Medusa

Medusae were monstrous beings with bodies that were covered in scales and, rather than hair, a writhing mass of serpents growing from their scalp.

Abilities
The eyes of a medusa were feared, because to look in their eyes was to invite death. A female's gaze would instantly transform living flesh into lifeless stone, while a male's gaze would daze and weaken.

Combat
Many medusae were considered skilled archers and were known to coat arrows with their poisoned saliva.

Biology
The blood of medusae had special properties that allowed it to reverse the process of petrification. In order for it to work, the blood needed to be applied to the petrified creature's mouth or lips by a skilled healer. It could only reverse the condition if the victim had been petrified within 24 hours.

Society
Medusae prefered to live alone in small groups, but they desired treasures and dominance over other races most of all. They were typically seen in the company of creatures who were immune to their gaze, such as grimlocks and gargoyles, though they were also known to gather humanoid servants.

Variants
In the Utter East, they were known as "gorgons" (not to be confused with the iron-skinned bulls of the same name). Unlike traditional medusa, they had no legs, but rather a snake's tail to slither on. While their venomous look could petrify a living creature, it was temporary, usually. They lurked within the ruins of Phantom Pass and Old Stone Keep and in the Puzzle Palace.

Appearances

 * Adventures:
 * City of the Spider Queen
 * Khamsa's Folly
 * The Dungeon of Death
 * Card Games
 * AD&D Trading Cards
 * Video Games:
 * Baldur's Gate: Siege of Dragonspear
 * Curse of the Azure Bonds
 * Dungeon Hack
 * Eye of the Beholder II: The Legend of Darkmoon
 * Gateway to the Savage Frontier
 * Neverwinter
 * Neverwinter Nights
 * Neverwinter Nights: Shadows of Undrentide
 * Pools of Darkness
 * Pool of Radiance
 * Secret of the Silver Blades