Basilisk - Revision history

CourseDirector at 23:13, 26 December 2018

2018-12-26T23:13:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:13, 26 December 2018
Line 59:		Line 59:

	Based largely on the descriptions given in the document, it has been conclusively dated to sometime early in the [[Mage Wars#The First Chaotic Period\|First Chaotic Period]], possibly as far back as [[B.G.A.]] 3500. A small, focal contingent of scholars openly maintains that the log dates all the way back to [[High Tower]] and in fact the town mentioned is [[Asysias]]. However, as the name of the town is not specifically mentioned and some interpretations of the text indicate Mage Towers are not that uncommon, the [[Accepted Histories]] maintains a more recent date of sometime after 3500 B.G.A.		Based largely on the descriptions given in the document, it has been conclusively dated to sometime early in the [[Mage Wars#The First Chaotic Period\|First Chaotic Period]], possibly as far back as [[B.G.A.]] 3500. A small, focal contingent of scholars openly maintains that the log dates all the way back to [[High Tower]] and in fact the town mentioned is [[Asysias]]. However, as the name of the town is not specifically mentioned and some interpretations of the text indicate Mage Towers are not that uncommon, the [[Accepted Histories]] maintains a more recent date of sometime after 3500 B.G.A.

			[[Category:Course Books]]

Siddharth1 at 04:45, 16 February 2016

2016-02-16T04:45:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:45, 16 February 2016
Line 1:		Line 1:
	The Basilisk is a large snake-like creature found throughout much of the [[Known Worlds]], created ~~through~~ magic sometime during the [[Mage Wars]], probably in the mid-[[Mage Wars#The First Chaotic Period\|First Chaotic Period]], though specifics are lacking.		The Basilisk is a large snake-like creature found throughout much of the [[Known Worlds]], created by magic sometime during the [[Mage Wars]], probably in the mid-[[Mage Wars#The First Chaotic Period\|First Chaotic Period]], though specifics are lacking.

	==Physiology==		==Physiology==

Siddharth1: /* Fighting a Basilisk */

2013-09-23T00:23:30Z

Fighting a Basilisk

Siddharth1: /* Intelligence */

2013-09-23T00:21:49Z

Intelligence

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:21, 23 September 2013
Line 17:		Line 17:

	==Intelligence==		==Intelligence==
	Basilisks are thought extremely intelligent, perhaps possessing near-human ~~levels of~~ intelligence. They have ~~and~~ excellent sense of direction and ~~are able to~~ navigate any tunnel-system flawlessly. Despite centuries of study on captive basilisks their intelligence has never been fully proven (the job of "Basilisk Trainer" ranking just slightly bellow "Spider Wrangler" on the list of terrifying jobs).		Basilisks are thought extremely intelligent, perhaps possessing near-human intelligence. They have an excellent sense of direction and navigate any tunnel-system flawlessly. Despite centuries of study on captive basilisks, their intelligence has never been fully proven (the job of "Basilisk Trainer" ranking just slightly bellow "Spider Wrangler" on the list of terrifying jobs).

	==Predators==		==Predators==

Siddharth1: /* Environment */

2013-09-23T00:21:16Z

Environment

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:21, 23 September 2013
Line 11:		Line 11:

	==Environment==		==Environment==
	Basilisks typically live in caves but have been known to inhabit sewers and storm drains ~~when hunting~~ in urban environments.		Basilisks typically live in caves but have been known to inhabit sewers and storm drains in urban environments.

	==Behavior==		==Behavior==

Siddharth1: /* Physiology */

2013-09-23T00:20:58Z

Physiology

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:20, 23 September 2013
Line 2:		Line 2:

	==Physiology==		==Physiology==
	Basilisks are often described as "a snake with the head of a dragon". They have very thick, short bodies but are long enough to be constrictors. Their heads are large and armored, and they have very large eyes able to swivel independently ~~of each other~~ for a 330-degree field of vision.		Basilisks are often described as "a snake with the head of a dragon". They have very thick, short bodies but are long enough to be constrictors. Their heads are large and armored, and they have very large eyes able to swivel independently for a 330-degree field of vision.

	==Diet==		==Diet==

Siddharth1: /* Predators */

2013-07-08T19:01:27Z

Predators

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:01, 8 July 2013
Line 20:		Line 20:

	==Predators==		==Predators==
	The only known predator of the [[Galgan]].		The only known predator is the [[Galgan]].

	==Fighting a Basilisk==		==Fighting a Basilisk==

Siddharth1 at 18:58, 8 July 2013

2013-07-08T18:58:52Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:58, 8 July 2013
Line 1:		Line 1:
	The Basilisk is a large snake-like creature found throughout much of the [[~~multi-verse~~]]~~. They are known to have been~~ created through magic sometime during the [[Mage Wars]], probably in the mid [[Mage Wars#The First Chaotic Period\|First Chaotic Period]], though specifics are lacking.		The Basilisk is a large snake-like creature found throughout much of the [[Known Worlds]], created through magic sometime during the [[Mage Wars]], probably in the mid-[[Mage Wars#The First Chaotic Period\|First Chaotic Period]], though specifics are lacking.

	==Physiology==		==Physiology==
	Basilisks are often described as "a snake with the head of a dragon". They have very thick, short bodies but are long enough to be constrictors. Their heads are large and armored, and they have very large eyes able to swivel independently of each other for a 330 degree field of vision.		Basilisks are often described as "a snake with the head of a dragon". They have very thick, short bodies but are long enough to be constrictors. Their heads are large and armored, and they have very large eyes able to swivel independently of each other for a 330-degree field of vision.

	==Diet==		==Diet==
	Basilisks do not actually "eat" people, they eat freedom. They turn their prey to stone in order to capture their freedom, and feed ~~off of~~ it.		Basilisks do not actually "eat" people; they eat freedom. They turn their prey to stone in order to capture their freedom, and feed on it.

	===Hunting Tactics===		===Hunting Tactics===
	In order to capture their prey, a basilisk must make eye-contact with it. They cannot hunt in total darkness but see very well in low-light conditions. They are known to hunt in caves(preying on adventurers carrying torches) but more often emerge to hunt at night.		In order to capture their prey, a basilisk must make eye-contact with it. They cannot hunt in total darkness but see very well in low-light conditions. They are known to hunt in caves (preying on adventurers carrying torches) but more often emerge to hunt at night.

	==Environment==		==Environment==
Line 17:		Line 17:

	==Intelligence==		==Intelligence==
	Basilisks are thought ~~to be~~ extremely intelligent, perhaps possessing near-human levels of intelligence. They have and excellent sense of direction and are able to navigate any tunnel-system flawlessly. Despite centuries of study on captive basilisks their intelligence has never been ~~full~~ proven(the job of "Basilisk Trainer" ranking just slightly bellow "Spider Wrangler" on the list of terrifying jobs).		Basilisks are thought extremely intelligent, perhaps possessing near-human levels of intelligence. They have and excellent sense of direction and are able to navigate any tunnel-system flawlessly. Despite centuries of study on captive basilisks their intelligence has never been fully proven (the job of "Basilisk Trainer" ranking just slightly bellow "Spider Wrangler" on the list of terrifying jobs).

	==Predators==		==Predators==
Line 23:		Line 23:

	==Fighting a Basilisk==		==Fighting a Basilisk==
	It is widely believed that the only way to kill a basilisk is to show it ~~it's~~ own reflection. This is, in fact, untrue on both counts.		It is widely believed that the only way to kill a basilisk is to show it its own reflection. This is, in fact, untrue on both counts.

	===Simple Weapons===		===Simple Weapons===
	First, a basilisk has a very tough hide, its scales are as strong as many metals, and basilisk hides were used throughout the [[Mage Wars]] to produce very sought-after armor. They can be harmed by traditional weapons, but it is very difficult. A heavy crossbow with a narrow, armor-piercing tip(not the more common cut-on-contact broad head) will typically do the job~~, however~~ if it fails to strike a major organ it will likely do little damage.		First, a basilisk has a very tough hide, its scales are as strong as many metals, and basilisk hides were used throughout the [[Mage Wars]] to produce very sought-after armor. They can be harmed by traditional weapons, but it is very difficult. A heavy crossbow with a narrow, armor-piercing tip (not the more common cut-on-contact broad head) will typically do the job; but if it fails to strike a major organ it will likely do little damage.

	Swords are basically useless, but a heavy enough axe with a sharpened blade can crack the thick armor plates on a basilisk's back. Spears are also effective if enough force is delivered.		Swords are basically useless, but a heavy enough axe with a sharpened blade can crack the thick armor plates on a basilisk's back. Spears are also effective if enough force is delivered.
Line 32:		Line 32:
	Pit traps have also been employed, though evidence as to their effectiveness is anecdotal.		Pit traps have also been employed, though evidence as to their effectiveness is anecdotal.

	The most common method for attacking a basilisk with traditional weapons involves using a keen archer to first shoot out both ~~it's~~ eyes with a longbow or crossbow. The creature is then cornered, and simply bludgeoned to death ~~with whatever is available~~. Basilisks are not particularly menacing once blinded.		The most common method for attacking a basilisk with traditional weapons involves using a keen archer to first shoot out both its eyes with a longbow or crossbow. The creature is then cornered, and simply bludgeoned to death. Basilisks are not particularly menacing once blinded.

	===Mirror Masks===		===Mirror Masks===
	As early as 3450 [[B.G.A.]], the [[Wizard Breakers\|Order of Wizard Breakers]] was using mirror-masked warrior mages to hunt and kill basilisks. The technique involved a mask of highly-reflective metal(usually silver or bronze ~~polished to a high luster~~) worn over the face, then covered with a shroud of cloth. The warrior would then engage the basilisk, get its attention, and remove the shroud~~. Thus~~ "showing the basilisk ~~it's~~ own reflection".		As early as 3450 [[B.G.A.]], the [[Wizard Breakers\|Order of Wizard Breakers]] was using mirror-masked warrior mages to hunt and kill basilisks. The technique involved a mask of highly-reflective metal (usually silver or highly-polished bronze) worn over the face, then covered with a shroud of cloth. The warrior would then engage the basilisk, get its attention, and remove the shroud; thus "showing the basilisk its own reflection". The basilisk must make eye-contact with itself in the mirror, and then merely turns itself into stone.

	~~However, just reflecting the creature is not enough: the basilisk must make eye-contact with itself in the mirror, and then it is not actually "killed", it merely turns itself into stone.~~		Shattering the basilisk statue then kills it, and in the process frees any of its victims whose statues remain significantly undamaged.

	Shattering the basilisk statue then kills it, and in the process frees any of ~~it's~~ victims ~~who's~~ statues remain significantly undamaged.

	Captured victims can be revived after centuries or even millennia, but only if the basilisk is killed in the manner described above.		Captured victims can be revived after centuries or even millennia, but only if the basilisk is killed in the manner described above.

	===Magic===		===Magic===
	Much like ordinary weapons, simple magic can be used against basilisks. They are virtually immune to ice effects, and fire is weak against them~~, however~~ a sustained burst of fire can usually get the job done.		Much like ordinary weapons, simple magic can be used against basilisks. They are virtually immune to ice effects, and fire is weak against them; but a sustained burst of fire can usually get the job done.

	More complex, non-elemental effects are more effective, a mage will typically attack a basilisk the same as it would go after any other creature.		More complex, non-elemental effects are more effective, a mage will typically attack a basilisk the same as it would go after any other creature.
Line 56:		Line 54:
	A manuscript recovered from a dig in the early [[Ages#The Second Age\|Second Age]] contains the earliest-known written mention of the basilisk. The document was heavily damages but large sections of the text were still readable. The title is, with 5 of the 11 characters completely unreadable. It has been published under the title of the recovered letters with dashes where the missing characters remain. In academic circles it is referred to as the "itchy" pages, rather derivatively.		A manuscript recovered from a dig in the early [[Ages#The Second Age\|Second Age]] contains the earliest-known written mention of the basilisk. The document was heavily damages but large sections of the text were still readable. The title is, with 5 of the 11 characters completely unreadable. It has been published under the title of the recovered letters with dashes where the missing characters remain. In academic circles it is referred to as the "itchy" pages, rather derivatively.

	The text itself appears to be a day-to-day log of the goings on of a [[Mage Tower]] and the village around it. One section speaks of a basilisk terrorizing the townsfolk, and alludes ~~to how~~ it may have been "sent" or created by some un-named foe.		The text itself appears to be a day-to-day log of the goings on of a [[Mage Tower]] and the village around it. One section speaks of a basilisk terrorizing the townsfolk, and alludes that it may have been "sent" or created by some un-named foe.

	The dig-site in which the document was recovered was a known-[[Mage Wars#The Dynastic Period\|Dynastic-era]] find, but the document appears to be much older, and was found in a cache of goods believed to belong to an early museum.		The dig-site in which the document was recovered was a known-[[Mage Wars#The Dynastic Period\|Dynastic-era]] find, but the document appears to be much older, and was found in a cache of goods believed to belong to an early museum.

	Based largely on the descriptions given in the document, it has been conclusively dated to sometime early in the [[Mage Wars#The First Chaotic Period\|First Chaotic Period]], possibly as far back as [[B.G.A.]] 3500. A small, ~~yet~~ focal contingent of scholars openly maintains that the log dates all the way back to [[High Tower]] and in fact the town mentioned is [[Asysias]]. However, as the name of the town is not specifically mentioned and some interpretations of the text indicate Mage Towers are not that uncommon, the [[Accepted Histories]] maintains a more recent date of sometime after 3500 B.G.A.		Based largely on the descriptions given in the document, it has been conclusively dated to sometime early in the [[Mage Wars#The First Chaotic Period\|First Chaotic Period]], possibly as far back as [[B.G.A.]] 3500. A small, focal contingent of scholars openly maintains that the log dates all the way back to [[High Tower]] and in fact the town mentioned is [[Asysias]]. However, as the name of the town is not specifically mentioned and some interpretations of the text indicate Mage Towers are not that uncommon, the [[Accepted Histories]] maintains a more recent date of sometime after 3500 B.G.A.

CourseDirector at 22:15, 10 January 2012

2012-01-10T22:15:24Z

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 The Basilisk is a large snake-like creature found throughout much of the [[multi-verse]]. They are known to have been created through magic sometime during the [[Mage Wars]], probably in the mid [[Mage Wars#The First Chaotic Period|First Chaotic Period]], though specifics are lacking.
 ==Diet==
@@ Line 7: / Line 10: @@
 In order to capture their prey, a basilisk must make eye-contact with it. They cannot hunt in total darkness but see very well in low-light conditions. They are known to hunt in caves(preying on adventurers carrying torches) but more often emerge to hunt at night.
 ==The Ie---chi--n Document==

CourseDirector at 21:33, 10 January 2012

2012-01-10T21:33:26Z

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 The Basilisk is a large snake-like creature found throughout much of the [[multi-verse]]. They are known to have been created through magic sometime during the [[Mage Wars]], probably in the mid [[Mage Wars#The First Chaotic Period|First Chaotic Period]], though specifics are lacking.
 ==The Ie---chi--n Document==
@@ Line 9: / Line 16: @@
 Based largely on the descriptions given in the document, it has been conclusively dated to sometime early in the [[Mage Wars#The First Chaotic Period|First Chaotic Period]], possibly as far back as [[B.G.A.]] 3500. A small, yet focal contingent of scholars openly maintains that the log dates all the way back to [[High Tower]] and in fact the town mentioned is [[Asysias]]. However, as the name of the town is not specifically mentioned and some interpretations of the text indicate Mage Towers are not that uncommon, the [[Accepted Histories]] maintains a more recent date of sometime after 3500 B.G.A.

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:23, 23 September 2013
Line 26:		Line 26:

	===Simple Weapons===		===Simple Weapons===
	First, a basilisk has a very tough hide, its scales are as strong as many metals, and basilisk hides were used throughout the [[Mage Wars]] to produce very sought-after armor. They can be harmed by traditional weapons, but it is very difficult. A heavy crossbow with a narrow, armor-piercing tip (not the more common cut-on-contact broad head) will typically do the job; but if it fails to strike a major organ it will likely do little damage.		First, a basilisk has a very tough hide; its scales are as strong as many metals, and basilisk hides were used throughout the [[Mage Wars]] to produce very sought-after armor. They can be harmed by traditional weapons, but it is very difficult. A heavy crossbow with a narrow, armor-piercing tip (not the more common 'cut-on-contact' broad head) will typically do the job; but if it fails to strike a major organ it will likely do little damage.

	Swords are basically useless, but a heavy ~~enough~~ axe with a sharpened blade can crack the thick armor plates on a basilisk's back. Spears are also effective if enough force is delivered.		Swords are basically useless; but a heavy axe with a sharpened blade can crack the thick armor plates on a basilisk's back. Spears are also effective if enough force is delivered.

	Pit traps have also been employed, though evidence as to their effectiveness is anecdotal.		Pit traps have also been employed, though evidence as to their effectiveness is anecdotal.

	The most common method for attacking a basilisk with traditional weapons involves using a keen archer to ~~first~~ shoot ~~out both~~ its eyes with a longbow or crossbow. The creature is then cornered, and simply bludgeoned to death. Basilisks are not particularly menacing once blinded.		The most common method for attacking a basilisk with traditional weapons involves using a keen archer to shoot its eyes with a longbow or crossbow. The creature is then cornered, and simply bludgeoned to death. Basilisks are not particularly menacing once blinded.

	===Mirror Masks===		===Mirror Masks===
	As early as 3450 [[B.G.A.]], the [[Wizard Breakers\|Order of Wizard Breakers]] was using mirror-masked warrior mages to hunt and kill basilisks. The technique involved a mask of highly-reflective metal (usually silver or highly-polished bronze) worn over the face, then covered with a shroud of cloth. The warrior would then engage the basilisk, get its attention, and remove the shroud; thus "showing the basilisk its own reflection". The basilisk must make eye-contact with itself in the mirror, and then ~~merely~~ turns itself ~~into~~ stone.		As early as 3450 [[B.G.A.]], the [[Wizard Breakers\|Order of Wizard Breakers]] was using mirror-masked warrior mages to hunt and kill basilisks. The technique involved a mask of highly-reflective metal (usually silver or highly-polished bronze) worn over the face, then covered with a shroud of cloth. The warrior would then engage the basilisk, get its attention, and remove the shroud; thus "showing the basilisk its own reflection". The basilisk must make eye-contact with itself in the mirror, and then turns itself to stone.

	Shattering the basilisk statue then kills it, and in the process frees any of its victims whose statues remain significantly undamaged.		Shattering the basilisk statue then kills it, and in the process frees any of its victims whose statues remain significantly undamaged.
Line 44:		Line 44:
	Much like ordinary weapons, simple magic can be used against basilisks. They are virtually immune to ice effects, and fire is weak against them; but a sustained burst of fire can usually get the job done.		Much like ordinary weapons, simple magic can be used against basilisks. They are virtually immune to ice effects, and fire is weak against them; but a sustained burst of fire can usually get the job done.

	More complex, non-elemental effects are more effective, a mage will typically attack a basilisk the same as it would go after any other creature.		More complex, non-elemental effects are more effective, wherein a mage will typically attack a basilisk the same as it would go after any other creature.

	===Documentation===		===Documentation===
	The earliest-known manual on killing basilisks was supposedly composed by [[Kosta Guitain]] ~~himself~~, of [[Wizard Breakers]]-fame. However, it was common practice throughout the existence of the order to attribute authorship of its documentation to Kosta, so his actual involvement in the manual is highly suspect.		The earliest-known manual on killing basilisks was supposedly composed by [[Kosta Guitain]], of [[Wizard Breakers]]-fame. However, it was common practice throughout the existence of the order to attribute authorship of its documentation to Kosta, so his actual involvement in the manual is highly suspect.

	The oldest surviving copy of the manual was made sometime in the early [[Ages#The Golden Age\|Golden Age]], but it is believed to date back at least to the [[B.G.A.]] 3400's.		The oldest surviving copy of the manual was made sometime in the early [[Ages#The Golden Age\|Golden Age]], but it is believed to date back at least to the [[B.G.A.]] 3400's.