Page 215 - Monster Manual [11th Print]

M e dusa Lairs. Medusas live forever in seclusion,
alienated from the world around them by their
monstrous form and caprice. Their homes gradually fall
into disrepair until they are little more than shadowy
ruins covered with thorns and creepers, riddled with
obstructions and hiding places. Foolhardy looters
and adventurers who enter are often unaware of the
medusa's presence until the creature is among them.
A medusa is subject to its own curse. By looking vainly
on its reflection, it turns to stone as surely as any living
mortal. As a result, a medusa destroys or removes any
mirrors or reflective surfaces in its lair.

MEDUSA
Medium monstrosity, law u l evil
f
Armor Class 5 (natural armor)
1
H i t Points 127 1 7 d8 + 51)
(
Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
10 (+O) 1 5 (+2) 16 (+3) 1 2 (+l) 13 (+l) 1 5 (+2)
Skills Deception +5, Insight +4, Perception +4, Stealth +5
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14
Languages Common
Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)

Petrifying Gaze. When a creature that can see the medusa's
eyes starts its turn within 30 feet 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
i
the saving throw fails by 5 or more, the creature is n stantly
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.
U n less surprised, a creature can avert its eyes to avoid the
M E D U S A saving throw at the start of its turn. If the creature does so, it
A s deadly s they are ravishing, the serpent-haired can't see the medusa until the start of its next turn, when it can
a
medusas suffer an immortal curse brought on by their avert its eyes again. If the creature looks at the medusa in the
vanity. They lurk in quiet exile among the tumbled meantime, it must immediately make the save.
ruins of their former lives, surrounded by the petrified If the medusa sees itself reflected on a polished surface
remains of past admirers and would-be heroes. within 30 feet of it and in an area of bright light, the medusa is,
I m mortal Splendor. Men and women who desire due to its curse, affected by its own gaze.
eternal youth, beauty, and adoration might pray to ACTI O N S
malicious gods, beg dragons for ancient magic, or seek
out powerful archmages to fulfill their wishes. Others Multiattack. The medusa makes either three melee attacks­
make sacrifices to demon lords or archdevils, offering one with its snake hair and two with its shortsword-or two
all in exchange for this gift, oblivious to the curse that ranged attacks with its longbow.
accompanies it. Those who strike such bargains gain Snake Hair. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
physical beauty, restored youth, immortality, and the creature. Hit: 4 (ld4 + 2) piercing damage plus 14 (4d6)
adoration of all who behold them, granting them the poison damage.
influence and power they so desire. However, after years
h
of the living like a demigod among mortals, the price for Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to i t, reach 5 ft., one
their vanity and hubris is exacted, and they are forever target. Hit: 5 (ld6 + 2) piercing damage.
transformed into medusas. A medusa's hair turns into a Longbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 5 0/600
1
nest of venomous serpents, and all who gaze upon the ft., one target. Hit: 6 (ld8 + 2) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6)
medusa are petrified, becoming stone monuments to poison damage.
its corruption.

M E D USA
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