False Appearance. While the tree remains motionless, it is indistinguishable from a normal tree.
Hive Mind. The Blighted Tree Hive Lord shares a hive mentality with other Blighted creatures, enabling them to act in unison. If one Blighted creature is aware of a hostile creature, all others in the hive mind are also aware.
Blighted Scourge. Natural weapon attacks by the Blighted Tree Hive Lord can infect creatures with the Blighted Scourge. A creature hit by the Tree Hive Lord’s attack must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or contract the Blighted Scourge.
Aura of Decay. The Blighted Tree Hive Lord emits a 15-foot aura of decay. Any creature that starts its turn within the aura must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or take 7 (2d6) blighted energy damage and advance one stage in the Blighted Scourge infection. Blighted creatures are immune to this effect.
Multiattack. The Blighted Tree Hive Lord makes two root attacks.
Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (3d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage.
Root. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 20 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d6 + 6) bludgeoning damage. If the target is a creature, it is grappled (escape DC 16).
Entangling Roots (Recharge 5-6). The Blighted Tree Hive Lord sends out roots in a 20-foot radius around itself. Each creature in the area must succeed on a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw or be restrained by the roots. A creature restrained by the roots can use its action to make a DC 15 Strength check, freeing itself on a success.
The Blighted Tree Hive Lord can take 1 legendary action, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time, and only at the end of another creature’s turn. The Hive Lord regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.
- Slam Attack. The Blighted Tree Hive Lord makes one slam attack.
- Grasping Roots (Costs 2 Actions). The Blighted Tree Hive Lord targets one creature within 20 feet. The target must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw or take 10 (3d6) bludgeoning damage and be restrained until the end of its next turn.
- Corruptive Pulse (Costs 3 Actions). The Blighted Tree Hive Lord releases a pulse of blighted energy in a 15-foot radius. Each creature in the area must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or take 14 (4d6) blighted energy damage and be infected with the Blighted Scourge.
Description
The Blighted Tree Hive Lord is the master of twisted forests, a colossal and ancient entity infused with blighted energy. It stands taller and more fearsome than any ordinary tree, its branches extending like gnarled limbs, writhing with serpentine vines infused with dark energy.
Unlike its lesser kin, the Hive Lord actively corrupts the environment around it, exuding an aura of decay that withers all life within its reach. Creatures that stray too close find themselves overwhelmed by the oppressive blight, their strength sapped, their minds clouded with unnatural fear.
At its core, a pulsating mass of dark energy feeds upon the land, twisting and warping it into a barren wasteland where only blighted creatures can thrive. Its roots stretch far beyond sight, spreading its influence into the depths of the earth, ensuring that even when felled, its corruption will continue to spread.
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