Medusa (Lesser)
Not the full monster — a lesser Medusa is a humanoid whose petrification gaze is limited and controllable with effort. They are descended from true Medusas, or transformed by exposure to basilisk magic or divine curse. They walk among mortals, often hiding what they are, always aware of the danger they carry in their eyes.
Racial Traits
Creature Type: Monstrosity (playable lineage) Petrifying Gaze (limited): As an action, force one creature within 30 ft to make a Constitution save (DC = 8 + prof + Cha modifier). On a failed save, the target is restrained until end of your next turn. If it fails again on that next turn, it is petrified for 1 minute (save ends at end of each of its turns). Once per long rest. Natural Armor: When unarmoured, AC = 13 + Dexterity modifier. Serpentine Hair: Your hair is a mass of small snakes. You have advantage on Perception checks that rely on sight within 10 ft.
Appearance
Humanoid and strikingly beautiful — the Medusa lineage produces faces that draw the eye. The serpentine hair is the most obvious tell; in public, most lesser Medusas wear elaborate headdresses, wigs, or tight binding to conceal it. Their eyes are unusual — usually a solid, luminous colour — but easily passed off as a cosmetic choice.
Found In
Rare. Found primarily in the Republic of Arcadia region, where Medusa mythology is strongest and the lineage has occasionally persisted through secret generations of Arcavéan noble families.
See also: Species Index | Other Species | ChapterTwo_RacesOfAmantia_09March2024.pdf