There are many planes of existence on which life in its many forms may appear.  Among these are the Prime Plane, which contains a rich diversity of life (including dwarves, elves and humans), and the four Elemental Planes of Air, Earth, Fire and Water.

The Medusae are a race of creatures that made their original home on the Plane of Earth.  There, they take the form of an ugly, writhing mass of ten feet long tentacles connected to a small, lumpy and spherical body.  Several eyes on foot-long eyestalks also protrude from the body and below is a mouth filled with sharp teeth.

The tentacles are used for both movement and combat, with successful hits designed to induce a degree of paralysis in their target.  While this condition is unlikely to last more than a minute, it is sufficient time for the tentacles to draw their victim towards the awaiting mouth.

Many creatures that inhabit or appear on more than one plane of existence take a different form from the one used on their home.

Some medusae have been known to exist on the Prime Plane and here take a form resembling that of a human female.  Instead of hair, however, the creature's head is covered with a mass of live snakes that constantly writhe about, their small heads grasping and biting at the air.

Some records depict a medusa's face as being that of an ugly old hag while others portray a beautiful woman.  The reason for this discrepancy probably stems from the power that has become synonymous with this creature's name.  Simply gazing at a medusa is sufficient to turn the onlooker to stone.

There are tales that tell of individuals who have attempted to dispatch a medusa through either the employment of a sword and mirror or merely wading in, weapon in hand, while keeping the eyes tightly closed.  Unfortunately, this brought them within range of the mass of snakes (which are believed to be highly venomous).

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