Medusa (Dungeons & Dragons)
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Please help improve this article or section by expanding it. Further information might be found on the talk page or at requests for expansion. (February 2008) |
| Dungeons & Dragons creature | |
|---|---|
| Medusa | |
| Alignment | |
| Type | Monstrous humanoid |
| Source books | |
| First appearance | |
| Mythological origins | Medusa |
| Image | Wizards.com image |
| Stats | OGL stats |
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy roleplaying game, the medusa is a monstrous humanoid creature with a mass of writhing, hissing snakes instead of hair.
Contents |
[edit] Ecology
Despite common belief, not all medusae are female. They are mortal creatures, and therefore require both genders to reproduce. Male medusae are known as maedar. In some campaign settings, medusae are born from eggs, like reptiles.
[edit] Environment
Medusae typically inhabit temperate marshes, usually making their lairs in caves or ruins.
[edit] Typical physical characteristics
The most striking characteristic of female medusae is the mass of writhing poisonous snakes atop their heads. They otherwise appear as humans of their gender, save for their fangs and scaly skin. Like the gorgon of legend, a female medusa's gaze can turn one into stone.
Maedar appear as muscular, hairless, human males, and lack the female medusa's snake-like hair and petrifying gaze. They do, however, hold the power to turn stone into flesh, and use this ability to provide food for their mates.
[edit] Alignment
Medusae are usually lawful evil.
[edit] Society
Medusae are usually solitary, though will sometimes gather in small coveys or mated pairs.
[edit] Medusae in various campaign settings
[edit] Medusae in Eberron
In the Eberron campaign setting, medusae are part of the monster nation Droaam. Their ruler, under the Daughters of Sora Kell, is the Queen of Stone.
[edit] Medusae in other media
The main protagonist of the Forgotten Realms novel, Lady of Poison, is a male half-medusa named Marrec, a priest of Lurue.
[edit] Creative origins
The medusa of Dungeons & Dragons is based on the eponymous gorgon of Greek Mythology.
[edit] References
- Conners, William, et al. Monstrous Compendium Forgotten Realms Appendix (TSR, 1989).
- Cook, David, et al. Monstrous Compendium Volume One (TSR, 1989).
- Greenwood, Ed. "The Ecology of the Maedar." Dragon #106 (TSR, 1986).
- Gygax, Gary. Monster Manual (TSR, 1977).
- Stewart, Doug, ed. Monstrous Manual (TSR, 1994).
[edit] External links
- Wiese, Robert (2006-03-24). Variant Medusa's: Creature Incarnations. Elite Opponents. Wizards of the Coast. Retrieved on 2007-04-16.
