Jinmenju
A low hum surrounds this huge, gnarled tree. The rotten fruits that hang from its sickly branches look vaguely like human heads.
Jinmenju (CR 11)
Huge PlantAlignment: Neutral
Initiative: +3
Senses: All-Around Vision, Blindsense 60 feet, Low-Light Vision; Perception +17
Aura: unsettling drone (30 feet, DC 18)
Speed: 10 feet
Space: 15 feet
Defense
Armor Class: 25, touch 7, flat-footed 25 (-1 Dex, +18 natural, -2 size)Hit Points: 149 (13d8+91)
Saving Throws: Fort +14, Ref +5, Will +5
Immunity: plant traits, poison
Offense
Melee: bite +15 (2d6+8/19-20), 2 slams +16 (1d8+8)Reach: 15 feet
Special Attacks: enticing head-fruits, intoxicating Stench
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 13th; Concentration +15):
- At Will- Share Memory (with a range of 55 feet, targeting the jinmenju and 1 creature in range, DC 14)
- 3/day- Sculpt Sound (DC 15), Shout (DC 16)
Statistics
| Str | Dex | Con | Int | Wis | Cha |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27 (+8) | 8 (-1) | 22 (+6) | 7 (-2) | 12 (+1) | 15 (+2) |
CMB +19
CMD 28
Feats: Combat Reflexes, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Lightning Reflexes, Lunge, Toughness, Weapon Focus (slam)
Skills: Perception +17
Languages: Common
Special Abilities
Enticing Head-Fruits (Su)
Any creature that begins its turn within 5 feet of a jinmenju must succeed at a DC 22 Will save or be magically compelled to immediately grab a head-fruit and eat it. This is a mind-affecting compulsion effect. A creature that successfully saves is immune to that jinmenju's enticing head-fruits for 24 hours. The save DC is Constitution-based. Anyone who takes a bite out of one suffers from the following effect.Head-Fruit Poison
: Head-fruit-ingested; save Fort DC 22; frequency 1/round for 6 rounds; effect 1d3 Wisdom damage and confused for 1 round; cure 2 consecutive saves. The save DC is Constitution-based.Intoxicating Stench (Su)
Once per day as a swift action, a jinmenju can cause its fruits to emit an unnaturally sweet aroma in a 60-foot spread for 6 rounds. All creatures within the area must succeed at a DC 22 Will save each round or be captivated. A captivated creature takes no actions except to approach the jinmenju via the most direct route possible. If this path leads it into a dangerous area or the jinmenju attacks it, the captivated creature receives a new saving throw. This is a mind-affecting effect. The save DC is Constitution-based.Unsettling Drone (Su)
A jinmenju emits a low, persistent hum that unnerves living creatures that hear it. Those within 30 feet of it must succeed at a DC 18 Will save or become shaken until they leave the affected area and for 1d4 rounds thereafter. A creature that successfully saves is immune to that jinmenju's unsettling drone for 24 hours. The save DC is Charisma-based.Ecology
Environment: Temperate Hills or MountainsOrganization: solitary
Treasure: incidental
Jinmenjus are trees that grow in hilly regions far from civilized lands, and prey on those who come too close. They are remarkably intelligent and crafty, and use both scent and magical compulsion to lure prey.
These trees are known for their deceptive appearance, often resembling ordinary trees until it is too late. Their bark is a deep, rich red, and their leaves are a vibrant green. But upon closer inspection, one may notice that the leaves are actually tiny, razor-sharp teeth, and the bark is covered in small, grasping hands.
Jinmenjus are also known for their ability to mimic sounds and voices, making it even easier for them to lure unsuspecting victims. They may imitate the cries of a lost child or the voice of a loved one, drawing people closer and closer until they are within reach.
Once a victim is within range, the jinmenju will use its magical compulsion to ensnare them. This compulsion can take many forms, from a sudden feeling of drowsiness to a strong urge to touch the tree. Once under the tree's control, the victim is unable to resist and will be consumed by the jinmenju.
Despite their sinister nature, jinmenjus are highly sought after for their valuable wood, which is said to have powerful magical properties. However, those who attempt to harvest the wood often fall prey to the trees themselves, making it a dangerous and risky endeavor.
As a result, jinmenjus are often left alone, growing and thriving in their secluded habitats. They remain a mysterious and feared creature, a reminder to travelers to always be wary of the dangers that lurk in the wild.