Treant

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Treant Introduction

In the heart of the ancient forest, where sunlight filters through a dense canopy of leaves, casting dappled shadows upon the forest floor, there dwells a creature of legend and lore—the Treant. As you venture deeper into this verdant realm, the air grows thick with the scent of moss and earth, and the whisper of the wind through the branches seems to carry the murmurs of the forest itself. It is here, amidst towering oaks and whispering pines, that the Treant stands sentinel, a guardian of the wild places.

The Treant is a towering figure, its form reminiscent of the very trees it protects. Its bark-like skin is gnarled and ancient, covered in patches of moss and lichen, blending seamlessly with the surrounding forest. Its limbs, strong and sinewy, resemble the branches of a mighty oak, and its eyes, deep-set and wise, glow with an inner light that speaks of centuries of knowledge and experience. When it moves, the ground trembles slightly, and the sound of creaking wood echoes through the trees, a reminder of its immense power and presence.

These ancient beings are more than mere protectors of the forest; they are its heart and soul. Treants are known for their deep connection to the natural world, able to communicate with the flora and fauna that inhabit their domain. They are slow to anger, but when roused, they become a force of nature, wielding the power of the forest itself to defend their home. Legends speak of Treants who have stood against armies, their roots and branches weaving a tapestry of destruction against those who would harm the land.

Treants are most commonly found in old-growth forests, where the trees are ancient and the magic of the earth runs deep. These forests are often shrouded in mystery, with paths that twist and turn, leading travelers astray. It is said that those who enter a Treant's domain with ill intent will find themselves lost, the forest conspiring to protect its guardian. Yet, for those who come with respect and reverence, the Treant may offer guidance, sharing its wisdom and knowledge of the natural world.

Stories of Treants have been passed down through generations, tales of their wisdom and might inspiring both awe and fear. Some say that when a Treant falls, its spirit lingers, becoming one with the forest, its essence living on in the trees and plants it once protected. Others speak of Treants who have ventured beyond their forest homes, seeking to restore balance to lands ravaged by war and destruction. Whatever the truth of these tales, one thing is certain: the Treant is a creature of legend, a living testament to the enduring power and majesty of the natural world.

Treant Skills & Traits

Skills

• Perception +6

Senses

• Passive Perception 16

Languages

• Common
• Druidic
• Sylvan

Abilities

• False Appearance: While the treant remains motionless, it is indistinguishable from a normal tree.
• Siege Monster: The treant deals double damage to objects and structures.

Actions

• Multiattack: The treant makes two slam attacks.
• Slam: Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 16 (3d6 + 6) bludgeoning damage.
• Rock: Ranged Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, range 60/180 ft., one target. Hit: 28 (4d10 + 6) bludgeoning damage.
• Animate Trees (1/Day): The treant magically animates one or two trees it can see within 60 feet of it. These trees have the same statistics as a treant, except they have Intelligence and Charisma scores of 1, they can't speak, and they have only the Slam action option. An animated tree acts as an ally of the treant. The tree remains animate for 1 day or until it dies, until the treant dies or is more than 120 feet from the tree, or until the treant takes a bonus action to turn it back into an inanimate tree. The tree then takes root if possible.

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Battle Tips for Treant

Treants are formidable guardians of the forest, embodying the strength and wisdom of ancient trees. As a Dungeon Master, utilizing treants in battle can create a memorable and challenging encounter for your players. Here are some tips on how to effectively use treants in combat:

Using Treants in Battle

• Environmental Advantage: Treants are at their strongest in forested areas. Use the terrain to their advantage by having them blend in with the trees, making it difficult for players to spot them until they attack.
• Ambush Tactics: Treants can remain motionless and appear as ordinary trees. Use this ability to set up ambushes, catching players off guard as they traverse the forest.
• Control the Battlefield: Treants can animate trees to fight alongside them. Use this ability to control the battlefield, creating obstacles and barriers that hinder player movement and line of sight.
• Area Denial: With their ability to uproot and throw boulders, treants can target clustered groups of players, forcing them to spread out and making it harder for them to concentrate their attacks.

Coordinating Multiple Treants

• Divide and Conquer: Use multiple treants to divide the party, isolating weaker members and preventing them from supporting each other effectively.
• Flanking Maneuvers: Treants can coordinate to flank the party, attacking from multiple directions to overwhelm players and disrupt their formations.
• Retreat and Regroup: If the battle turns against them, treants can retreat into the forest, using their knowledge of the terrain to regroup and launch a counterattack when the players are least expecting it.

Fleeing and Survival Tactics

• Blend and Hide: If a treant is severely injured, it can blend back into the forest, using its natural camouflage to hide and recover.
• Call for Reinforcements: A treant can call upon other forest creatures to aid in its escape or to create a distraction, allowing it to retreat safely.
• Use the Environment: Treants can manipulate the forest to create barriers or difficult terrain, slowing down pursuers and making it easier to escape.

By leveraging their connection to the forest and their formidable abilities, treants can be a powerful and strategic force in any encounter. Use these tips to challenge your players and create an immersive and dynamic battle experience.