Today, Rob is peeling back the layers of myth and legend surrounding one of Dungeons & Dragons’ most iconic monsters—the Medusa. We’re talking first edition versus second edition, the evolution of this petrifying nightmare, and the deep-cut lore that most players (and even some DMs) don’t know.

First, let’s get into the classic Medusa—the terrifying, snake-haired horror that could freeze a man solid with a single gaze. But she’s more than just a one-trick monster. We’ll break down her appearance, her hidden dangers, and how she thrives in dark, forgotten places—or even right under society’s nose. Then we’ll turn our attention to the Greater Medusa, a far rarer and even more terrifying version with a serpentine body, deadlier venom, and a presence that commands sheer horror.

But the real hidden gem of this discussion? The Maedar. Most people don’t even know about these guys, but they’re the male counterpart to the Medusa, immune to her deadly stare and boasting their own terrifying abilities. They can literally walk through stone, turn petrified victims back into flesh, and if you think that’s wild, wait until you hear about what happens when they die. Ever heard of a Glyptar? We’ll break down how these cursed spirits get trapped in gemstones, animating weapons and statues, turning them into living weapons of vengeance.

We’ll also talk about tactical encounters—how to use Medusas right in a campaign, how to surprise your players, and how to make these creatures more than just a random monster in a cave. Medusas work just as well in urban settings as they do in dungeons, and we’ll discuss exactly how to make them into compelling villains (or reluctant allies).

So get ready for a deep dive into petrifying lore, forgotten monsters, and some stone-cold horror that’ll change the way you see these creatures forever.

#DNDLore #Medusa #OldSchoolDND