Gorgons (species)

Once feared as monsters, **gorgons** are snake-like beings that also have human characteristics, but are not considered to be Faunafolk as their natural form is more like a multi-headed snake rather than a human-animal hybrid.

## Characteristics

### Common Form

Gorgons have evolved from over time to have more humanoid characteristics, with their most distinct features being their green, scaly skin, and their snake hair, which may be in an "active" or "inactive" form. The rest of their body resembles that of a human.

A gorgon's scales have the same toughness as steel armor, providing them with a lot of protection. However, this strength is only sustained when a gorgon is alive; otherwise, they will become brittle and offer little resistance.

Their hair also has two modes. When "inactive," it resembles human hair; however, when "active," a gorgon's hair turns into a head of small, highly venomous snakes. They may be activated intentionally or when the person experiences strong emotions (positive or negative). If cut off, it does not cause any pain and the snakes are able to grow back. Regardless of mode, the main snake on a gorgon's forehead is always active and is considered the main snake. The main snake is an extension of a gorgon's body but retains a mind of its own. If it is cut off, it greatly pains the gorgon and will not be able to grow back. Having no main snake is seen as a deformity.

Gorgons can have a variety of eye colors, with the most common being hazel, yellow, orange, and green. They also have retractable sharp, claw-like nails that can be used to inject poison into others.

### Natural Form

When threatened or undergoing extreme stress, a gorgon may revert back to their natural form, a rapid transformation in which the lower half of their body becomes like that of a giant snake and their hair snakes becoming active. In addition, they increase about 1.5 to 2.0 times in size, and their eyes will turn black. In this form, a gorgon may lose their mind and go on a destructive rampage if they haven't undergone training to retain mental awareness while in this form. This form generally lasts until the person has exhausted all of their energy or has been critically injured or killed.

## Abilities

### Paralysis

All gorgons have the ability to paralyze others with their eyes, but it is controlled; a person will not become affected just by looking into their eyes, but rather the gorgon must seek to paralyze the person. The effectiveness of the paralysis is dependent on fear. The more afraid the target is of the gorgon, the greater the effect is and the longer it lasts. Therefore, it is possible to not be affected by the paralysis, but gorgons have developed highly intimidating auras over time which naturally causes unease and fear in others, especially the weak minded.

### Poison

There are a few different ways a gorgon may poison a target. These include being bitten by a hair snake, having poison injected with their nails, or in some cases being bitten by a gorgon themselves, although this last method is a genetic trait and only present in about 1/3 of the population.

### Mind Control

Gorgons have the ability to control the minds of regular snakes for a short period of time. The amount of snakes that may be controlled at once depends on the individual gorgon. Most of the population is able to control snakes, with young kids being able to control at least 1 or 2 snakes before the age of 10 years old. In terms of the amount control vs. magic power, the general guide is as follows:

* F tier magic: 1-2 snakes (young children)
* E tier magic: 3-4 snakes (tweens)
* D tier magic: 5-9 snakes (average teenager)
* C tier magic: 10-13 snakes (average adult)
* B tier magic: 14-20 snakes
* A tier magic: 21-25 snakes
* S tier magic: 26+ snakes (legendary status)

## Location

Most gorgons reside in Sanzilvas, the Gorgon Kingdom, although smaller communities can be found throughout Arinthia in various climates.