(Wayne Imlach)

A delicacy typically only sampled by wealthy, thrill-seeking nobles, a basilisk head needs to be carefully butchered to avoid the poisonous, calcifying effects of the creature's eyes and beak overly contaminating the remaining flesh.

If correctly prepared, however, the intoxicating meat not only provides a rush of exhilaration but also a supernatural toughness for several hours afterwards (+1 to ATTACK, DEFENCE, and Armour Factor).

Industrious and morally flexible adventurers may be able to turn a tidy sum from the carcass of such a creature in cities or at prestigious tourneys and martial events – if they have the right contacts. Its metallic feathers are also sought after for the creation of extremely lightweight yet resilient armour.

This article first appeared in Casket of Fays Issue 2.