Gorgon
- Size: Large
- Type: Construct
- Alignment: Unaligned
- AC: 19
- Initiative: +0 (10)
- HP: 114 (12d10 + 48)
- Speed: 40 ft.
| ATTR | VAL | MOD | SAVE |
|---|---|---|---|
| STR | 20 | +5 | +5 |
| DEX | 11 | +0 | +0 |
| CON | 18 | +4 | +4 |
| INT | 2 | -4 | -4 |
| WIS | 12 | +1 | +1 |
| CHA | 7 | -2 | -2 |
- Skills: Perception +7
- Immunities: Exhaustion, Petrified
- Senses: Darkvision 60 ft.; Passive Perception 17
- Languages: None
- CR: 5 (XP 1,800; PB +3)
Actions
Gore. Melee Attack Roll: +8, reach 5 ft. Hit: 18 (2d12 + 5) Piercing damage. If the target is a Large or smaller creature and the gorgon moved 20+ feet straight toward it immediately before the hit, the target has the Prone condition.
Petrifying Breath (Recharge 5-6). Constitution Saving Throw: DC 15, each creature in a 30-foot Cone. First Failure: The target has the Restrained condition and repeats the save at the end of its next turn if it is still Restrained, ending the effect on itself on a success. Second Failure: The target has the Petrified condition instead of the Restrained condition.
Bonus Actions
Trample. Dexterity Saving Throw: DC 16, one creature within 5 feet that has the Prone condition. Failure: 16 (2d10 + 5) Bludgeoning damage. Success: Half damage.
Lore & Background
Gorgons are massive, bull-like creatures covered in metallic scales and possessed of a deadly breath that can turn living creatures to stone. These powerful beasts are not to be confused with the mythological gorgons of legend; rather, they are magical creatures that have evolved in areas rich with earth magic and mineral deposits. Their metallic hide serves as both armor and a conduit for the magical energies that fuel their petrifying breath.
These creatures are solitary by nature, claiming large territories that they patrol with methodical precision. Gorgons are highly intelligent despite their bestial appearance, capable of complex reasoning and long-term planning. They are drawn to areas with rich mineral deposits, particularly those containing precious metals and gems, which they seem to absorb through their metallic skin to maintain their magical abilities.
Combat Tactics
Gorgons are formidable opponents who combine brute strength with devastating magical abilities. Their Petrifying Breath is their most feared weapon, capable of turning multiple enemies to stone with a single exhalation. They typically open combat by using this ability to eliminate or neutralize as many opponents as possible before closing for melee combat.
In melee, gorgons use their Gore attack to devastating effect, charging at enemies with their massive horns. Their natural armor provides excellent protection against most attacks, and their size allows them to trample smaller opponents. Gorgons are intelligent enough to use terrain to their advantage and will retreat if severely wounded to fight another day.
Encounter Ideas
The Stone Garden: A gorgon has been terrorizing a mountain pass, turning travelers to stone and arranging their petrified forms in a grotesque garden. The party must navigate through the stone statues to reach the creature's lair while avoiding the same fate.
The Metal Mine: Miners have awakened a gorgon that was sleeping deep within a rich ore vein. The creature now claims the entire mine as its territory, turning anyone who enters to stone. The party must find a way to either relocate the gorgon or eliminate it without destroying the valuable mining operation.
Guardian of Secrets: An ancient gorgon guards a treasure vault or magical artifact, having been placed there centuries ago by a powerful wizard. The party must find a way to bypass or defeat the guardian to claim their prize.
The Collector: A gorgon has developed an obsession with collecting beautiful or unique individuals, turning them to stone to preserve them forever in its lair. The party must rescue recent victims while avoiding becoming part of the collection themselves.
Environmental Effects
Gorgons significantly alter their environment through their presence and activities. Vegetation around their lairs often becomes stunted or takes on metallic properties, with leaves that shimmer like metal and bark that hardens to stone-like consistency. Water sources may become contaminated with mineral deposits that give them a metallic taste.
Stone formations in gorgon territory often show unusual geometric patterns, as if the creature's magical presence influences natural rock formation. Animal populations are typically sparse, as most creatures instinctively avoid areas where gorgons dwell.
Treasure
Gorgons are drawn to precious metals and gems, which they incorporate into their lairs and sometimes even their own bodies. Gold, silver, and platinum can be found embedded in the walls of their caves, while precious gems are often scattered throughout their territory. Magical items made from metal may be particularly attracted to gorgon lairs.
The petrified remains of the gorgon's victims may still possess valuable equipment, though retrieving it requires careful planning to avoid the same fate. Rare minerals and magical ores are common in areas where gorgons have lived for extended periods.
Plot Hooks
The Restoration Quest: A beloved leader or important ally has been turned to stone by a gorgon, and the party must find a way to reverse the petrification. This might require rare magical components, ancient rituals, or bargaining with powerful entities.
The Gorgon's Bargain: An intelligent gorgon offers to spare a town from its depredations in exchange for regular tributes of precious metals and gems. The party must decide whether to honor this arrangement, find an alternative solution, or challenge the creature directly.
Metallic Plague: Multiple gorgons have appeared in a region, causing widespread petrification and disrupting trade routes. Investigation reveals that something is driving them from their traditional territories, and the party must discover the root cause.
The Living Statue: A person who was petrified by a gorgon decades ago is somehow restored to life but retains some of the creature's abilities. The party must help this individual adapt to their new existence while investigating how the transformation was reversed.