Large Undead, Neutral Evil
Armor Class 11 natural armor
Hit Points 59 (7d10 + 21)
Speed 30 ft., burrow 10 ft.
STR
19 (+4)
DEX
6 (-2)
CON
16 (+3)
INT
4 (-3)
WIS
7 (-2)
CHA
3 (-4)
Saving Throws WIS +0
Damage Vulnerabilities Fire
Damage Resistances Lightning, Poison
Damage Immunities Cold
Condition Immunities Exhaustion, Paralyzed
Senses Darkvision 60 ft., Tremorsense 60 ft. (only when burrowing), Passive Perception 8
Languages understands Druidic, Sylvan but cannot speak
Challenge 2 (450 XP)
Proficiency Bonus +2

Pine Blood. Pine kindred count as both plant and undead for any effect related to type.

Rooted Stability. If the root-ogre is standing on the ground it gains advantage on saving throws and ability checks against effects that would knock it prone or move it. In addition, it can use Strength for the roll instead of whatever ability normally saves against the effect it is resisting if that increases its chance of success.

 

Actions

Multiattack. The root-ogre makes two fist attacks.

Fist. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) bludgeoning damage.

Groundburst (Recharge 5–6). The thorn-ogre must be underground, it burrows to the surface and burst forth in a shower of debris. Each creature within 20 feet of the root-ogre must make a DC 14 Dexterity saving throw or be blinded for 1 round. The root-ogre can then use Multiattack as a bonus action.

Description

These hulking undead are vaguely ape-like giants made of earth, roots and decomposing flesh. A few pine kindred communities create these creatures as disposable muscle, although they often prefer to produce a similar undead called a Thorn-Ogre. These brutes are even stupider than a Resin-Thrall, so can only perform simple tasks under direct supervision or attack the kindred's enemies.
 Root-ogres are related to the Tree-Jotun and can be produced with the same Dark Druidic Mystery. A root-ogre is made from the body of a humanoid or giant of Large size, that is buried in the soil of the kindred's Unholy Grove after being infused with necrotic sap. Traditionally this victim is buried alive, but an intact corpse works just as well.

Burrowing Menaces. Root-ogres can burrow through the earth like a monstrous mole. When not tasked with work they sleep underground until they receive orders from a high-ranking kindred such as a Thane or sense the vibrations of an intruder walking on the surface, which prompts them to burst from the ground and assault the stranger.

(Inspired by the Pine Kindred by Julian Lawrence; appeared in White Dwarf Magazine #21 (Oct/Nov 1980) as part of the Fiend Factory mini-module "One-Eye Canyon", edited by Albie Fiore.)

Environment: ArcticForest

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