Catalyst: Wanting an extensive region of
“dark and haunted forest,” I was reminded of the Monster Manual 2 entry of the
Barkburr. A bizarre woodland plant-creature that creates trees, or other
woodland creatures, out of intruders seemed just the thing. Especially since I
don’t want to rely on the Fae for this. Besides, I’d always kind of skimmed
over the Barkburr entry in the past. Seems like fun now.
Brainstorming:
“Barkburrs are a
form of animated plant that arise spontaneously within a wood or forest in
order to defend it. They are anatomically similar to limpets…” Okay – for the
Avremier setting, and my own specific wants for this little project, some
changes need to be made.
First,
has anyone ever illustrated one? A woody limpet-looking thing. I can get behind
that. Except, my mind runs immediately in two directions: fungus and snail. I’m
imagining a kind of snail with a woody, fungus-looking shell – something like
shelf or tinder fungus. And, much as I really like the snail image, I can’t
seem to get the vision of scurrying plantlife out of my mind – possibly because
of the Basidirond illustration on the opposite page.
So,
I’m thinking a two-pronged approach: limpet-snail and scurrying fungus. The
snail form will reflect the original Barkburr entry, while the Basidirond entry
will serve as a foundation for the scurrier. One creates a transformative
effect through injected poison, while the other releases airborne spores.
Development
(Snail): This
creature really is a kind of gastropod – not a plant. It is camouflaged to look
like a plant and will not be recognized as anything else as long as it remains
immobile on a tree or log. When injecting poison it uses a rasping radula, or
tongue-like appendage. In homage to its exterior camouflage, we’ll call this
creature a Tinderfoot Snail. Like the Barkburr, the Tinderfoot Snail initially
turns its victims into trees. The options for the final form will be different.
Development
(Scurrier): Like a
Basidirond, only smaller. Closer to 3’-4’ tall. It’s spores do have tiny barbs
– like a burr. Except, their effects are not hallucinatory – they are
transformative, like the Barkburr. This creature will be called the Burrspore
Scurrier. They are nimble and fast, but can only employ their spore clouds when
standing still. Instead of orange, these creatures will be distinguished by
shades of blue and green.
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| https://www.deviantart.com/eluviel/art/Treant-324122136 |
Ecology:
Though both of
these creatures lignify their victims and turn them into trees, only the final
forms of the Tinderfoot Snail include animal options. The Scurrier will create
plant-forms only. Barkburr Treants can be found anywhere in the Burrwode as forest
defenders and as carriers of Tinderfoot Snails.
Death Watch Beetles are common
hazards. The eastern reaches of Burrwode are home to at least one small tribe
of Firbolg Giants. A monster fitting the description of a Shadow Dragon has
been sighted near the center lake. A number of Buckawns call Burrwode home.
Also, a goblin-like figure known as the Splinter King sits upon a throne carved
from the base of a lightning-struck tree, ruling over a contentious tribe of
goblins and redcaps – though rumors claim the goblin king is actually a
Boggart.
Landscape:
At the approximate
heart of Burrwode is a lake with a trio of small islands. The bulk of the forest consists of gloomy tree
groups clustered around low hills and connected by brush and bracken.
Sometimes, out of nowhere, a traveler might stumble upon a meadow or glade.
Neither the Snails nor Scurriers frequent these open areas. There are a number
of streams winding through Burrwode, and some of the land by the central lake
can be marshy after a heavy rain. Then, the Will-o-the-Wisps come out to play.
Locale:
The region known
as Burrwode lies in the wild marchlands between Dhavon and Undomni.
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