Basilisk Physiology

The power to use the abilities of the Basilisk. Variation of Mythical Bestiary and Snake Physiology. Not to be confused with Cockatrice Physiology.

Also Called[]

King of Serpents Physiology

Capabilities[]

User with this ability either is or can transform into Basilisk (Greek basilískos, "little king;" Latin Regulus) is a legendary reptile reputed to be king of serpents and said to have the power to cause death with a single glance. According to the Naturalis Historia of Pliny the Elder, the basilisk of Cyrene is a small snake, "being not more than twelve fingers in length," that is so venomous that it leaves a wide trail of deadly venom in its wake, and its gaze is likewise lethal and can kill with the sound of its voice.

In Medieval Europe, the basilisk began taking on features from cockerels, which still causes many variations descripted appearing similar to cockatrice.

It destroys all shrubs, not only by its contact, but those even that it has breathed upon; it burns up all the grass too, and breaks the stones. It was formerly a general belief that if a man on horseback killed one of these animals with a spear, the poison would run up the weapon and kill, not only the rider, but the horse as well.