avoid simple traps and able to solve simple puzzles to acquire food.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Basilisk utilize their sensitive underbelly and foot pads to sense tremors in the ground. While in caverns the Basilisk utilize their heightened sense of smell to track their prey.

Civilization and Culture

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Basilisk cannot speak any language but can be trained to understand simple commands. When Basilisk interact with one another they communicate in subsonic growls, colorization of their skin, and marking their territory with pheromones. It is theorized that when Basilisk change their scale color to communicate it is to show aggression, danger, or towards younger Basilisk that cannot hear the subsonic frequencies communication.