Thylean Medusa

"Truly, I have never considered myself to be cursed. I wished for gold, and gold I now have—in great quantities. Those who displease me are added to my lovely collection of statues. And I prefer the company of my snakes to that of lesser mortals.”
—Moxena, the Lady of Coins

Medusa are humanoids that have made a bargain with dark powers to achieve beauty, eternal youth, great wealth, or some other mortal desire. As a consequence, their hair has been replaced with snakes, and their eyes have the power to petrify the unwary.

Basic Information

Behaviour

Medusae are known to spend much of their time plot- ting against those who rival them in wealth, power, or beauty. Some medusae name their snakes and speak to them as if they were speaking to cherished pets or loved ones. Others are ashamed of their curse and seek to break it. Medusae must train themselves to never gaze into a mirror or stare at their reflection, for in an ironic twist of fate, they are vulnerable to their own petrifying gaze.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Medusae can see in the dark.

Civilization and Culture

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Medusae commonly speak, read, and write Common.

History

Medusae have typically made bargains with some sort of fiend or fiendish power, but in some cases, they are oathbreakers who have displeased the gods or the Fates. Either way, they have been afflicted with the curse of the medusa as punishment, and recovery from the curse is not possible without the use of powerful magic. In some cases, even the greater restoration spell may not be enough to break the curse. But in many other cases, the medusa simply embraces the curse as part of her identity. Children born to medusae are also affected by the curse.

Common Myths and Legends

Thousands of years ago, a woman came to Thylea  seeking her fortune. When the creatures of that land asked her from whence she came, she would only say, “I am from the land of the Gorgons.” In those days, Thylea was rich in natural beauty but poor in wealth. But the woman would not be deterred.
First, the woman searched the steppes and mountains,  and she came to the centaurs, asking, “Where may I find gems and jewels to rival the stars?” The centaurs offered her a shank of lamb and said, “Why seek gems and jewels when the stars are free to every- one?” Disappointed, she cast away the food and left the centaurs to their star-gazing.
Then the woman searched the forests, and she came to the satyrs, asking, “Where may I find rivers of gold and silver that flow like fountains?” The satyrs offered her a goblet of wine and said, “Gold and silver make a very poor feast. Wouldn’t you rather join us for a song and a drink?” Disappointed again, the woman cast away the goblet and left the satyrs to their revelry.
Now, the woman wandered high and low, seeking her fortune to no avail, and finally she came upon three women weaving at a loom. She said, “I wish for riches beyond the imagination of all the creatures that haunt this accursed land.” The three women, who were the Fates, warned her. “Is this truly what you desire? You may have it, but the price will be high.” And the woman answered, “When I am rich, I shall have no trouble paying any price.” And the Fates said, “So be it.”
The woman’s eyes suddenly gleamed like golden coins, and wherever she turned her gaze, creatures were turned to stone. “So that none may rob you of your treasure,” said the Fates. The woman’s hair grew long and sinuous, slithering and scaled like snakes. “So that always you will have the company of hearts as cold as your own.” And finally, the woman’s hands were filled with gems and coins that were beautiful beyond the reckoning of stars or songs. Her name was Medusa, and she was the namesake of her curse, which afflicts many such mortals with more ambition than sense.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Medusae are despised and shunned by all other mortal races, and they must be careful to hide their identity when traveling in the civilized places of the world.

Lifespan

Medusae may live for a thousand years.

Average Height

Medusae are the same height as the race they were born as.

Average Weight

Medusae are the same size and build as the race they were born as.