Medusa

The Medusa stands as a creature of dread and legend. With her serpentine features and the ability to turn living beings to stone with a single gaze, she embodies the dark allure and perilous nature of the ancient Gorgon. The Medusa, a monstrous figure of both beauty and terror, is a creature steeped in mythology and feared by those who dare to cross her path.

The Medusa possesses a humanoid form, though her once-beautiful visage has been transformed into a frightful countenance. Her hair, once a cascade of lustrous locks, has been replaced by a writhing mass of venomous snakes that hiss and writhe with every movement. Her eyes, once captivating and alluring, now hold a potent power of petrification, capable of turning anyone who meets her gaze into lifeless stone.

Legend has it that the Medusa’s origins lie in a cursed fate, a punishment inflicted by the gods. Her gaze is said to be a reflection of her tragic story, a warning to those who would challenge the divine order. Even the most valiant warriors approach her with trepidation, for a single glance into her eyes can spell certain doom.

To confront a Medusa is to enter a battle of wits and strategy. Warriors must rely on mirrors or averted gazes to avoid her petrifying stare. A Medusa’s lair is often adorned with the petrified forms of past victims, serving as a chilling testament to her deadly power. Overcoming a Medusa requires not only physical prowess but also clever tactics and an understanding of her weaknesses.

Despite her fearsome reputation, the Medusa is a creature with her own desires and motivations. Some tales speak of Medusas who seek redemption or seek to break the curse that plagues them. Others embrace their power and revel in the fear they inspire. They may be found in hidden caverns, ancient ruins, or labyrinthine mazes, guarding their lairs with deadly precision.

The Medusa embodies the concept of danger and the consequences of hubris. She serves as a reminder of the balance between beauty and darkness, as well as the tragic consequences that can arise from tempting fate. Whether encountered as a formidable adversary or a figure of tragic fascination, the Medusa brings an air of mystique and peril to the realms of fantasy and adventure.

Special Abilities

Petrifying Gaze

When a creature that can see the medusa’s eyes starts its turn within 30 ft. of the medusa, the medusa can force it to make a DC 14 Constitution saving throw if the medusa isn’t incapacitated and can see the creature. If the saving throw fails by 5 or more, the creature is instantly petrified. Otherwise, a creature that fails the save begins to turn to stone and is restrained. The restrained creature must repeat the saving throw at the end of its next turn, becoming petrified on a failure or ending the effect on a success. The petrification lasts until the creature is freed by the greater restoration spell or other magic.
Unless surprised, a creature can avert its eyes to avoid the saving throw at the start of its turn. If the creature does so, it can’t see the medusa until the start of its next turn, when it can avert its eyes again. If the creature looks at the medusa in the meantime, it must immediately make the save.
If the medusa sees itself reflected on a polished surface within 30 ft. of it and in an area of bright light, the medusa is, due to its curse, affected by its own gaze.

Actions

• Multiattack: The medusa makes either three melee attacks–one with its snake hair and two with its shortsword–or two ranged attacks with its longbow.
• Snake Hair: Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage plus 14 (4d6) poison damage.
• Shortsword: Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage.
• Longbow: Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 150/600 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) poison damage.

Proficiencies

• Skill: Deception +5
• Skill: Insight +4
• Skill: Perception +4
• Skill: Stealth +5