A Basilisk may take a variety of forms, depending upon which sort of beast has been possessed by the Basilisk's Curse. The curse effects any sort of simple reptilian beast. Typically, this means snakes and lizards, but this may also effect other simple creatures, such as amphibians or tortoises, and larger beasts, such as gar, drakes, wyverns, and even Ssthaa, (though neither Dragons nor Askards, nor other large warm-blooded beasts with scales are afflicted). The curse takes control of the creature's body immediately if weak of will, otherwise following death, turning the hide tough and stony, the eyes cold and white.
The gaze of a Basilisk is its defining feature. This gaze afflicts a different sort of curse on any who meet it, seizing the body still, and dulling the flesh into rigid stone. This effect is not deadly, strictly speaking; the victim's soul is retained bound to their stone visage, and retains a slight bit of awareness. Rendered defenseless, the Basilisk will slowly pry thoughts, memories, and feelings from the anchored soul of its victim, (which sustains the unnatural creature somehow). This typically continues until nothing but the statue remains, though the creature may be distracted if prey with more interesting thoughts presents itself. Killing the Basilisk will thaw its victims instantly, but will not restore the parts of their souls that have been consumed. If the soul has been picked completely clean, the body will remain stone forever, even following the Basilisk's death.
See also: Ichneumon; Cockatrice; Medusa
