The Usurper's Knotroot | Monster | Dungeons & Dragons 5e | Statblocks & Sheets | World Anvil

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The Usurper's Knotroot CR: 5

Medium plant, aberration, any evil
Armor Class: 15 (natural armor)
Hit Points: 120 (16d8 + 48)
Speed: 10 ft , climb: 10 ft

STR

17 +3

DEX

12 +1

CON

16 +3

INT

7 -2

WIS

10 +0

CHA

5 -3

Skills: Stealth +1
Damage Vulnerabilities: Fire
Damage Resistances: Cold
Damage Immunities: Psychic
Condition Immunities: Blinded, Deafened, Charmed, Frightened
Senses: Blindsight 60 ft. (blind beyond this radius), Passive Perception 10
Languages: --
Challenge Rating: 5

The Past's Allure. When in a range of 120 ft. of The Usurper's Knotroot, it will give of a psionic scent that will tap into a creatures memory, reminding them of a beloved scent from their past. If caught within range of the scent, a creature must make a WIS saving throw (DC 12). On a failed saving throw, the victim is overcome with the need to find the source of the scent.   Pollenated Mind. While undetected, the Usurper's Knotroot can choose to burst its pollen sack, found under the leafage on the plant's stock. Any creature within a 20 ft. radius of the Usurper's Knotroot must make a CON saving throw (DC 14). On a failed save, the mind of the infected is controlled by the nearby Illithid hive and will have no choice but make their way to the Mind Flayer's lair. On a successful save, the target is not infected and is immediately aware of the Usurper's Knotroot location.   A Usurper's Knotroot can only expel one pollen sack per day.

Actions

Thistle Shock. Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 30/60 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (3d6 +1) piercing damage. The Usurper's Knotroot thrusts its tentacle-like vines towards their target, releasing sharp thistles. On a successful hit, target must make a CON saving throw (DC 13). On a failed saving throw, the target is stunned until the end of the Knotroot's next turn.   Pitcher's Grasp. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d8 +3) piercing damage. The Usurper's Knotroot can expand its large jaws hidden within its pitcher like pedals and attempt to bite its target. On a successful hit, the target is grappled. At the end of the target's next turn they can attempt to escape the Usurper's Knotroot's grasp. On a failed attempt, the target takes an additional 2d8+3 piercing damage.

The Usurper's Knotroot is a devious creations from the horticulturally minded of a Illithid hive. Made and bred in the laboratory of a Mind Flayer, these aberration plants were solely created to expand their psionic commanders' reach. When planted in an area close to the hive's lair, the scent of the flower will tickle the mind of passers, reminding them of the smell of something they once longed for. Perhaps a lost lovers perfume, or mother's freshly baked pies. No matter the smell, the victim is lured towards the Knotroot's location. Once the victim is in range, the deadly flower will burst its pollen sack into the air and into the awaiting lungs of their next target. For those weak of will and mind, they are overcome by the pollens, forcing them bend the to hives will with a single objective. To serve the hive before they are eaten or made into other mind flayers.   However those that are able to overcome the powerful psionic pollens, they are not out of danger just yet. For if the Usurper's Knotroot is found and identified, it will defend itself viciously and without mercy. And to any heroes that fell the fowl flora, be sure to harvest as much of the plant as possible. They are a known rarity amongst many apothecaries.

Created by

Careful Cantrip.

Statblock Type

Monster

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