Compatible with the Dragonbane RPG.

While following an overgrown forest path or returning from a nearby hamlet, the adventurers hear strange, rhythmic whispering in a language no one recognizes. Ahead, the trail is choked by thick vines: unnaturally green, twitching, and pulsing like veins. A merchant’s cart is overturned nearby, its horse dead, and the merchant is nowhere in sight.

Setup

The vines belong to a corrupted patch of forest growing from a possessed druidic idol half-buried in the earth. It warps the local flora, turning them into traps and feelers. The merchant (still alive) is suspended inside a cocoon of vine and moss nearby, slowly being drained of energy.

  • Area hazards: Difficult terrain, thorny growths (cause 1 damage per round unless carefully moved through), and grasping vines that attempt to entangle. Any movement beyond half movement requires an Acrobatics check to prevent the damage and move at normal speed past the thorny vines.
  • That Sound: The closer the party gets, the more the idol’s whispers grow maddening. WIL or become Dazed.

MONSTER STAT BLOCK

VINE HORROR

Description: A writhing mass of sentient vines and thorns growing from an ancient idol. Feeds on life essence.
Ferocity: 2 Size: Large
Movement: 8  Armor: 2 (Natural)  HP: 18

MONSTER ATTACKS
D6 Attacks:
1: Vine Slap – 1d8 slashing damage to any creature in the front 4 meters of the monster.
2: Bitten By Thorny Maw: One target within 2 meters takes 2d10 Piercing damage.
3: Thorn Burst:  All within 4 meters take 1d6 piercing damage.
4: The Totem Head OOOHHHMMmm! The totem’s mouth opens and lets out an unnatural Om that is unsettling to all who hear it. Everyone within 20 meters must make a Fear Check.
5: Constrict: One target is grappled in crushing vines for 2d10 crushing damage. The target will then be surreptitiously shoved out onto the nearest edge of the mass on its next turn. The victim can escape on their own turn with an opposed STR (vs 12) roll and still have one action. 
6: Regrow: Vines consume nearby biomass of any kind- plant or animal. Heals 1d6 hp.

Outcomes

  • Victory: Destroying the Vine Horror severs the idol’s link and kills the plants. The merchant, if rescued, offers a modest reward or rumor of deeper druidic ruins.
  • Retreat: If overwhelmed, the party can escape by burning the forest edge or hacking a new path—but they’ll be pursued by creeping roots for a time.

Bonus Clue: The idol is engraved with symbols from a long-lost nature cult. Perhaps a hook for a future dungeon or druidic antagonist.

This game is not affiliated with, sponsored, or endorsed by Fria Ligan AB.
This Supplement was created under Fria Ligan AB’s Dragonbane Third Party Supplement License.