Corrupted Dryad Spreading Fear

Habitat: Forest, Swamp; Treasure: Arcana

When a powerful corrupting force taints the tree a dryad is bound to, it transforms the dryad into a bramble horror. The dryad’s once-vibrant leaves wither and its supple skin hardens into bark. Its charm twists into malice, spreading fear instead of serenity. The corruption radiates from the bramble horror’s, infecting nearby plants until the entire forest succumbs to its influence.

Bramble horrors are ruthless guardians of their corrupted domains. They mercilessly attack any who venture into their forest. Lumber camps established near a bramble horror’s territory often vanish, discovered weeks later as scenes of complete carnage.

The only way to cleanse a corrupted forest is to locate and purify the source of the corruption. The bramble horror’s tree, twisted and unique, serves as a beacon within the tainted forest. Roll once on or choose a result from the Corrupted Tree table to inspire the corrupted tree’s appearance.

Corrupted Tree

1d10	The Bramble Horror’s Tree Has …
1	A charred appearance, as if it had caught fire.
2	A large split down the center of its trunk.
3	A rotten trunk.
4	Bare limbs without leaves.
5	Black ichor instead of sap.
6	Black, dull leaves.
7	Dead critters piled around its base.
8	Decorations made of bone and hide.
9	Limbs that loudly creek.
10	Twisted faces in its bark.

Bramble Horror

Bramble horrors are masters of ambush, using their intimate knowledge of the forest to outmaneuver intruders. They move seamlessly between trees, sowing confusion and isolating the weakest members of a group for an easy kill.

Bramble Horror

Medium Fey, Chaotic Evil

Armor Class 15

Hit Points 93 (17d8 + 17)

Speed 30 ft.

Initiative +4 (14)

		MOD	SAVE
STR	11	+0	+0
INT	14	+2	+2

		MOD	SAVE
DEX	18	+4	+4
WIS	15	+2	+2

		MOD	SAVE
CON	12	+1	+4
CHA	19	+4	+4

Skills Intimidation +7, Perception +5, Stealth +7

Senses Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 15

Languages Elvish, Sylvan

CR 5 (XP 1,800; PB +3)

Traits

Magic Resistance. The horror has Advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

Actions

Multiattack. The horror makes two Claw attacks.

Claw. Melee Attack Roll: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft. Hit: 17 (3d8 + 4) Slashing, and the target has the Frightened condition until the start of the horror’s next turn.

Entangling Thorns (Recharge 5–6). Strength Saving Throw: DC 15, each creature in 20-foot square centered on a point the horror can see within 90 feet. Failure: 18 (4d8) Piercing damage and the target has the Restrained condition (escape DC 15) for 1 minute. Success: Half damage. Failure or Success: The area is Difficult Terrain for 1 minute.

Reactions

Tree Stride (3/Day). Trigger: The horror takes damage. Response: The horror touches a nearby tree and teleports to an unoccupied space it can see next to another tree within 60 feet.