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Medusa

Medium · Monstrosity · CR 6 · Lawful Evil

Source. 5e 2024 Rules

15 (natural armor)

127 (17d8 + 51)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Monstrosity

Alignment Lawful Evil

XP 2300

Initiative Bonus +6

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 150 ft (45.7 m)

Passive Perception 14

Saving Throws

Strength +0 Dexterity +3 Constitution +3 Intelligence +1 Wisdom +4 Charisma +2

Skills

Deception +5 Perception +4 Stealth +6

Languages

Common plus one other language

Actions

Claw

Cost 1

+6 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6+3 slashing damage.

Melee Attack Roll: +6, reach 5 ft. 10 (2d6 + 3) Slashing damage.

Multiattack

Cost 1

The medusa makes two Claw attacks and one Snake Hair attack, or it makes three Poison Ray attacks.

Poison Ray

Cost 1

+5 to hit, range 150 ft (45.7 m). Hit: 2d8+2 poison damage.

Ranged Attack Roll: +5, range 150 ft. 11 (2d8 + 2) Poison damage.

Snake Hair

Cost 1

+6 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d4+3 piercing damage.

Melee Attack Roll: +6, reach 5 ft. 5 (1d4 + 3) Piercing damage plus 14 (4d6) Poison damage.

Bonus Actions

Petrifying Gaze

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.

About Medusa

Medusa is a medium monstrosity with a Challenge Rating of 6. It has a lawful evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 15 and possesses 127 hit points (derived from 17d8 + 51).

Medusa has communication capabilities including Common plus one other language. 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 6.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 9 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 4,200 XP
Hard: 6,300 XP
Deadly: 8,400 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 6, making it appropriate for parties of level 6.0.
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 plus one other language.