Proto-Basilisks

The proto-basilisk is an incredibly dangerous species which should be handled with every caution, and exterminated whenever found. Their nests are to be decimated either through fire or explosives. Flooding does not work, as they are amphibious. They make their homes in caves, underwater and underground. They tend to avoid bright light, and sunlight causes intense blistering on any exposed skin. Their bodies average at a length of 6 feet, and their structure is akin to an earth velociraptor. They have forked tails, and long talons. Their legs are digitigrade in structure, assisting in crawling through low tunnels, as well as sneaking up on prey. Their bodies are covered in smooth, pale skin, and they are albino. All over their bodies are jagged, bony plates, including a structure resembling an external skull to protect their sensitive eyes and heads. Their teeth are long and sharp, and can punch through even steel plates with the help of their venom. The venom of the proto-basilisk is insidious. It can melt through non-organic material, but when in contact with organic material, such as flesh, it spreads rapidly, causing immense pain, among with petrification and degeneration of any organic tissue. The matriarch of a brood is larger, and has a black pigmentation to their much thicker hide. The matriarch is capable of spraying their venom at foes, and to melt tunnels through rock to expand the nest. The crest atop their head is a much saught after trophy, and brings fame and gold to any who obtains such a treasure. They hatch from eggs, and the first thing they do is eat any living creature close enough. Often, proto-basilisks bring prey back to the nest alive, and leave some in the egg chamber, bound in a resin developed by the matriarch. The rest are devoured by the brood.