When shallow plant roots encounter the fresh corpse of an unburied humanoid, they begin a curious transformation. Seeking nutrients from the decaying body, these roots weave themselves throughout the flesh, forming a macabre, fibrous structure resembling the deceased. However, if the corpse is too decayed upon discovery, the resulting woven roots lack cohesion and the form collapses. Yet, if the structure holds, it emerges as a sturdy wood-woven, ready to seek out more corpses or living beings to incorporate into its growth.
Wood-woven creatures often exhibit patches of stretched skin that gradually decay, revealing their intertwined root interior. The unmistakable odor of rot and decaying flesh emanates from them, and the remains of defeated wood-woven frequently reveal broken bones embedded within their fibrous carapace.
Encounters with wood-woven are relatively uncommon, primarily because the forests and swamps where they reside are typically populated with carrion feeders that swiftly consume corpses before roots can take hold. However, in cursed forests, where wildlife is scarce and dangers for travelers abound, the conditions are ripe for the growth of wood-woven creatures.
Wood-Woven
Medium Plant, Unaligned
Armor Class 11 (natural armor)
Hit Points 6 (1d8 + 2)
Speed 30 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 (+1) | 8 (-1) | 15 (+2) | 10 (+0) | 10 (+0) | 7 (-2) |
Damage Vulnerabilities fire
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing
Senses passive Perception 10
Languages —
Challenge 1/8 (25 XP)
Proficiency Bonus +2
Splintering Blow. If the wood-woven is dealt bludgeoning damage, splinters of wood burst in a 5-foot-radius sphere centered on itself. Each other creature in the area must succeed on a DC 11 Dexterity saving throw or take 2 (1d4) piercing damage.
Actions
Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 3 (1d4 + 1) slashing damage and the target has the grappled condition. The wood-woven can have only two creatures grappled in this way at one time.
Piercing Tendrils. Tendrils of wood extend into a creature grappled by the wood-woven. The creature takes 2 (1d4) piercing damage. If the creature escapes the grapple, it must succeed on a DC 11 Dexterity saving throw or take 2 (1d4) piercing damage.
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Further Reading
What else can you fill a haunted forest with besides wood-woven? How about branchers and maybe some fiery cinderhusks!
Imagery created with Midjourney.
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