Basilisk
Medium Monstrosity · · CR 3
- Monstrosity
- Medium
- Tier 1
Basilisk at CR 3 is logged as a medium monstrosity; alignment unaligned. Habitat: mountain and any. Sourced from Monster Manual (5e 2014) and Monster Manual (5.5e 2024).
Stat Block
- Challenge Rating
- 3
- Type
- Monstrosity
- Size
- Medium
- Alignment
- —
- Speed
- —
- Habitats
- Mountain, Any
- Sources
- Monster Manual (5e 2014), Monster Manual (5.5e 2024), Flee, Mortals!
Ecology
Basilisks are ambush predators living in rocky badlands, abandoned quarries, and broken hills. They feed on whatever they petrify, then slowly digest stone-flesh over weeks. Their digestive enzymes contain reverse-petrifaction agents, prized by alchemists. Statues marking their territory mislead travelers, who assume the area is haunted rather than actively hunted. They lay eggs in stone nests, where hatchlings emerge with dim petrifying gazes that strengthen over years. They live forty years on average.
Behaviour
Basilisks are sluggish and reclusive, preferring to hide in rubble until prey wanders close. They do not chase fleeing prey beyond their territory, instead waiting for the next opportunity. Their gaze is always active, and they cannot voluntarily suppress it; even allied creatures must avoid eye contact. They mate rarely, with violent courtship that often kills one partner. Basilisks are solitary except during mating, and territorial disputes end in petrified rivals.
Origin
Basilisks are believed to emerge from cursed ground or from cockatrice eggs incubated by serpents. Some myths claim they were created by a god of stagnation as a curse on travelers. In planar lore, basilisks are sometimes considered minor petrification-elementals bound to material flesh. Their parts, especially eyes and venom sacs, are valuable spell components. Kings have hired basilisk-tamers to guard treasuries, though such service rarely ends well.
Related Monsters
Frequently Asked Questions about Basilisk
- What is the challenge rating of Basilisk?
- Basilisk's challenge rating is 3. A party in this band suits an early or mid tier-1 group.
- What type of creature is Basilisk?
- By creature type, Basilisk is a monstrosity, medium size.
- Where does Basilisk live?
- The bestiary places Basilisk in Mountain, Any.