This is unofficial Fan Content permitted under the Fan Content Policy. Not approved/endorsed by Wizards. Portions of the materials used are property of Wizards of the Coast. ©Wizards of the Coast LLC.

In some rare cases, individuals steal themselves away into large cities under careful guise. Rather than infiltrating such places for malicious purposes, these medusae seek more self-sacrificing or redeeming work, all while attempting to maintain their anonymity. Even still, some medusae do get caught up in criminal undergrounds, becoming thieves and assassins.

Cursed medusae that shun the evil ways of their kin live a life of true exile. Unable to find homes even with their own kind, many live solitary lives away from all forms of society. Most exiled medusae live as hermits, learning from nature and the wildlife they choose to live amongst. Such medusae often become unique and powerful druids.

Even after transforming, medusae continue to be vain individuals. Some however, have broken free of their own self curse, choosing to live a life without vanity and hubris. Such individuals are treated as exiles not only to the world at large, but to the small groups of medusa society as well. As a result, these individuals often live hermit-like lifestyles.

Those who seek eternal youth, beauty, and adoration often pray to malicious beings to fulfill their desires. Some even make sacrifices to demons and devils to receive these gifts, not knowing the curse that is being placed upon them. They gain the beauty, youth, and adoration they desire, however the price they eventually pay is the transformation into a medusa.

At first glance a medusa appears to be a well-proportioned human, however a closer look often reveals a hideous face crowned with a mass of writhing, hissing snakes instead of hair. Often using clothing to disguise their faces, medusae use lies and disguises to get close enough to opponents to use their petrifying gaze. Some like to play with their prey, firing arrows from afar to lead their enemies into traps. Others even enjoy creating intricate decorations out of their victims, using their petrified victims as accents to their lairs. While not all medusae are evil, many tend to associate with lower castes of society, often becoming deadly assassins or dark druids.

Art by Conceptopolis

Outer Planes

Medusae exist across many different outer planes, such as Dominaria, Ravnica, Shandalar, and Theros. Often known and referred to as gorgons on these planes, they are natural born creatures in these locations. Even still, such medusae greatly resemble their cursed brothers and sisters. Medusae of these planes are rare, and one of the most downtrodden races known to exist.

On Dominaria, medusae have been known to serve in the Cabal's fighting pits, the most infamous individual being Visara. Ravnican medusae often associate with the Golgari Swarm, and Shandalar medusae have ties to the demonic creature Xathrid. The medusae of Theros are unique, having snake-like lower bodies similar to nagas.

Appearances and Names

Medusae skin tones can vary from alabaster to ebony, and in some instances they may have a varying degree of scales. Those afflicted by the medusa curse tend to have actual snakes in place of hair, while natural born medusae tend to have serpentine tendrils instead. Medusae have varying eye colors, and their eyes glow when using their petrifying gaze. A medusa must exert its will to use its gaze, so the gaze of a surprised or friendly medusa is harmless. While exceedingly rare, male medusae are known to exist.

Medusa society does not have unique naming conventions. Those affected by the curse tend to keep the name from their previous life, while those that are born naturally are given their own unique name. Medusae do not have family or clan names, and those who are cursed typically abandon any previous family or clan affiliations. Some medusae might take names associated with a clan, guild, or organization that they join later in life.

Medusa Traits

Your medusa character has the following racial traits.

Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Wisdom or Charisma score increases by 1 (your choice).

Age. Medusae mature at the same rate as humans, but have lifespans that exceed 750 years old.

Alignment. Traditional medusae favor lawful evil alignments. However, there are many examples of individuals who have favored more chaotic or neutral alignments.

Size. Medusae are the same size and build as humans. Your size is medium.

Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Darkvision. You have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Petrifying Gaze. You may exert your will to effect the transformation of your gaze upon a creature. As an action, you focus your gaze on one creature within 30 feet of you. If the creature can see you, it must make a Constitution saving throw. The DC for this saving throw is 8 + your Constitution modifier + your Proficiency bonus. On a failed save the creature is considered petrified until the end of its next turn.

Once you use this feature, you can’t use it again until you complete a short or long rest.

Snake Hair. The snakes or serpentine cables that adorn your head are a natural weapon, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you deal piercing damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.

Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and one extra language of your choice.

Artist: Chris Rallis

This is unofficial Fan Content permitted under the Fan Content Policy. Not approved/endorsed by Wizards. Portions of the materials used are property of Wizards of the Coast. ©Wizards of the Coast LLC.