Medusa

Medium Monstrous Humanoid — CR 7

Monster Manual v.3.5 (MM), p. 1803.5
Hit Dice
6d8+6 (33 hp)
Initiative
+2
Speed
Land 30 ft
Armor Class
15, touch 12, flat-footed 13
Base Attack / Grapple
+6/+6
Attack
Shortbow +8 ranged (1d6/x3) or dagger +8 melee (1d4/19-20) or snakes +8 melee (1d4 plus poison)
Full Attack
Shortbow +8/+3 ranged (1d6/x3); or dagger +8/+3 melee (1d4/19-20) and snakes +3 melee (1d4 plus poison)
STR
10
DEX
15
CON
12
INT
12
WIS
13
CHA
15
Fort / Ref / Will
+3 / +7 / +6
Challenge Rating
7
Alignment
Usually Lawful-Evil
Organization
Solitary or covey (2–4)
Treasure
Double standard
Environment
Marshes
Level Adjustment

Special Abilities

Petrifying GazePoisonDarkvision

Feats

Though at first glance this creature appeared to be a well-proportioned human, a closer look reveals a hideous face crowned with a mass of writhing, hissing snakes instead of hair, eyes glowing a deep, feral red, and scaly, earth-colored skin.

Description

The medusa is a hateful, repulsive creature that petrifies living beings with its gaze. It prizes art objects, fine jewelry, and wealth. Its activities often revolve around obtaining these items.

A medusa is indistinguishable from a normal human at distances greater than 30 feet (or closer, if its face is concealed). The creature often wears garments that enhance its body while hiding its face behind a hood or veil.

Medusas are found in nearly every climate. Some dwell in large cities, becoming active in the criminal underworld to gain their desires. A few medusas have formed robbery rings or organized smuggling cabals.

A typical medusa is 5 to 6 feet tall and about the same weight as a human.

Medusas speak Common.

Combat

A medusa tries to disguise its true nature until the intended victim is within range of its petrifying gaze, using subterfuge and bluffing games to convince the target that there is no danger. It uses normal weapons to attack those who avert their eyes or survive its gaze, while its poisonous snakes strike at adjacent opponents.

Petrifying Gaze (Su): Turn to stone permanently, 30 feet, Fortitude DC 15 negates. The save DC is Charisma-based.

Poison (Ex): Injury, Fortitude DC 14, initial damage 1d6 Str, secondary damage 2d6 Str. The save DC is Constitution-based.