Monster Geographica - Marsh & Aquatic.pdf - The Secrets of the ...

Jastra Root
Huge Plant
Hit Dice: 8d8+32 (68 hp)
Initiative: +0
Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares), swim 50 ft. (10
squares)
Armor Class: 20 (-2 size, +12 natural),
touch 8, flat-footed 20
Base Attack/Grapple: +6/+22
Attack: Frond +13 melee (1d6+8)
Full Attack: 6 fronds +13 melee (1d6+8)
Space/Reach: 15 ft./10 ft.
Special Attacks: Improved grab
Special Qualities: Blindsight 60 ft, immune
to bludgeoning weapons, immunity to
electricity, plant traits, resistance to fire 10
Saves: Fort +10, Ref +2, Will +3
A normal jastra root appears as a mass of
floating seaweed of up to 20 feet in diameter,
with a central mass 5 feet across, comprised of
a porous woody sphere surrounded by dozens
of fern-like fronds and air-filled bladders. Jastra
roots seem innocuous, harmless and otherwise
indistinguishable from mundane seaweed.
When a jastra root’s seedpod bursts, its seeds
are scattered to the waters and most will grow
into other normal jastra roots. Some, however,
will encounter the corpse of a drowned seaman
or the bloated and rotting body of some other sea
creature. Jastra root seeds that take root in such
rich compost are affected in strange and mysterious
ways. The jastra root changes, mutating into a
carnivorous monstrosity as it grows and consumes
the body.
A monstrous jastra root has six 10-foot long
fronds extending from its body and can re-grow
such severed fronds over a period of seven days.
Combat
Jastra roots lie in wait, floating amongst
seaweed, until their prey draws near. Once its
opponent is in range, a jastra root lashes out with
129
Abilities: Str 26, Dex 10, Con 19, Int 5, Wis
12, Cha 10
Skills: Hide +0*, Listen +4, Move Silently
+5, Spot +4,
Feats: Alertness, Stealthy, Weapon Focus
(fronds)
Environment: Temperate and warm aquatic
and underground
Organization: Solitary
Challenge Rating: 7
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral evil
Advancement: 9-16 HD (Huge), 17-24 HD
(Gargantuan)
Level Adjustment: —
its fronds, attempting to grapple its foe. The main
body of the jastra root remains mostly underwater
when attacking, thereby granting improved cover
(+8 bonus to AC, +4 bonus on Reflex saves) from
opponents on land (see the DMG for underwater
combat rules). A monstrous jastra root lying in
wait for prey is nearly indistinguishable from
a normal jastra root, requiring a DC 25 Spot or
Knowledge (nature) check, if the character has
seen a monstrous jastra root previously.
A creature tangled up in the jastra root’s
fronds will be dragged into the water and drowned.
Drowned victims are taken back to the jastra root’s
lair to be consumed.
Improved Grab (Ex): To use this ability,
a jastra root must hit with two frond attacks. It
can then attempt to start a grapple as a free action
without provoking an attack of opportunity. If it
wins the grapple check, it establishes a hold and
will drag its opponent into the water.
Blindsight (Ex): A jastra root has no visual
organs but can ascertain all foes within 30 feet
using sound, scent, and vibration.
*Skills: A jastra root has a +12 bonus on
Hide checks when amidst natural seaweed.
7