What would you do if you were turned into a Medusa?

[Randel]

Okay, you don't know how you managed it, but you somehow manage to tick off Athena the Greek goddess of knowledge and war. As punishment, she transformed you into a Medusa (or... whatever the heck male medusas are called if you're male.)

Your skin is now greenish and scaly, your hair has been replaced with slithering poisonous serpents, and your eyes are now jet-black orbs of darkness which cause anyone to look you in the eye to become paralyzed with terror before suddenly being petrified into a statue!

On the plus side, you are now virtually immortal (as long as nobody cuts your head off... or shoots you), you are immune to pretty much any disease or poison in the book (which is nice because you've got a headfull of serpents now), and you feel strong enough to duke it out with any nosy adventurers who are wandering around hunting monsters in the 21st century (well okay, you can duke it out with anyone who isn't packing guns... bows and arrows? They just bounce off your skin. Shotgun to the face? Thats... not going to be pretty). You also have darkvision, which is a plus.


But... one last thing before you are forced to worry about being hunted down by vampire slayers or shipped off to Area 52... your friendly neighborhood Arachne (a woman in a Greek fable who got turned into the first spider when she upstaged Athena in a weaving contest) shows up to help you.

Arachne hands you a golden needle and explains that if you accidentally petrify someone with your gaze, then you can prick them with the needle (or any golden needle in fact) and the petrified person will be restored to living flesh and blood! She then leaves you to your cursed existence.


So, assuming no other figures of Ancient Greek mythology show up to make your now monstrous life more interesting... what do you do?

[Cobra_Ikari]

...you mean a Gorgon?

...I'd rather be one of the immortal ones, I suppose, and not have to worry about all that junk.

Or maybe not...*shrugs*

[Ichneumon]

I'd go on a killing spree and kill all those inferior mortals who dare oppose my....

oh wait... No, I'd just stay behind my computer and continue to post on internet forums, as if nothing happenend... really... nothing happenend....

[Tiger Duck]

I'd do the same. It's not that I get out a lot now.

[Kobold-Bard]

...you mean a Gorgon?

...I'd rather be one of the immortal ones, I suppose, and not have to worry about all that junk.

Or maybe not...*shrugs*

http://www.iwozhere.com/SRD/images/MM35_PG137.jpg :smallcool:
I jest of course. Please don't kill me.

[Ichneumon]

http://www.iwozhere.com/SRD/images/MM35_PG137.jpg :smallcool:
I jest of course. Please don't kill me.

That's the WotC version of the gorgon, which is based on... I have no idea.

The REAL gorgons were the Medusa kind. Medusa was the name of 1 individual gorgon.

[Eldan]

I'd still say that it's actually the Catoblepas.

Anyway, if only my Gorgon eyes petrify people, I'd wear a hood and sunglasses.

[The Dark Fiddler]

Sunglasses. Keep living my sedentary, computer-focused life, as normal.

Also, convert to the Greek religion. :smalltongue:

[Ikialev]

I post about it on /b/.

[Flickerdart]

First, I'd get a pair of totally sweet shades, to prevent unintentional petrification. Then I'd make a living off costume contest prizes.

[rayne_dragon]

Grow my hair out. =D

Also, ask Arachne out - it's not like we'd have much in terms of other options.

[Force]

Well, to begin with, I think I'll first start experimenting with my newfound powers, namely...

#1: Do sunglasses on my eyes or on someone else's work to protect me from the gaze? If so, then I just get some specially made up and continue with life (though I might have to change careers. Grumble, grumble, grumble).

#2: Does the stare work through a television or similar device?

#3: What kind of snakes am I now wearing, and can they be surgically removed?

#4: How tough am I? Can my new skin bounce off assault rifle bullets at medium ranges? If that's the case, screw new careers, I'm joining the military. Or becoming a mercenary, for that matter.

[AtomicKitKat]

Dirty answer: *looks down*

More well-thought out answer: Try to take over the world! Petrify everyone, and slowly restore folks 1 at a time. Anyone who continues to resist gets turned back to stone, perhaps with their pinky toe chiselled off before the next restoration(or just plain left out in the open to face the elements). Eventually, those who don't develop Stockholm Syndrome will try to commit seppuku by biting off their tongue the next time they're restored. Or go through life looking like victims of the flesh-eating bacteria.

[southboundslunk]

If I could turn thinkgs other than people into stone I'd make a living from selling statues made from cheap materials and turned into whatever rock my newfound power turns it into.

Other than that, I'd showcase my sweet snakes and start a hair-metal band. :smallbiggrin:

[Ravens_cry]

Sun glasses on an elastic and bandanna. Hope I don't freak out the D&D group, or my mum, too much. Get a new bank card, because they have my picture on it. Get a new passport, same deal. Shopping will be. . .interesting, as will my bi-monthly karaoke night excursion. Get a career in been the before shot for exfoliating creams. And if this is the curse of a goddess, have some real big soul searching.
Oh, and don't lose the damn needle.

[Project_Mayhem]

I post about it on /b/.

Pics or it didn't happen

[bosssmiley]

Okay, you don't know how you managed it, but you somehow manage to tick off Athena the Greek goddess of knowledge and war. As punishment, she transformed you into a Medusa (or... whatever the heck male medusas are called if you're male.)

what do you do?

Why brace for hot, dirty Zeus love, of course. You know he'll be along before too long...

"Stop! I'm a guy!"
"Not from this side you ain't!"

[Closak]

Ask if i could be turned into some other kind of monster instead.

Maybe one of those Half-Snake Half-Human things whatever they are called.


Or a giant man-eating serpent.

Or a Nimmy.


Or a Hydra...

[Tirian]

I think I'd go into business providing suspended animation services to the critically ill. Cryogenic suspension is nothing on petrogengic suspension. Might also have some application in prison management, although that concept is probably drifting close to real-world politics.

And maybe a reality series. "You're STONED!" would be my catchphrase.

[Ichneumon]

The first thing I'd do is try to find out how medusa-human hybrids look like.:smalltongue:

[Recaiden]

Do we also have eagle wings, brass claws, fangs, and tusks? Because that might complicate my disguises.
Is our blood poisonous or have healing powers?
Which all myths apply here? :smalltongue:

Hide it from most people. Go out less. Wear mirrored sunglasses. Ichneumon's got a good idea. Taking over the world doesn't sound that nice, actually. Too much work.

I believe the WoTC gorgon is based off of Claudius Aelianus's account of the catoblepas, which was based on the wildebeest.

[Cobra_Ikari]

The first thing I'd do is try to find out how medusa-human hybrids look like.:smalltongue:

*volunteers his assistance in this experiment* :smallwink:

[Ichneumon]

*volunteers his assistance in this experiment* :smallwink:

I just KNEW you would be the one to respond to that!:smallcool:

[Cobra_Ikari]

I just KNEW you would be the one to respond to that!:smallcool:

Well, I'd hate to disappoint, hun. :smallamused:

[Johel]

I think I'd go into business providing suspended animation services to the critically ill. Cryogenic suspension is nothing on petrogengic suspension.

This !!
That's the best application I can think of.

[CurlyKitGirl]

This:
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h24/solarturtle/GreekKitGirl3.png


But then I'd have to fear her:
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h24/solarturtle/CurlyKithena.png

[Ikialev]

Pics or it didn't happen
Yes. Also, it would check if I can stone people by internet. If yes, I will become a camwh**e.
And everybody will be so har-*shot*

[good_lookin_gus]

That's the WotC version of the gorgon, which is based on... I have no idea.

Probably the Gygax version.:smallbiggrin:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gorgon_%28Dungeons_&_Dragons%29

[Mystic Muse]

try to live a normal life. Constantly wear sunglasses so I don't petrify people.

Can I control the snakes or are they free willed?
If I can then I'll just ignore them.
If I can't say bye bye to the snakes.

[Ichneumon]

If I can't say bye bye to the snakes.

Would you really dare act in a hostile manner towards a big group of venomous snakes that grow out of your head?

[Coidzor]

^: It's as good a way as any to double-check whether the snakes can turn against you or not. I mean, our skin is sword-proof and such.

Invest heavily in stage makeup and try out various contacts and sunglasses to see whether those keep people from being able to look me in the eye in order to prevent petrification.

I'd probably try cutting off/head-shotting the poisonous serpents as well if I couldn't get them to calm down and be under my control, because they're quite loud when on their very best behavior if I'm recalling how they behave usually.

[Johel]

This:
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h24/solarturtle/GreekKitGirl3.png


But then I'd have to fear her:
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h24/solarturtle/CurlyKithena.png

Nice ones.
Especially the first.
It's Kitusa !!

[Recaiden]

I wouldn't hurt the snakes, even if I couldn't control them. It's not their fault.

[Ichneumon]

Yeah, I wouldn't hurt hem eiher, as long as they don't me. In essence, we'd be like the same creature, one collective being, even if they have their own will.

[Krade]

In case anyone reads (or used to read) Sluggy Freelance, remember Mospinispinosp? Isp and Osp were the snakes on her head and they were independently sentient (if stupid) and each thought the other controlled the body and arms when it was, in fact, a seperate entity: Mosp.

This conversation reminded me of that.

[Ichneumon]

Actually, I would start giving them names and use them to justify talking to myself, in public and when I'm alone. Also, I'd start to refer to myself in 3rd person.

[Mystic Muse]

Yeah, I wouldn't hurt hem eiher, as long as they don't me. In essence, we'd be like the same creature, one collective being, even if they have their own will.

I wouldn't care about them biting me since I'm immune. I care about the highly poisonous snakes biting OTHERS and killing them. I'm going to try to live as normal a life as possible but the longer the snakes grow, the longer their reach. the longer their reach the more people they can attack. if I can prevent them from attacking others I don't care if they don't listen to me. Otherwise they are going to DIE.

[Coidzor]

In other words, only an idiot keeps a rabid dog for a guard.

[Trog]

After buying some seriously protective sunglasses and several back up golden needles and handy vials of anti-venom I'd sell out, go on the talk show circuit, charge outrageous amounts for petrifying someone on purpose, star in a hollywood film where I negate the need for special effects by petrifying people myself, make tons of cash and retire young... maybe marry a hot blind girl who likes snakes.

Or I could mope in a dungeon somewhere... ... nah.

[Flickerdart]

Oh, I almost forgot. I'd have to carry a notebook with delightful petrification puns that I could recite after removing and then replacing my sunglasses.
"Is he dead, you ask?" *sunglasses* "He's...stone cold."
*after petrifying someone and then pushing them down a hill* "Rock...and roll."
You get the idea.

[The Dark Fiddler]

Oh, I almost forgot. I'd have to carry a notebook with delightful petrification puns that I could recite after removing and then replacing my sunglasses.
"Is he dead, you ask?" *sunglasses* "He's...stone cold."
*after petrifying someone and then pushing them down a hill* "Rock...and roll."
You get the idea.

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAH

[Hardcore]

Wow, becoming the Medusa in WCIII.
Armed with a bow, wearing Golden armour and casting chain-lightning (http://dota.textmalaysia.com/medusa-the-gorgon.html) at anyone that oppose me!

[bosssmiley]

This:
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h24/solarturtle/GreekKitGirl3.png


But then I'd have to fear her:
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h24/solarturtle/CurlyKithena.png

Agh! The cute!!! :smallbiggrin:

Ok, who votes for a CKG version of Clash of the Titans?

@v: Sorry mate. I am poor liek church mouse right now. -ing reduced hours. -ing Xmas. -ing impending wedding.

[Dr. Bath]

@Eggy: That would be... so surreal. (Also: you missed the meetup! There were free dice and everything)

To all the people with sunglasses, you'd better make sure the insides aren't reflective at all...

[GoC]

Do we also have eagle wings, brass claws, fangs, and tusks? Because that might complicate my disguises.
Is our blood poisonous or have healing powers?
Which all myths apply here? :smalltongue:

I too want to know which myths apply. The Hollywood version of Medusa/Gorgons or the mythological one?

[Ichneumon]

To all the people with sunglasses, you'd better make sure the insides aren't reflective at all...

I had completely forgotten about that trick. I'd through away ALL mirrors in the house.

[BisectedBrioche]

IIRC in the original legend the petrification was caused by sheer ugliness.

So I guess I'd have plastic surgery and start wearing a hat (which would suck, I hate wearing hats).

[Dexam]

Become a vigilante and fight crime.


Oh, I almost forgot. I'd have to carry a notebook with delightful petrification puns that I could recite after removing and then replacing my sunglasses.
"Is he dead, you ask?" *sunglasses* "He's...stone cold."
*after petrifying someone and then pushing them down a hill* "Rock...and roll."
You get the idea.
"Looks like this is one drug-dealer..." *sunglasses* "... who really got stoned."

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAH!

:smalltongue:

[Hell Puppi]

"You cold as ice baby, now you're still enough to match."

"I'm gonna rock your world."

"What's the difference between you and that rock in my garden?" *sunglasses* "Nothing"

[ninjalemur]

If i was a gorgon, i would immediately arrange a face-to-face meeting with Paris Hilton.

[TheThan]

Ahem (http://www.wizards.com/d20modern/images/d20m_gallery/610_088190_93.jpg)

surprised nobody though to mention her.

[Vizzerdrix]

I think I'd go into business providing suspended animation services to the critically ill. Cryogenic suspension is nothing on petrogengic suspension. Might also have some application in prison management, although that concept is probably drifting close to real-world politics.

And maybe a reality series. "You're STONED!" would be my catchphrase.

This. Minus the series. I'd save up enough money to get a large plot of land someplace up in northern Maine so I'd be able to go outside at least.

I'd also get a golden needle implanted under my skin. Just in case some douche bag came along with a mirror.

[Bhu]

I either become the worlds greatest assassin or fetish porn star, I'm not sure which...

[Don Julio Anejo]

I would start making youtube videos like there's no tomorrow.

[BisectedBrioche]

"You cold as ice baby, now you're still enough to match."

"I'm gonna rock your world."

"What's the difference between you and that rock in my garden?" *sunglasses* "Nothing"

You scared? *sunglasses* You're bricking yourself.

Don't take life...for granite.

There's no need...to be sedimental.

A conspiracy? You might be glad...if you found a mason.

Got a problem? ...just grit your teeth.

I could do this for hours.

[thubby]

step one, sunglasses
step 2, get used to being female :P

[BisectedBrioche]

step one, sunglasses
step 2, get used to being female :P

Surely you'd have to get used to being female before getting any accessories. :smalltongue:

[AtomicKitKat]

"I guess that criminal was really hardened."

"Igneous is bliss"

"Everybody freeze!*unleash mass of angled mirrors/giant disco ball to stone the whole room*"

[thubby]

Surely you'd have to get used to being female before getting any accessories. :smalltongue:

i would think it would take a long time to do that, sun glasses are pretty easy. not to mention the whole "turning people to stone by accident" problem.

[Ilena]

Probably enjoy it :P Though probably get old after awhile. I mean snakes for hair? Try getting those to lay down! Though i may get into the statue business ..... for lifelike detail crafting, could sell those for a pretty penny!

[Perenelle]

But then I'd have to fear her:
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h24/solarturtle/CurlyKithena.png

..... :smallbiggrin: that is awesomeness. *glomps*

I had to turn in a report on Athena today actually. :smallbiggrin:

If I was medusa, I'd probably make some wealthy guy build me a giant house and then turn him and some other people into stone to decorate the garden with. :smallamused:

[Prime32]

To the person who said "get plastic surgery" I have an image of a medusa lying down on a bed with a anaesthetic mask on her face... and little masks on each of the snakes. :smalltongue: