Scythe Tree

This many-branched and twisted tree has few leaves on it. In the center of its trunk is a long, deep scar. Its roots are twisted and dark, blackened as if by fire.

Scythe Tree (CR 6)

Huge Plant
Alignment: Chaotic Evil
Initiative: -1
Senses: Blindsight 30 feet, Low-Light Vision; Perception +16

Speed: 20 feet
Space: 15 feet

Defense

Armor Class: 19, touch 7, flat-footed 19 (-1 Dex, +12 natural, -2 size)
Hit Points: 67 (9d8+27)
Saving Throws: Fort +9, Ref +4, Will +4
Damage Reduction: 10/slashing
Immunity: plant traits
Weaknesses: vulnerability to fire

Offense

Melee: 3 branches +10 (2d4+6/19-20)
Reach: 15 feet

Statistics

Str	Dex	Con	Int	Wis	Cha
23 (+6)	8 (-1)	17 (+3)	10 (+0)	13 (+1)	12 (+1)

Base Attack Bonus: +6
CMB +14
CMD 23 (can't be tripped)

Feats: Cleave, Improved Critical (branches), Lightning Reflexes, Lunge, Skill Focus (Perception)

Skills: Perception +16, Stealth +3 (+15 in forests)

• Racial Modifiers: +12 in forests

Languages: Sylvan, Treant

Special Abilities

NONE

Ecology

Environment: Temperate Forests
Organization: solitary or grove (4-7)
Treasure: standard


Scythe trees are malevolent plant creatures found in heavily forested areas where they naturally blend in with normal trees. Scythe trees are carnivorous by nature and draw very little sustenance from sun, air, or water, preferring a diet of dryad or elf flesh. A scythe tree, on average, is 20 feet tall, but may reach or exceed heights of 30 feet. It weighs about 3,500 pounds and has a trunk diameter of 3 feet. Its bark is dark brown, shading darker as it nears the roots. What few leaves a scythe tree has are reddish-brown (and do not change color or fall out as the seasons change).

The branches of a scythe tree resemble wicked-curving scythes (this is where the tree gets its name). The scar that appears on the trunk is the tree's mouth (it appears as a scar when closed). Scythe trees hate treants and dryads and attack both on sight (though a scythe tree usually only confronts a treant when it outnumbers it). A scythe tree stands motionless, appearing to be a tree of normal sort, until prey comes within range. It then slashes with its scythe-like limbs attempting to cut its foe to pieces.

Copyright Notice Author Scott Greene.