Tredecimosian Beastiary

Living Plants

Within the realms of Tredecimos (though mainly native to Arboria and Abaris), there are plants which live; and plants which are living. More than a simple magical herb or plant, these living plant creatures vary greatly in size, aggression, and cognitive function. Detailed below are the most commonly known species of living plant creatures; namely Daemon Parvam Tabernum, Devil's Vine, Dryads, Ents, The Frugubi, Fungaloids, Green Men, Hemlock Hunters, Mandrakes, Maymum, Saabari, and Shambling Mounds.

Daemon Parvam Tabernum, or "Demon of the Little Shop". These creatures start off as a small, beautiful green houseplant; with a slight mouthlike appendage. Nobody knows quite where they come from, as they simply seem to "appear" in bazaars and small plant stores, much to the owner's confusion. Some unwitting customer then purchases the plant. The plant feeds on blood. If fed enough, it will grow quite large, and grow a psychic bond with its new owner. The plant will speak to its owner, promising fame, wealth, whatever it is the owner wishes; as long as it remains fed. The plant will generally keep its promises, using its ever-growing psychic prowess to attract whatever the owner wishes. As it grows larger, the plant will move on from blood to flesh, which the owner must provide, lest the plant turn traitor.

Devil's Vine, a lesser living plant which grows in dank, dark caves. It gathers mainly on floors, ensnaring adventurers in their thorny vines, slowly squeezing the life out of their victims. The more the victim struggles, the harder the squeezing. Extremely photosensitive, a bright light will cause them to shriek and peel back, receding into the darkness.

Dryads, better known as wood nymphs, are faelike creatures; usually appearing as a beautiful green-skinned woman wrapped in vines and leaves. They live in trees, in a very literal sense, as they are able to meld with trees they call home and inhabit their structure directly, merging their essences and giving life and power to both. They are very protective of their forests, and wield powerful druidic magic.

Ents are tall, ancient, sentient trees. The Ents are generally peaceable and friendly, often sharing their great wisdom with druids. They are generally upwards of 17 feet in height, with large log legs ending in tangled root feet; complete with massive log arms. The eldest of the Ents can have features of moss resembling beards.

The Frugubi, the acorn people. Generally no taller than 5 feet, they greatly resemble oversized acorns, with small arms and stubby legs. They tend to stick together, forming large conclaves wherever they may be found.

Fungaloids, or mushroom people, are mostly found far underground; where the light of day cannot reach. Being scavengers, they are generally neutral, preferring to feed on whatever decaying matter they happen to find that day. However, if one dares trespass too far into their tribe's land, they will not hesitate to dogpile on the unfortunate trespasser and devour them.

The Green Man, a tall, humanoid plant creature, seeming as a man with foliage covering much of his face. He is protector of ancient groves, often acting as a mediator between more reclusive Ents and less diplomatic Druids. It is said that if one burns an entire forest, he will appear to mete vengeance for the trees.

Hemlock Hunters appear as overgrown, thorny pinecones with reptile eyes and sharp claws. They can roll into a ball at will to roll over prey or away from predators. The thorns carry a deadly toxin, which can paralyze a Troll for well over an hour.

Mandrakes are small creatures which appear as something halfway between a baby and a turnip. When pulled from their hole, they will emit an ear-splitting scream. If one is not careful, the scream will render them unconscious, and the Mandrake will flee, after taking anything shiny it can carry off of the unconscious body. Mandrake feet are excellent alchemical ingredients for pain relievers and stoneskin potions

Maymum, also known as wood djinns, appear as muscular men with bark covering parts of their torso and arms. They have monkey esque facial features, tan skin, and their lower torso is composed of a writhing mass of vines that form a shifting appendage resembling a large snake tail. They reside in jungles, in the tops of massive trees; and are said to grant wishes to those who climb to their domain from the base of said trees.

Sabaari are large, cactus-like creatures which can shoot off their needles to attack foes, regrowing them but a few seconds later. This regeneration can be halted with water, allowing for an opening in which the creature is defenseless. The heart of a Sabaarus, when properly processed and consumed, can grant the imbiber with a sort of barbed shielding effect, or "thorns".

Shambling mounds are immense, hulking monstrosities of vines massed around an object of natural mystic power; usually a piece of jewelry cursed by a fae. Despite their offputting appearance, they are generally docile until provoked; unless commanded by a greater power.