Homebrew Monster · Eldor

The Rotwood Sovereign

De Verdorven Woudheerser

GargantuanPlantChaotic EvilD&D 5e (2014)Homebrew

Deep in cursed forests, ancient tree spirits lie buried. When a forest is tainted by necromantic magic, its guardian slowly becomes a predator. The Rotwood Sovereign feeds on living creatures and uses their bodies to strengthen its roots. Its body consists of enormous twisted branches, corrupted wooden limbs, ancient roots, dark moss, and decaying bark. Two glowing amber eyes illuminate its monstrous face.

The Rotwood Sovereign looming among corrupted forest roots.

Core Statistics

Armor Class17 (Natural Armor)
Hit Points297 (18d20 + 108)
Speed30 ft.
Challenge Rating10
XP5,900 XP
Proficiency Bonus+4

Ability Scores

STR24+7
DEX8-1
CON22+6
INT10+0
WIS16+3
CHA12+1

Defenses & Senses

Saving Throws
Strength +11, Constitution +10, Wisdom +7
Skills
Perception +7, Stealth +3 (in forests)
Damage Resistances
Necrotic; bludgeoning and piercing from nonmagical attacks
Damage Vulnerabilities
Fire
Condition Immunities
Charmed, frightened, poisoned
Senses
Darkvision 120 ft., tremorsense 60 ft., passive Perception 17
Languages
Understands Common, Druidic, and Sylvan, but cannot speak.

Traits

False Appearance

While the Rotwood Sovereign remains motionless, it is indistinguishable from an enormous dead tree.

Grasping Forest

The ground within 20 feet of the Sovereign is difficult terrain for hostile creatures. The Sovereign ignores this effect.

Regeneration

The Sovereign regains 10 HP at the start of its turn if it has at least 1 HP. Taking fire damage prevents this regeneration at the start of its next turn.

Siege Monster

The Sovereign deals double damage to objects and structures.

Actions

Multiattack

The Sovereign makes two Root Slam attacks.

Root Slam

Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 15 ft., one creature. Hit: 20 (3d8 + 7) bludgeoning damage.

Thorn ImpalementRecharge 5–6

The Sovereign causes enormous thorns to erupt from the ground in a 20-foot-radius circle centered on a point it can see within 90 feet. Each creature in the area must make a DC 18 Dexterity saving throw. Failed Save: 27 (6d8) piercing damage and Restrained. Successful Save: Half damage and not Restrained. A Restrained creature can use its action to attempt a DC 18 Strength (Athletics) check, ending the condition on a success. The thorns disappear after 1 minute.

Devouring Roots

The Sovereign targets one creature Restrained by its Thorn Impalement within 60 feet. The target takes 18 (4d8) necrotic damage. The Sovereign regains HP equal to the damage dealt.

Legendary Actions

Root Strike — Cost: 1 Action

The Sovereign makes one Root Slam attack.

Creeping Roots — Cost: 1 Action

The Sovereign moves up to half its speed without provoking opportunity attacks.

Forest's Wrath — Cost: 2 Actions

Each hostile creature within 15 feet must succeed on a DC 18 Strength saving throw or take 13 (3d8) bludgeoning damage and fall Prone.

The Heart of Rot

Trigger

When the Rotwood Sovereign drops below half its maximum HP for the first time, its trunk cracks open and reveals a glowing corrupted wooden heart.

Rot Aura

Every hostile creature that starts its turn within 10 feet of the Sovereign takes 5 necrotic damage.

Enraged Roots

Root Slam deals an additional 1d8 necrotic damage.

Weak Point

A creature within 15 feet can target the exposed heart. Heart: AC 15, 40 HP, a separate target that does not benefit from the Sovereign’s damage resistances or regeneration. When destroyed, the Sovereign permanently loses Regeneration, Rot Aura, and Enraged Roots, but remains alive until its normal HP reaches zero.

Encounter Information

Recommended Party
4–5 adventurers, approximately levels 9–11.
Encounter Type
Boss Encounter.
Environment
Corrupted forests, ancient groves, abandoned woodland shrines.
Difficulty Note
CR 10 is provisional and has not been formally playtested or balanced against the custom abilities.
Dungeon Master Tip
At first, let the players mistake it for a dead forest. When someone steps onto the path, two glowing eyes open among the roots and the surrounding trees slowly begin to move.