Medusa
- Size: Medium
- Type: Monstrosity
- Alignment: Lawful Evil
- AC: 15
- Initiative: +6 (16)
- HP: 127 (17d8+51)
- Speed: 30 ft.
| ATTR | VAL | MOD | SAVE |
|---|---|---|---|
| STR | 10 | +0 | +0 |
| DEX | 17 | +3 | +3 |
| CON | 16 | +3 | +3 |
| INT | 12 | +1 | +1 |
| WIS | 13 | +1 | +4 |
| CHA | 15 | +2 | +2 |
- Skills: Deception +5, Perception +4, Stealth +6
- Senses: Darkvision 150 ft.; Passive Perception 14
- Languages: Common plus one other language
- CR: 6 (XP 2,300; PB +3)
Actions
Multiattack. The medusa makes two Claw attacks and one Snake Hair attack, or it makes three Poison Ray attacks.
Claw. Melee Attack Roll: +6, reach 5 ft. Hit: 10 (2d6+3) Slashing damage.
Snake Hair. Melee Attack Roll: +6, reach 5 ft. Hit: 5 (1d4+3) Piercing damage plus 14 (4d6) Poison damage.
Poison Ray. Ranged Attack Roll: +5, range 150 ft. Hit: 11 (2d8+2) Poison damage.
Bonus Actions
Petrifying Gaze (Recharge 5-6). Constitution Saving Throw: DC 13, each creature in a 30-foot Cone. If the medusa sees its reflection in the Cone, the medusa must make this save. 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.
Lore & Background
Medusas are cursed beings whose gaze can turn living creatures to stone. Once beautiful humanoids, they were transformed by divine curse or dark magic into monstrous forms with serpentine hair and deadly eyes. Medusas are tragic figures, often isolated by their curse and driven to madness by centuries of solitude.
These creatures typically dwell in remote locations where they can avoid accidentally petrifying innocent creatures. Some medusas embrace their monstrous nature and become predators, while others struggle against their curse and seek redemption or a cure.
Combat Tactics
Medusas use their petrifying gaze as their primary weapon, attempting to turn enemies to stone before they can close for melee combat. They often use mirrors or reflective surfaces to avoid looking directly at opponents while still being able to fight effectively.
Encounter Ideas
Stone Garden: A medusa's lair is filled with the petrified remains of her victims. Cursed Noble: A medusa was once a member of high society, and her transformation affects political situations. Mirror Maze: A medusa uses a complex series of mirrors to navigate and fight without using her gaze. Redemption Quest: A medusa seeks heroes to help break her curse or find a way to control it.
Environmental Effects
Medusa territories are marked by an unusual number of stone statues and petrified creatures. Plant life may also show signs of petrification in areas where the medusa has lived for extended periods.
Treasure
Medusas often possess collections of beautiful objects from their former lives, as well as treasures taken from their petrified victims. They may have magical items that help them cope with their condition.
Plot Hooks
The Petrification Plague: A medusa's presence is causing a spreading curse of petrification. Lost Love: A medusa's former lover seeks a way to restore her humanity. The Gorgon's Secret: A medusa possesses important information but demands a price for sharing it. Stone Army: Someone is using a medusa to create an army of stone guardians.
Lore & Background
Medusas are cursed beings whose gaze can turn living creatures to stone. Once beautiful humanoids, they were transformed by divine curse or dark magic into monstrous forms with serpentine hair and deadly eyes. Medusas are tragic figures, often isolated by their curse and driven to madness by centuries of solitude.
These creatures typically dwell in remote locations where they can avoid accidentally petrifying innocent creatures. Some medusas embrace their monstrous nature and become predators, while others struggle against their curse and seek redemption or a cure.
Combat Tactics
Medusas use their petrifying gaze as their primary weapon, attempting to turn enemies to stone before they can close for melee combat. They often use mirrors or reflective surfaces to avoid looking directly at opponents while still being able to fight effectively.
Encounter Ideas
Stone Garden: A medusa's lair is filled with the petrified remains of her victims. Cursed Noble: A medusa was once a member of high society, and her transformation affects political situations. Mirror Maze: A medusa uses a complex series of mirrors to navigate and fight without using her gaze. Redemption Quest: A medusa seeks heroes to help break her curse or find a way to control it.
Environmental Effects
Medusa territories are marked by an unusual number of stone statues and petrified creatures. Plant life may also show signs of petrification in areas where the medusa has lived for extended periods.
Treasure
Medusas often possess collections of beautiful objects from their former lives, as well as treasures taken from their petrified victims. They may have magical items that help them cope with their condition.
Plot Hooks
The Petrification Plague: A medusa's presence is causing a spreading curse of petrification. Lost Love: A medusa's former lover seeks a way to restore her humanity. The Gorgon's Secret: A medusa possesses important information but demands a price for sharing it. Stone Army: Someone is using a medusa to create an army of stone guardians.