Lurking Lily

Lurking Lily

8 HP, 11 STR, 4 DEX, 4 WIL, throwing spines (d4), toothy petals (d6)

  • Large, carnivorous, white flower that floats on the water.
  • Stalks prey stealthily by slowly drifting across the water's surface, then lashing out with spiny tentacles and a gaping mouth. (12 DEX in water)
  • Critical Damage: Target is wrapped in coiling tentacles and dragged deep under water.

Sometimes the most beautiful things are the most dangerous. At first it appears to be an exceptionally large and impressive water lily, drifting innocently across the water. Only the most paranoid observer will recognize that it always seems to be drifting closer...

Lurking Lilies grow in places where water and prey are plentiful; the seed-spawn of a mature Lily will produce many new buds, which grow at the bottom of deep, mossy pools for a time before emerging en masse. At first they only swarm under the water like hungry piranhas, growing rapidly in proportion to their meals. Eventually, the strongest individuals will eat the rest before emerging--fully matured--to the surface. The full grown Lurking Lily then drifts lethargically, waiting for unwary prey. When it captures a sufficient meal, it dives to the bottom to slowly digest it's catch. 

Swarm of Lilybuds

5 HP, 7 STR, 13 DEX, 4 WIL, toothy petals (d6), detachment

  • Melon-sized aquatic flower buds with long trailing tentacles.
  • Ravenous predators, they are prone to feeding frenzies, and will converge manically on the scent of blood in the water. 
  • Entirely helpless on land.

Commentary

I can't say much about this. I made a dungeon once with a fancy water garden inside and wanted the perfect monster for that. The thought crossed my mind to do something that was a cross between a squid and a carnivorous water lily. Sometimes that's all it takes! 

 

I suppose I could add: alongside my affinity for bestial creatures, I really like plant monsters. Maybe it's because I think it's an interesting category that generally feels underserved.


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