Gorgon
Large Monstrosity · · CR 5
- Monstrosity
- Large
- Tier 2
Ranges across forest, grassland, and hill; Gorgon lists at CR 5 as a large monstrosity (unaligned). Sourced from Monster Manual (5e 2014) and Monster Manual (5.5e 2024).
Stat Block
- Challenge Rating
- 5
- Type
- Monstrosity
- Size
- Large
- Alignment
- —
- Speed
- —
- Habitats
- Forest, Grassland, Hill
- Sources
- Monster Manual (5e 2014), Monster Manual (5.5e 2024)
Ecology
Gorgons are not biological in the usual sense; they are bull-shaped constructs of iron and stone with a magical metabolism that consumes ore and minerals. They graze metal-rich pastures, breaking down ferrous deposits with their digestive enzymes. They are not constructed by mortals but emerge naturally from earth saturated with sorcerous metal. Some scholars argue they are a form of stable magical organism, neither construct nor beast.
Behaviour
Aggressive and territorial, Gorgons charge any creature entering their grazing range. Their petrifying breath weaponizes prey conversion: enemies become statues, slowly mineralizing into ore the Gorgon eventually consumes. They are solitary except during mating, which produces a single calf every century. They tolerate other Gorgons in adjacent territories, communicating in iron-voiced bellows.
Origin
Said to have formed when the gods of forging (Moradin, Hephaestus, or local equivalents) shed slag from their cosmic anvils, Gorgons populate the same regions as ancient dwarven holds. Some legends claim they were created as living forges, walking smelting machines, but escaped their makers. Their metallic scales have been harvested by smiths for legendary weapons, but few hunters survive the harvest.
Related Monsters
Frequently Asked Questions about Gorgon
- What is the challenge rating of Gorgon?
- Gorgon is rated CR 5. The rating suits mid-tier groups.
- What type of creature is Gorgon?
- Gorgon is classified as a monstrosity in D&D 5e, large size.
- Where does Gorgon live?
- You'll find Gorgon in Forest, Grassland, Hill according to the bestiary entry.