The Basilisk is a terrifyingly large venomous serpent inhabiting most swamps and forests, constantly on the move for food. Due to the size of these beasts, they can never stop to take a break unless it is to sleep for the night as doing so could mean meeting their doom. Of course, this is only consistent for wild basilisks, as captive basilisks can easily be kept alive on cockatrice meat.

Basilisks are prized creatures, for their fangs, venom and scales which make excellent armour, weapons and brewing components. Unfortunately, capturing and extracting these from the beasts is much harder than it is told. Not only do these snakes have extremely potent venom which can kill a man in minutes, but they have immense constriction and crushing power.

Basilisks regularly shed their scales and replace their fangs, meaning killing them is not necessary for collection of their treasures.