Dryads hand-carve canopy gargoyles from fallen limbs and branches of their trees, using magic to breathe life into the creatures. The magic-infused wood causes plants to continue growing from it, giving the canopy gargoyle its unique appearance and allowing it to blend seamlessly into trees and foliage. These gargoyles relax and watch over the dryad’s domain, ready to warn of danger and defend the dryad’s tree with their lives.
Canopy gargoyles, sometimes called garden gargoyles, lack the wings of their terran counterparts. Instead, they have flexible wings attached beneath their arms, connected to their sides. These wings resemble dried leaves and allow the gargoyles to glide from great heights, such as the tall trees they inhabit.
The first canopy gargoyles were likely created to entertain lonely dryads with their playful nature. This quality also makes them popular as familiars for young wizards and druids. Acquiring a canopy gargoyle typically involves gaining the trust of a dryad willing to part with one of their creations. Occasionally, these gargoyles can be found alone if separated from their dryad creator, such as when a dryad or its tree is destroyed.
Canopy Gargoyle
Small Construct, Typically Neutral
Armor Class 12 (natural armor)
Hit Points 4 (1d6 + 1)
Speed 30 ft., climb 40 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 (-1) | 11 (+0) | 12 (+1) | 6 (-2) | 10 (+0) | 6 (-2) |
Skills Athletics +3, Perception +4, Stealth +4
Condition Immunities charmed
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14
Languages Sylvan
Challenge 0 (10 XP)
Proficiency Bonus +2
Glide. If it isn’t incapacitated, the gargoyle can extend its side wings to move up to 5 feet horizontally for every 1 foot it descends in the air.
Keen Hearing. The gargoyle has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing.
Plant Camouflage. The gargoyle has advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks it makes in any terrain with ample obscuring vegetation.
Actions
Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +2 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 2 (1d4) slashing damage. If the gargoyle glided at least 20 feet straight toward the target immediately before the hit, the target must succeed on a DC 10 Strength saving throw or have the prone condition if it is a Medium or smaller creature.
Reactions
Safe Descent. When it would take damage from a fall, the gargoyle extends its side wings to reduce the fall’s damage to 0.
Downloads
Further Reading
Add some canopy gargoyles to the Fey Hollow.
A plague druid might have canopy gargoyles as look outs or scouts.
Imagery created with Midjourney.
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