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Medusa

Medium · Monstrosity · CR 7 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Monstrous Menagerie

120 (16d8+48)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Monstrosity

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 2900

Initiative Bonus +4

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)

Climb 15 ft (4.6 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 15

Skills

Deception +5 Insight +5 Perception +5 Stealth +7

Languages

Common

Traits

A creature subject to the medusas petrifying gaze makes a DC 14 Constitution saving throw

If it rolls a natural 1 on the save, it is petrified instantly. If it otherwise fails the save, it is restrained as it begins to be petrified. The creature repeats the saving throw at the end of its turn, ending the effect on itself on a success and becoming petrified on a failure. The petrification can be removed with Greater Restorationor similar powerful magic.

Petrifying Gaze

When a creature starts its turn within 60 feet of the medusa and can see the medusas eyes, it can choose to shut its eyes until the beginning of its next turn unless it is surprised or incapacitated. Otherwise, the medusa uses its petrifying gaze on the creature. If the medusa sees its own reflection and doesnt shut its eyes, it is subject to its own gaze.

Actions

Longbow

+7 to hit, range 150/600 ft (45.7/182.9 m). Hit: 1d8+4 plus 2d6 poison damage.

Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, range 150/600 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) poison damage.

Multiattack

The medusa makes any combination of two attacks with its snake hair and longbow.

Snake Hair

+7 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d6+4 plus 2d6 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) poison damage plus an additional 3 (1d6) piercing damage if the target is a creature that is surprised or that can't see the medusa.

About Medusa

Medusa is a medium monstrosity with a Challenge Rating of 7. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 14 and possesses 120 hit points (derived from 16d8+48).

Medusa has communication capabilities including Common. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Medusa

2 tips available

When using Medusa in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

Significant Threat: Challenging for parties of levels 5-10
Epic Potential: Consider legendary actions for memorable battles

Player Guide: Facing Medusa

2 strategies available

When your party encounters this creature, keep these strategies in mind:

Significant Threat: Prepare spells and resources
Team Coordination: Coordinate attacks and defenses

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 7.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 10 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 5,600 XP
Hard: 8,400 XP
Deadly: 11,200 XP

Based on D&D 5e Dungeon Master's Guide encounter building guidelines. CR roughly equals party level for medium encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the challenge rating of Medusa?: Medusa has a Challenge Rating of 7, making it appropriate for parties of level 7.0.
What type of creature is Medusa?: Medusa is a Medium Monstrosity, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Medusa speak?: Medusa can communicate in Common.