Petrifying Gaze: If a creature starts its turn within 30 ft. of the basilisk and the two of them can see each other, the basilisk can force the creature to make a DC 12 Constitution saving throw if the basilisk isn't incapacitated. On a failed save, the creature magically begins to turn to stone and is restrained. It must repeat the saving throw at the end of its next turn. On a success, the effect ends. On a failure, the creature is petrified until freed by the greater restoration spell or other magic.
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 ft. of it in bright light, it mistakes itself for a rival and targets itself with its gaze.
Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) poison damage.
The Basilisk is a dangerous creature in Dungeons & Dragons with a Challenge Rating of 3. It has strong defense with a natural armor class of 15 and a decent amount of hit points at 52. However, its offensive capabilities are where it truly shines with its petrifying gaze. Any creature that meets its gaze must make a saving throw or become petrified. This makes it a formidable foe for any adventurer. Its low intelligence and Charisma scores make it difficult for communication or bargaining, making it more of a brute force combat encounter. Overall, the Basilisk is a well-designed and challenging enemy for D&D players to face.
Basilisk is D&D (Dungeons & Dragons) 5th edition content, but other TTRPGs may have their own version such as a Basilisk Pathfinder edition. Want to use Basilisk in a VTT (virtual tabletop)? Try out SendingStone for free today!
Subscribe to get notified of new articles, upcoming adventures, new features, and more
Adventure awaits, your friends are remote, and teleportation isn’t canon in this world. Playing online is the only option.
Privacy • Terms • Blog • Compendium • Name Generators • Beyond20 • PLAN Gaming • Pathfinder • Daggerheart • Cosmere RPG • Powered by the Apocalypse • Dungeons & Dragons • Credits
© 2025 Artificer, LLC