I am new to DMing and a bit uncertain about Monster Actions / Abilities. For instance, the Basilisk (MM pg. 24). It has a move called Petrifying Gaze below the stats, then under 'Actions' it has Bite. As the DM, am I able to use those on every Basilisk turn? Or are there limitations?
Petrifying Gaze is a conditional ability and only works at the beginning of another creature's turn, as stated in the book. If the condition is met (the creature and the basilisk can see each other and are within 30 feet) then the ability may be used. As for "bite", that can be used on the basilisks turn as an action.
So lets say X, Y, and Z are fighting a basilisk.
Round 1,
X's turn: X can see the basilisk and it can see them and are within 30 of each other. Basilisk uses Petrifying Gaze. X rolls saving throw.
Y's turn: Y is behind the basilisk so the basilisk cannot see them. Basilisk cannot use Petrifying gaze.
Z's turn: Z can see the basilisk and it can see them and are within 30 feet of each other. Basilisk uses Petrifying Gaze. Z rolls saving throw.
Basilisk's turn: Basilisk moves up to X and uses Bite.
As a DM you could use Petrifying Gaze everytime the conditions are met, but you can also choose not to, depends on how you want the fight to feel I guess.
I am new to DMing and a bit uncertain about Monster Actions / Abilities. For instance, the Basilisk (MM pg. 24). It has a move called Petrifying Gaze below the stats, then under 'Actions' it has Bite. As the DM, am I able to use those on every Basilisk turn? Or are there limitations?
Could someone shed some light on this for me?
Thanks in advance for any help you may give.
Petrifying Gaze is a conditional ability and only works at the beginning of another creature's turn, as stated in the book. If the condition is met (the creature and the basilisk can see each other and are within 30 feet) then the ability may be used. As for "bite", that can be used on the basilisks turn as an action.
So lets say X, Y, and Z are fighting a basilisk.
Round 1,
X's turn: X can see the basilisk and it can see them and are within 30 of each other. Basilisk uses Petrifying Gaze. X rolls saving throw.
Y's turn: Y is behind the basilisk so the basilisk cannot see them. Basilisk cannot use Petrifying gaze.
Z's turn: Z can see the basilisk and it can see them and are within 30 feet of each other. Basilisk uses Petrifying Gaze. Z rolls saving throw.
Basilisk's turn: Basilisk moves up to X and uses Bite.
As a DM you could use Petrifying Gaze everytime the conditions are met, but you can also choose not to, depends on how you want the fight to feel I guess.
Thank you for the reply. Now I see that I misread the entry for Petrifying Gaze.
I appreciate your help! Definitely cleared this up for me.