Medusa

The medusa is a Medium monstrosity of challenge rating 6 in the fifth-edition System Reference Document.

SRD 5.1 (2014)

Medusa

Size and type
Medium monstrosity
Challenge
6 (2,300 XP)
Armour class
15
Hit points
127 (17d8+51)
Speed
30 ft
Skills
Deception +5, Insight +4, Perception +4, Stealth +5
Senses
darkvision 60 ft, passive perception 14
STR10+0
DEX15+2
CON16+3
INT12+1
WIS13+1
CHA15+2

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 the saving throw fails by 5 or more, the creature is instantly 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.

Unless surprised, a creature can avert its eyes to avoid the saving throw at the start of its turn. If the creature does so, it can’t see the medusa until the start of its next turn, when it can avert its eyes again. If the creature looks at the medusa in the meantime, it must immediately make the save. If the medusa sees itself reflected on a polished surface within 30 feet of it and in an area of bright light, the medusa is, due to its curse, affected by its own gaze.

Actions

Multiattack. The medusa makes either three melee attacks—one with its snake hair and two with its shortsword—or two ranged attacks with its longbow.

Snake Hair. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage plus 14 (4d6) poison damage.

Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage.

Longbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 150/600 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) poison damage.

Page 330.

SRD 5.2.1 (2024)

Medusa

Size and type
Medium monstrosity
Challenge
6 (2,300 XP)
Armour class
15
Hit points
127 (17d8+51)
Speed
30 ft
Saving throws
Wis +4
Skills
Deception +5, Perception +4, Stealth +6
Senses
darkvision 150 ft, passive perception 14
STR10+0
DEX17+3
CON16+3
INT12+1
WIS13+1
CHA15+2

Actions

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

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

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

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

Bonus Actions

Petrifying Gaze (Recharge 5–6). 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.

Page 306.

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