Basilisk 5e Guide
Medium Monstrosity, Unaligned
At a Glance
CR
3
Type
Monstrosity
Size
Medium
Alignment
Unaligned
AC
15 (natural armor)
HP
52 (8d8 + 16)
Speed20 ft.
Ability Scores
str
16
+3
dex
8
-1
con
15
+2
int
2
-4
wis
8
-1
cha
7
-2
Key Abilities
| Ability | Description |
|---|---|
| Petrifying Gaze | If a creature starts its turn within 30 ft. and the two can see each other, the basilisk can force it to make a DC 12 Constitution save or begin turning to stone (<a href="/rules/conditions/restrained-condition-5e/">restrained</a>). On a subsequent failed save, the creature is <a href="/rules/conditions/petrified-condition-5e/">petrified</a>. Averting eyes gives disadvantage on attacks against the basilisk. |
| Bite | Melee weapon attack, +5 to hit, 2d6+3 piercing plus 2d6 poison damage. |
How to Run This Monster
The basilisk is a simple predator that relies on its petrifying gaze. It moves toward prey and forces Constitution saves. Smart parties avert their eyes, but this gives them disadvantage on attacks. The basilisk doesn't strategize — it just advances and bites.
Encounter Ideas
The basilisk's lair should contain stone statues — petrified victims as a warning and a puzzle (can they be restored?). Use mirrors as a clever environmental tool. Place the basilisk in a lair where the party might stumble into its gaze range before they realize what it is.
Loot
Basilisk stomach acid can be harvested (100 gp) and used to restore petrified creatures. Its eyes retain weak petrifying magic (50 gp to alchemists).
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Forgetting that averting eyes still lets the basilisk attack normally
Common Mistake
Not giving players environmental tools to deal with the gaze (mirrors, blindfolds)
Common Mistake
Making the petrification save too hard or too easy
DM Tips
DM Tip
Stone statues in the lair tell a story — who were these people?
DM Tip
The 'avert your eyes' mechanic creates interesting tactical choices
DM Tip
Greater Restoration or basilisk venom can cure petrification
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & Further Reading
- Basilisk — D&D 5e Wikidot — Full stat block
- Basilisk — D&D Beyond — Official monster reference
- Basilisk — Roll20 Compendium — Structured stat block