Paralyzing Gaze. If a creature starts its turn within 30 feet of the basilisk and the two of them can see each other, the basilisk can force the creature to make a DC 11 Constitution saving throw if the basilisk isn’t incapacitated. On a failed save, the creature is paralyzed. It can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns to end the paralyzing effect.
A creature that isn’t surprised can avert its eyes to avoid the saving throw at the start of its turn. If it does so, it can’t see the basilisk until the start of its next turn, when it can avert its eyes again. If it looks at the basilisk in the meantime, it must immediately make the save.
If the basilisk sees its reflection within 30 feet of it in bright light, it mistakes itself for a rival and is frightened until it can no longer see itself.
Water Walking. The crested basilisk can run across water. If it ends its turn on water it falls in.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage and 5 (2d4) poison damage.
Description
Deep within the rainforests of the world, the crested basilisk lives. At the edge of water, mostly rivers and small lakes and ponds, it makes its home. Unlike the blue basilisk, the crested is quite small, being under a meter long and weighing 5 - 7 ounces (141 - 198 grams). Most of this basilisk is made up of its long, thin tail. Instead of spikes along its back for protection, the crested basilisk has a fan-like crest on its head, back, and tail. It also has fringes on the toes of the feet to help with staying afloat on liquid surfaces.
Due to their small size, these basilisks can easily become prey. In moments of panic, they raise their crests and run rapidly on two feet, even across bodies of water, using their tail for balance. The crest raises to intimidate predators. The eyes stare straight ahead, stopping anything that looks into them as they attempt to flee. Unlike the blue basilisk, the crested basilisk’s gaze paralyzes rather than turns to stone.
It’s diet normally consists of small mammals and fish, typically rising to the surface once paralyzed providing an easy meal. When the gaze is used on humanoids, there have been several reports of short-term blindness. I can only assume the same will happen to larger creatures that attempt to harm or spook the crested basilisk. Fortunately, it is often more eager to run than to confront those who would cause it harm.
Rumors & Legends
- A wizard’s errand boy was supposed to catch and deliver a crested basilisk... though it appears to have escaped (or been released) and now runs wild through the city.
- A sudden increase of political assassinations have emerged. The only clue that has circulated is that the assassin uses the basilisk to paralyze their target, but after the deed is done, the assassin just leaves the crested basilisk behind.
- A rumored cure for the sickness a crested basilisk can give someone has been reported to be found in the mountains and discovered by a harrowing witch who refuses to give the cure over until the local lord relinquishes her land back to her.
- Two young women have domesticated a crested basilisk and are attempting to breed their little monster by baiting other crested basilisks in the area, which has caused a sudden influx of basilisks to the village they live in.
- Legs of the crested basilisk are powerful ingredients for making potions of watermarking. It is also said that the eyes can be used to make paralysis-curing poultices. Beyond these two uses, the meat just tastes like chicken.
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