Ancestry: Gorgonfolk
Gorgonfolk are an ancient line of humans who first came to be after declaring they were more beautiful than a deity. The vanity of said deity caused them to place a curse upon the bold humans and their lineage, making them into the first Gorgonfolk, cursed with hideous snake features that turned viewers to stone. The Gorgonfolk fled to ancient ruins, distant mystical lakes, and into deep caves, where they remained for centuries. Now, after years of isolation, the Gorgonfolk return to attempt to rejoin society- the only issue is their untamed powers.
Gorgonfolk appear like humans, the most obvious exception being their hair, comprised of a tangle of snakes. They also sometimes have serpentine eyes and scaly skin. Their skin, including the skin of their snake hair, can be of any color, but typically contrast wildly (tan skin with green snakes, for example). Their eyes are any color.
Gorgonfolk Traits
Ability Score Increase. One ability score of your choice increases by 2, and another by 1, to a maximum of 20.
Age. Gorgonfolk reach maturity at a similar rate as humans, but have no known lifespan.
Alignment. Gorgonfolk value beauty and autonomy, tending towards chaotic alignments.
Creature Type. You are a Humanoid. You are also considered a Monstrosity for any prerequisite or effect that requires you to be a Monstrosity.
Size. Gorgonfolk stand around 5 feet tall and have average builds. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Petrifying Gaze. When a creature that can see your eyes starts its turn within 30 feet of you, you can use your Reaction to force it to make a Constitution saving throw, provided you aren't Incapacitated and can see the creature, where the DC equals 8 + your Proficiency Bonus + your Constitution modifier. On a failed save, the creature becomes Petrified for the next minute, or until the creature is freed by the Greater Restoration spell or similar magic. Creatures can repeat this save at the end of their turns, ending the effect on a success.
If you see yourself reflected on a polished surface within 30 feet of you, you are affected by your own gaze, even if you have no uses of your Petrifying Gaze remaining.
Unless Surprised, a creature can avert its eyes to avoid the saving throw at the start of its turn (no action required). If the creature does so, it can't see you until the start of its next turn, automatically drawn to your gaze, when it can avert its eyes again. If the creature looks at you in the meantime, it must immediately make the save.
You can use this feature a number of times equal to your Proficiency Bonus, regaining all expended uses after a long rest.
Snake Hair. Your snake hair is a natural weapon, which counts as a simple melee weapon with which you are proficient. You add your Constitution modifier, instead of your Strength modifier, to the attack and damage rolls when you attack with this bite. It deals 1d4 Piercing damage on a hit.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and one other language of your choice.