Sheshka

The medusas of Cazhaak Draal are among the most feared denizens of Droaam, and their leader, Sheshka, is a sinister legend. The Queen of Stone is a deadly warrior and brilliant general; over the last decade she led troops into battle on the Brelish front, and also helped the Daughters crush those who opposed their vision of a united Droaam. Cazhaak Draal is an integral part of that dream; the most powerful priests of the Dark Six are medusas, and medusa architects direct the construction of the booming cities of Droaam. Many of the magistrates and envoys of Katra’s Voice are medusas. Sheshka knows all this. She works with the Daughters not because she fears their power, but because she truly believes that Droaam could become something great. But while she may be driven by idealism, she is a cold-blooded pragmatist who can be every bit as ruthless as Sora Katra in pursuit of her goals.

While Sheshka holds the title of queen, her power is ultimately spiritual. The medusas believe that she is beloved by the Shadow, and she has the support of both her people and the priests that guide them. She is the proud queen of a proud people, and she believes in their shared destiny. While this could just be hyperbole, stories say that the Queen of Stone has powers far greater than the typical medusa. It’s said that she can speak to petrified creatures or restore their flesh, and that when Sheshka petrifies a creature, only she can end the curse.

Sheshka is literally cold-blooded. Should you ever cross her path, it is unwise to rely on her compassion. But all accounts suggest that she rules with integrity and intelligence—that she will always consider a wellreasoned argument, and that should she give her word she will stand by it. Even beyond the medusas, there are many who say that of all the warlords of Droaam, it is Sheshka alone who truly feels like a queen. Keep these things in mind when you meet a medusa. They may be terrifying monsters, but they are also the proud citizens of an ancient city-state.