By Alan McCoy from Dungeons & Dragons: Fundamentals
How to build challenging encounters against a Gorgon
Note: This has been prepared utilizing only the 5E Core Rules. The Gorgon can be found in the Monster Manual page 171.
If you are a fan of Greek or Roman mythology, kindly rename this creature to the Iron Bull or something that suits you, this monstrosity has almost nothing to do with those myths.
The Gorgon is a monstrosity that appears as a large bull, with a body covered in iron plates and whose nostrils fume with an ugly green vapor.
Gorgon armor varies in coloration from the steely black of a Gorgon in its prime, to the bright silver of a young adult. There are accounts of older, ill, or infirm Gorgon that are ‘rusted’ and make a horrible racket of squeals as their plates rub together.
The Gorgon is not intelligent, but it does have well honed instincts to enhance its survival chances. This means that it will instinctually favor terrain that allows it to take advantage of the Trampling Charge often, and Petrifying breath on average of once every three rounds.
The legends related by the bards’ state that encounters with a solitary Gorgon is usual and to be expected. It should be noted that the bards do not record the exploits of those that do not return from their adventures.
Step 1) Let’s Review what we know about the Gorgon
Physically impressive, these strong (+5), tough (+4), beasts are nimble for their size. (+0).
Mentally, they are on par with most animals, with instinctual intelligence (-4), a lack of presence (-2), they do possess a stubborn streak however (+1).
The Gorgon enjoys impressive defenses, its body is covered with iron plates.The Gorgon can move 40 feet per round.
The Gorgon has a natural awareness, which translates to +4 to perception.
Not surprisingly, the Gorgon is immune to petrification.
The Gorgon has normal vision and Darkvision of 60 feet, its passive perception is 14.As cattle, Gorgon do not speak or use language, it must be supposed that they could be trained to respond to certain commands.
Step 2) Determine the probable Strategy
The Gorgon wants to eat, to grow and to protect its own.
Gorgon can eat grass and grains, but these will not provide it with the substance that is its armor, the only thing that helps their armor grow is the consumption of the stone powder that his generated from crushing a petrified victim.
Gorgon safety, as a herd, usually has one or more of the herd standing watch while the rest forage. Any creature that comes near the herd will be dealt with aggressively.
While a Gorgon may act LIKE A BEAST, it should be remembered that they are in fact monstrosities, and they have aggressive personalities and an unpredictable measure of ornery meanness to match.
Step 3) Determine Tactics
While Gorgon are not intelligent, they do have strong instincts that have done their planning for them.
The Gorgon will begin its attack such that the intruder is drawn away from the herd.
The Gorgon will utilize terrain that allows it to use its Trampling Charge and allow it to utilize its breath weapon as often as possible.
This means that the Gorgon is a type of beast that attacks on the run, stopping only if it is absolutely needed to turn and return to the attack. Always on the move, and able to coordinate movement with others of its herd. Because of the high natural armor class of the beast they have little concern for reaction opportunity attacks. If working as a HERD, multiple Gorgon, special care must be taken by the DM to track the expendable resource of one REACTION per round for the heroes.
A Gorgon attacks by running directly at its target and attempting to GORE. If the Gore is successful, then that target must make a DC 16 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.
While the Gore attack may be used without trampling charge, the Gorgon is unlikely to do so until there are no moving targets on the field of battle.
The Breath Weapon of the Gorgon, the 30-foot cone of petrifying gas, is considered a special action and does not require the use of an action to discharge.
Because a Prone target is less likely to run away and escape the Gorgon is likely to save their breath weapon until it has at least one target prone, still, as the recharge on this action is typically once every three rounds, it is unlikely to wait long.
The Hooves attack may be made as a bonus action. Remember that as PRONE targets, any roll made against them is with advantage.
Step 4) DM Tips and Observations
My first observation is that the speed of this charging bull-like creature is less than optimal. I would consider increasing the speed, but I think this issue can be solved by allowing the Gorgon the ability to DASH as a bonus action.
The HOOVES attack, formerly categorized as a BONUS ACTION, becomes an Opportunity Action, on any prone target in their line of travel as a REACTION; the GORE attack remains the primary attack action.
The typical encounter with the solitary Gorgon is usually a disappointment, prudent adventurers will simply engage the creature from long range and destroy it long before it can trample, let alone engulf inside its breath weapon of petrifying gas.
I suggest instead using herds, as few as three and perhaps as many as a dozen. Viewing a video or two of the “Running of the Bulls in Pamplona Spain” for inspiration.If a creature has Darkvision, then it needs to be able to see far enough to DASH within its vision.
The Gorgon should have Darkvision of 80 foot.
The Gorgon are monstrous cattle, while wild herds exist to be sure, some thought must be given to the thought that where there are herds there are those who tend the herds. What pairings could you conceive of that would work well with the Gorgon after all they shine when used in combination.