Silhouette Vines

large plant (animated), neutral

Challenge 5.0 (1,800 XP)

Available with DM subscription
STR
12 (+1)
DEX
14 (+2)
CON
16 (+3)
INT
1 (-5)
WIS
10
CHA
1 (-5)

Defense

Armor Class
14 (Natural)
Hit Points
85 (10d10+30 +2)
Speed
climb 30 ft.

Proficiencies & Senses

Saving Throws Wisdom, Constitution
Skills
Stealth +6, Perception +5
Senses
blindsight 30 ft.
Silhouette Reflection 60 ft. (Mimics the last fleeing creature's silhouette.)
passive Perception 15

Characteristics

Damage Vulnerabilities
Fire
Damage Resistances
Slashing, Piercing
Damage Immunities
—
Condition Immunities
Blinded, Charmed, Deafened, Frightened, Paralyzed, Petrified, Poisoned
Languages —

Traits

Creeping Shadow

Silhouette Vines can mimic the silhouette of any creature (1 creature per round) that has fled from it in the past. This grants it movement traits (burrow, climb, or dash) from the last target.

Fleeting Grip

As a reaction, when a creature moves within 5 feet of Silhouette Vines, it attempts to grasp the target, making a melee attack roll to restrain them.

Actions

Suffocating Embrace

Melee Attack: +7 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 18 (4d8) bludgeoning damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw or be grappled.

Harvest Movement

Silhouette Vines uses the movement trait harvested from its last target, allowing it to either burrow, climb, or dash immediately, applying its movement speed as appropriate.

Combat Behavior

Tactics


• Lying in ambush and waiting for creatures near it to approach.
• Using harvested movement traits to maneuver unexpectedly.
• Retreating from musical stimuli, reentering stealth as needed.

Combat Style

Ambush predator, using stealth and adaptation to catch prey off-guard.

Morale

Silhouette Vines will only fight until they take damage above 20 HP, then attempt to retreat if possible.

Monster Description

Silhouette Vines are an unnerving sight, appearing as a thick mat of creeping green vines that often lie in wait for unsuspecting prey to wander too close. As a predator, it adapts quickly, imitating the form of any creature that aborts their flee at the last moment. This mimicry not only allows it to create a fearsome appearance, but it also imbues the vines with the movement traits of those it pretends to be, making it a formidable foe. Silhouette Vines thrive in damp, shaded places where light barely penetrates, thus enhancing their stealthiness and deception.

Monster behavior

Behaviorally, Silhouette Vines are reactive and cunning, targeting creatures that seem to pose the most threat to their survival. They are known to retreat if they feel overwhelmed or if music played on wooden instruments is heard, as this disrupts their focus. Their tactics typically involve lying in wait until a creature stumbles into their vicinity before springing into action, using their harvested movement skills to navigate the terrain effectively and catch their prey off-guard.

Ecology

In the ecosystem, Silhouette Vines play a dual role, acting as both predator and parasite. While they primarily hunt smaller creatures, they can also absorb nutrients from decaying organic matter. Their mimicry ability serves to keep populations balanced, allowing them to take down weaker or straying members of larger species. This helps prevent overpopulation of herbivores which might otherwise damage the local flora.

History

Historically, tales of the Silhouette Vines have circulated among those who traverse deep forests and swamps, often spoken of as ghostly guardians of ancient sites. Many who wander too close are said to have vanished, their images absorbed by the ever-hungry vines. Folklore suggests that these creatures emerged as a result of a powerful spell gone awry, binding environmental magic with the essence of predation. Years of adaptation may have rendered them nearly sentient, leading to whispers of their existence in collections of wildlife lore.

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