In this series, we will explore characters with absolutely brutal attacks, and how to manage them as a GM. Our first example is the original small king, the Basilisk. In this interpretation of the legendary creature we are stating the following things as true:
- Its gaze withers grass and splits stone, killing those it looks upon.
- The venom of the basilisk is so deadly that should it touch someone they will be struck dead.
- When they move, the basilisk leaves a trail of venom that is lethal.
The name basilisk is derived from the Greek for “Little King” or “Little Prince.” Later iterations of the basilisk increased its size and gave it the ability to breathe fire. However, with the ability to kill with their gaze, we will ignore the fire breathing. Before becoming large, the basilisk was described as being twelve inches, or twelve fingers long. Despite this though, we will be going with a larger creature, if only because everything is larger in spandex, well except for Ant-Man and the Atom.
For our basilisk, we will be leveraging the Crippling Strike Combat Maneuver, first introduced in our series on martial arts.
Basilisk
(Cosmic Powered Creature Of Legend + Advanced + Devastator (7) + Reinforced + Talented + Brawler + Shooter + Striker + Maneuver Specialist + Nutcracker (2) + Special (2))
At twelve meters long, this legendary serpent weighs over 350 kilograms. The crown of the Basilisk can be seen as a mitre-like shape, which as it moves can appear like a mouth due to scaled protrusions from the back like an open maw. Despite its size the Basilisk moves deceptively quickly, and strikes with a lightning speed. The venom of the Basilisk can kill in seconds, but more terrifying is the creature’s gaze. Locking eyes with the creature reveals the burning soul of the beast that can flay the souls of mortals.
Basic Rolls 25 + 4d6
Stamina 30
Defense 25 Dice 4 Armor 5
Offense Gaze 15 Dice 6 Range Short Damage 30 Notes Defended By Psyche. Crippling Strike: For each 9 Damage after Armor, trade the Damage to inflict an Injury. This can potentially inflict 3 Injuries in a single Attack. Characters that are Knocked Out, opting not to make an Injury roll after being damaged by the Basilisk are left comatose until the Injuries are healed. Characters that are blinded and cannot meet the Basilisk’s Gaze are immune from this attack.
Offense Venomous Bite 35 Dice 6 Range Close Damage 10 Note Defended By Might. Lingering: 5 Turns.
Offense Dry Bite 35 Dice 6 Range Close Damage 20 Note Does not apply venom.
Offense Venom Trail 35 Dice – Range Close Damage 10 Note Environmental Danger: Whenever the Basilisk changes Range Increments characters passing through the same or previous location must make a Dexterity + Acrobatics roll, Laborious (35) to avoid taking 10 Damage Defended By Might.
Movement: Slither 40 Dice 5
The Basilisk In Play
The Basilisk is a legendary creature, with a mythology that has survived centuries. The beast can be fatal even in High Powered Campaigns. Make no mistake, the Basilisk is lethal. For Classic Heroes, the creature can easily inflict three Injuries in a single Gaze if the target does not have strong Mental Defenses. GMs should consider ways to foreshadow the presence of the creature before it finally makes its appearance.
Due to its legendary status, an Average (15) Occult roll can reveal the need to avoid the creature’s gaze. However, blinding oneself can present its own set of challenges. If the Basilisk cannot kill their foe outright, they will instead encircle them, using their Movement and leaving a Venom trail. While this can be less of a challenge for super tough heroes, it is also an opportunity for heroes with Acrobatics and Longstot to shine as they weave in and out of danger. However, even a dry bite can prove deadly to bulkier heroes forcing them to rely on Impervious to survive.
