All heroes need foes to vanquish. Myths from a variety of ancient cultures involve people overcoming great odds to save their loved ones, to fight against the whims of gods, and to defeat the minions of those gods. This article introduces foes from classic tales of Greek mythology to Green Ronin’s Dragon Age system. Some will seem familiar. Some will have a different twist than you may have seen previously in other fantasy roleplaying games. They can be used as is for many campaign settings or you can re-skin them for use in Thedas.
I have tried to keep to the classical characteristics of the monsters described below as opposed to regurgitate characteristics shown in other roleplaying games. However, the recorded myths involving these monsters vary, and in some cases I have taken some poetic license in combining or leaving out some of the characteristics from myth.
The medusa awaits you beyond the jump.
Medusa
Legend states that Medusa, a priestess of Athena, was once incredibly beautiful, mostly due to her long, silky hair. She bragged that she was more beautiful than the goddess, Athena. One day Poseidon ravaged her in Athena’s temple. This enraged Athena and she cursed Medusa, transforming her into a Gorgon. Her beautiful hair transformed into snakes and she became so ugly that her mere gaze turned onlookers to stone.  Only by viewing her reflection is it possible to see her and not suffer petrifaction.
It is rumored that her blood can reanimate the dead or be a lethal poison.
Abilities (Focuses)
| 0 | Communication |
| 2 | Constitution |
| 2 | Cunning (Religious Lore) |
| 4 | Dexterity (Bows, Stealth) |
| 4 | Magic |
| 3 | Perception (Hearing) |
| 2 | Strength |
| 2 | Willpower |
Combat Ratings
| Speed | Health | Defense | Armor Rating |
| 13 | 80 | 14 | 3 |
Attacks
| Weapon | Attack Roll | Damage |
| Long Bow | +6 | 1d6 + 6 |
| Snaky Hair | +4 | 1d6 |
Powers
Favored Stunts: Skirmish, Lightning Attack (2 SP), Snaky Hair (2 SP), Gaze Attack (4 SP)
Snaky Hair Venom:  When making a Snaky Hair attack, Medusa can inject debilitating poison into the opponent as a 2 SP stunt, resulting in a –2 penalty to Dexterity and Defense until the end of the encounter or she receives a heal spell.
Gaze Attack: As a major action, Medusa can make a Gaze attack against an opponent who can see her directly. Her opponent becomes permanently petrified unless she succeeds at a Dexterity check opposed by Medusa’s Magic. If her opponent is fighting Medusa by viewing her reflection or by shutting her eyes, her opponent takes a –1 or –3 to all attacks, respectively.
Talents:Â Archery Style (Journeyman)
Tough Hide:Â Medusa has magically toughened skin that gives her an Armor Rating of 3.
Equipment: Long Bow
