Medusae, children of the cataclysm

[Burdenking]

Said to born from the unholy cataclysm that destroyed the land that would become the Shatterlands, Medusae are some of the most ancient and perhaps physically capable race in the region. From a distance, they can appear to be normal humans. Even when one is within grabbing distance of one, a person can mistake a Medusa for a beautiful Person. But, those who have survived such an encounter can tell you they are anything but. They're fierce and frightful creatures, yet hold a distinctive beauty that many tribal societies and even some kingdoms try and emulate that make them such well known creatures in the land.

Physical Qualities

Medusae are roughly the same height as humans. Their bodies are slimmer but more athletic in build. Their skin is made of soft and smooth scales that cover the body completely and the skin color of a Medusa can be any color. They typically have a darker color on the outer side of their skin and a lighter color on the inner side of their skin, much like a snake. The most common skin color is light green on the outer side and golden yellow on the inner side. Male Medusae cannot grow hair anywhere on their body. Female Medusae cannot grow hair, but instead they have a living nest of snakes that extend from their scalp. They are under the control of the Medusa, so it is up to her to decide how aggressive they are. A Medusa's ears are not protruding like other humanoid races and instead are concave. Medusae tend to age a bit faster than other races, reaching adulthood at 15 but slows down tremendously afterwards. Many Medusae do not feel the effects of age until they are nearly 120. Some have been known to reach the 150 year mark.






Culture

Medusae, though often solitary and cut off from civilization, do have an over arching culture, that even now, continues to surprise researchers and scholars alike. Often, a Lone Medusae, always female, will find herself a home, often in old ruins that still stand or complex catacombs underneath cities or mountains. There, they begin to acquire a rather large collection of premium items, such as paintings and jewelery. As a Medusa gains more and more wealth however, they begin to seek companionship as well. Young Medusae, to new and naive to know any better, will often seek out companions with nearby humanoids. They avoid villages, but a lone camp is easy to try. Those that live under cities will often befriend the local thieves and underground, being accepted only because of their money. These relationships, if any are formed, almost always end badly for the Medusae, and they learn the hard way just how hated they are. After this, many Medusae are killed by the resulting hunt, but some start again, and can form covens or even small villages of their kind. There is even a rumor around the Uderian Islands that somewhere deep within it's swampy forests lies an entire society of Medusae, slowly building strength.

Relations

Most races ether despise or hate Medusae, seeing them as monstrous creatures who belong in the dark if they wish to live. Few however, those educated enough to know better, show surprising respect towards the race, and admire just how well they survive in the environment they live, and thrive in. Reptilian races, like the Vishkanyas, actually have healthy and political relations with these creatures, often making deals and pacts with one another. Some noble Families even have Medusae blood in them, which accounts for the many Medusae found walking without a care within cities controlled by the Vishkanyas.

Stats

+2 to Dex
+2 to Cha
-2 to Str

Medusae are agile and seductive creatures, but are weak in a direct fight.

Base Land Speed is 40ft

Cataclysm Blood: When a Medusae is given the Bleeding status, creatures within five feet of her gain +2 temporary hit point each turn they are around her. This affect ends when the bleeding is stopped or if the Medusae is killed. The Temporary Hit points that a character has acquired will disappear after 3 rounds unless more blood is applied.

All around seeing: Female Medusae, who have a full head of snakes, gain a +5 bonus to perception scores that rely on sight.

Petrifying Gaze: All Medusae have the natural ability to stop a creature in it's tracks with a mere glare. Anyone within 30ft looking directly at a Medusa must make a Fortitude save or take 1d4 Dexterity damage. Those reduced to 0 Dexterity by this effect are turned to stone permanently. The save DC is 10+Half the Medusas Hit Dice+Charisma Modifier.
While Medusas cannot suppress this ability, they can take measure to hide their eyes or faces to prevent allies from being harmed.

Darkvision: 30Ft

Supple Scales: Medusae have a +1 to their natural armor

Alluring gaze: Medusae gain a bonus +5 on bluff and diplomacy checks against creatures who would find them attractive.

Alternate Racial Abilities

Brazen Medusae: Brazen medusae are born more serpentine then their normal sisters. Lsing their legs for a massive snake like tail, a Brazen Medusae is a terrifying visage. Medusae of this kind gain +5 to their intimidate Skill and climb Skill. Lose alluring gaze.

Impure Blood: Some, though few, are born without snakes, but with hair. These Medusae Lose their Petrifying Gaze and instead gain a +10 on disguise skill for disguising as a human.

Pure Blood: Born only once every hundred years, a Pure Blood Medusae is a terrifying sight. By losing its Alluring gaze, all around seeing, and Supple scales, it increases the power of its own body tremendously. Pure Bloods Gain the Brazen Medusae ability, gain a +5 to climb and +5 to acrobatics, a +2 to Dex and Con, and two natural claw attacks, both doing 1d6 dam. These powers, though great, come at the price of spending years learning just how to use the body. Level adjustment for those with this Ability is +4

Special Equipment

Medusae Blood: a Phial of blood taken from a medusae, heals for 1d10 points per use. 100 gold

Medusae Head: The head of a Medusae who had the misfortune to meet the owner. Gain a weakened Pertrfying gaze when presented, can only paralyze target temporary, 1d4 rounds.

Race related Feats

Serpent Sympathy
Gain +10 on handle animal or diplomacy with reptilian creatures of people.
prerequisites: Medusae, 5th lvl.