In the game, basilisk attacks by looking at their target (projectile type). Sometimes, they go melee with their claws.
Wouldn't it more logical that they always melee, and those who look at them would roll or be petrified? (they would autocast a spell every round that would affect nearby enemies in front of them)
I have already done this thing for the death gaze of the tanari.
I remembered a fight between Drizzt and a basilisk in the underdark. Basilisk was attacking him with his claws but Drizzt has protected his eyes with something.