Monster Ecology: The Knight Lure

The Knight Lure

Weary and covered in forest detritus, a lone knight stumbles through the deep wood. The moon is high and bits of light that manage to sneak through the canopy scatter dimly off of his silver armor. His stomach growls and he yearns for the comforts of home. Eventually, a quiet light twinkles among the tree trunks ahead. He quickens his pace, hoping to find some signs of civilization. As the knight gets closer, the sound of soft chimes is heard. Finally, he finds his way into a small clearing inhabited by ethereal and beautiful Fae, their lithe bodies dancing among iridescent green ferns, glowing neon mushrooms, and fuzzy, creeping moss. Entranced, he makes his way towards them, asking for food and shelter. None pay attention.

The ground begins to rumble at his feet, and before he can turn to run it has opened wide to reveal a great, million-toothed maw. A scream barely escapes his mouth as the beast eats him alive, armor and all. The forest grows quiet again, and the subterranean creature awaits its next meal.

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Nobody knows how or when the Knight Lures infested the deep woods of the Old World. While some scholars believe them to be naturally occurring beasts, others presume them to be the creation of an ancient and powerful magic. Regardless of their origin, they've existed for potentially hundreds of years. Found only in deep parts of the densest forests, these enormous creatures burrow into the forest floor, and orient themselves mouth up. Using tentacles disguised as fallen logs or tree roots, they cover themselves with soil and allow vegetation to grow over them. From this position, they wait patiently.

Despite possessing little more than an animal intelligence, they've cultivated a symbiotic relationship with Fae creatures. The Knite Lures are only interested in feeding on the bodies of errant knights along with their delicious metal arms and armor, while various fae beings enjoy feeding on these same warriors' minds and souls. The Knight Lure allows these beings to take up residence in the clearing in exchange for their making it more attractive to gallant warriors. When a new Knight is caught, both the beast and the fae are able to feed.

However, these creatures' great strength comes with a major weakness as well: they are virtually unarmored. Approached from underground, their massive bodies are easy to hack at as they've developed little to no natural defenses save for a few tentacles. Because of this, the occasional goblin community has been known to attack and feast on the meat of the Knight Lure, as putrid as it may be.

Stat Block

AC:       18 (above ground), 13 (below ground or inside)
HD:       7
Attacks: Swallow, Tentacle grab
Move:    0

As Big As:     A forest clearing
Smells Like:  Morning dew (when disguised), rotting entrails (when open)
Sounds Like: Alligators tearing apart their prey
Wants:           The bodies of brave knights
Detests:          Unarmored peasants