[b]Bellaran Swamp Basilisk Update: SDF Biological R&D Division[/b]

[i]We've captured a few specimens from the Western Lowland swamps to begin research on. Specifically, we caught four males and two females, each within relative length and weight of each other. Our largest male, Barsko, is about 4.9 meters long and weighs about 600 kilograms. Our largest female, Karkaawa, is about 4.7 meters long and weighs about 570 kilograms.

Studies of the basilisks are hard to do in person, especially the hostility between equal-gender specimens. Barsko was caught in such a violent fight with one of our other male basilisks--Caryu--that two scientists were killed trying to contain him. The acid they jettison doesn't alleviate the situation either.

Speaking of the acid, we found out that it's some extremely corrosive form of sulfuric acid. This doesn't surprise us, as the Western Lowland region of Bellaran has vast underground reserves of sulfur and acid rain follows as a result when it reaches the surface of the marshes. Something in its diet or what it drinks apparently allows it to produce the acid in a strong enough quantity that nearly anything will have a hole in it in minutes' time. Our runt female, however, Timi, cannot produce as much acid, and we've seen a physiological change including sharper teeth and longer grasping claws. 

Turning these creatures loose on the battlefield could be dangerous to our own soldiers, as we consider it. The basilisks are large and very heavy, and their aggressive behavior, even while mostly tame, would be a hazard to soldiers. However, this extremely powerful acid concoction they "spit" and their nearly-impenetrable hide would make them a valuable asset in combat.

We'll continue to collect data as we find more about these creatures.

Doctor Balaniy Karbam'lum, Senior Research Director
Operation SWAMPRAT, Sazkarjhia Defense Firm Biological R&D Division
04.02.2160[/i]