Overview
Cryptroots are ancient plant entities that lurk in the forgotten corners of graveyards, catacombs and other subterranean environments. It is a sinister predator that uses its connection to the other and its roots to ensnare and drain the life force of any who wander into its domain. Indistinguishable from benign roots, it is a deceptive force, that only becomes more powerful the closer one gets to its core.
Appearance
The Cryptroot is an intricate weave of thick, knotted roots and twisted vines. Beneath the shell of those roots is decaying plant matter, though. Its form is imperceptably different to that of regular roots, unless the decay beneath has been exposed somehow.
Origin
There are a few that believe, like
Deathpelt, cryptroots were once ancient protectors of the dead, guarding tombs and graves to make sure they were undisturbed. A creature spawned from Zarene, goddess of death, and Cephione, goddess of nature. Over time, however, they became twisted and corrupted, feeding on the very thing it was meant to protect.
Behaviour & Abilities
Cryptroot thrives in dark environments where death and decay are in good supply. Its preferred habitat are, unsurprisingly, crypts, along with catacombs and graveyards, though it does not dwell on the surface often. It will consume both the dead and the living. A cryptroot can manipulate the roots and plant life in its domain that comes across, making them part of its network. Internally these plants will with and decay, but maintain their outer shell for appearance's sake. Its own roots and any that it acquires are capable of ensaring, choking and dragging victims deeper into their lairs. Once they have a victim entangled, the cryptroot begins to siphon the life from them, leaving them as desiccated husks, that over time, they too will absorb.
Particuarly large and powerful cryptroots are even capable from creating false tunnels and passageways to deceive unsuspecting travellers, tricking them to venture deeper into its lair of their own accord.
Comments