Ruff
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Ruff is a basilisk who, as an egg, was given to Jason by Strife and Discord (disguised as the Babylonian Sibyl and translator. Though it was Strife who played the Sibyl) as a trick. After hatching, he immediately imprinted on Iolaus, who took to his role as 'mama' quite well. Iolaus was forced to release Ruff into the wild, though, after the little basilisk's venom turned out to be a fire hazard.
The two of them were briefly reunited an undetermined time later when Ruff, now fully grown, was found being held prisoner by a cruel traveling sideshow ringmaster. Iolaus, feeling that diplomacy would not fix things, smuggled Ruff out of his cage and into the woods. After a cat-and-mouse game with the ringmaster and his lackey, which (thankfully) ended with the arrest of the ringmaster, Ruff and Iolaus parted ways again.
Life Cycle of a Basilisk
- After birth, a pre-hatched basilisk is curled up in a round shape, its tough skin and armored back-shell hardened to give the appearance of a rock. This may be an evolutionary design trait to protect the pre-hatched offspring, and implies that the basilisk is native to rockier climates.
- During hatching, the round "ball" of a baby Basilisk will suddenly grow
- As an adult, a Basilisk stands several feet above the average human male. According to Iolaus and Hercules, Ruff was about "ten times heavier" and "ten times smellier" than he was as a baby, although the stench could be attributed to the poor living conditions Ruff had been subjected to.
Skills
- Can "shake hands" - 1.18 - A Serpent's Tooth, 1.23 - The Mysteries of Life.
- Can roll up into a ball - 1.18 - A Serpent's Tooth.
- Can play "fetch" - 1.18 - A Serpent's Tooth.
- Can spit a green goo venom that spontaneously bursts into flames - 1.18 - A Serpent's Tooth.
- Can breathe fire - 1.23 - The Mysteries of Life.
