Medusa
Medium Monstrosity, lawful evil
2,300 XP
Special Abilities
Petrifying Gaze
When a creature that can see the medusa's eyes starts its turn within 30 ft. 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 ft. 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.
Quick Reference
Running This Encounter
Medusa relies on her petrifying gaze to control the battlefield—have her use her action to target a single opponent each round, forcing a DC 15 Constitution save. She should position herself behind obstacles or minions to avoid being rushed, and use her multiattack (snake bites and shortsword) against enemies who close to melee range. If threatened by multiple foes, she'll attempt to retreat while maintaining line of sight for her petrification ability.
Combat Tactics
Medusa uses hit-and-run tactics, leveraging her serpentine mobility to attack and withdraw. She prioritizes targets that appear vulnerable to petrification (low CON saves) and focuses ranged attackers who can threaten her from distance. If surrounded or severely wounded, she'll attempt to flee rather than fight to the death.
Environment & Setting
Ancient temple chambers with stone statuary, crumbling ruins with multiple sight lines, or a lair decorated with petrified victims that provide visual and tactical cover. Ideal spaces include pillars, alcoves, and elevated positions that restrict enemy approaches.