Whispering Reeds

Appearance: Not creatures in the traditional sense, Whispering Reeds are plants that grow near the darkest parts of the forest and along the riverbanks. They are tall, thin reeds that sway unnaturally, even when there is no wind. Their leaves are covered in a fine, dark mist, and faint whispers can be heard when standing near them.

Behavior: The Whispering Reeds feed on fear and doubt. Anyone who wanders too close to them begins to hear faint voices calling their name, urging them to doubt their own thoughts and memories. These whispers grow louder the longer someone stays near the reeds, leading them into confusion and despair. Eventually, the reeds ensnare their victims, trapping them in a hallucinatory state.

Purpose: Whispering Reeds are another tool of the entity, meant to disorient and corrupt those who venture too close to its domain. The reeds are often planted along paths leading deeper into the forest, ensuring that anyone who follows the wrong path will become lost, confused, and easy prey for the other dark creatures lurking in the woods.

The Growing Influence of the Entity

As the entity continues to strengthen its hold on the forest and Ravenshollow, more of these twisted creatures will appear, each serving to deepen the corruption and break the spirits of the village. While Isolde’s power is formidable, the entity’s creatures often act outside of her control, and she may soon discover that the darkness she has unleashed is far greater than she can handle. The forest itself has become a living nightmare, where even the trees and plants seem to turn against those who walk within it.

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example statblock

Medium Plant, Neutral Evil

Armor Class: 12 (natural armor)

Hit Points: 38 (7d8 + 7)

Speed: 0 ft.

STR 5 (-3) | DEX 14 (+2) | CON 12 (+1) | INT 6 (-2) | WIS 10 (+0) | CHA 16 (+3)

Damage Resistances: Psychic, Necrotic

Condition Immunities: Prone, Poisoned

Senses: Blindsight 30 ft., Passive Perception 10

Languages: —

Challenge: 3 (700 XP)

Whispers of Doubt. Any creature within 30 feet of the Whispering Reeds that can hear the whispers must succeed on a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw or be overwhelmed with doubt. The affected creature has disadvantage on attack rolls and saving throws for 1 minute. The creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns.

Invisibility. The Whispering Reeds are nearly invisible unless disturbed, requiring a successful DC 15 Perception check to notice them before entering their aura of influence.

Actions

Whispering Voices. The reeds can focus their whispers on one creature within 60 feet. The target must make a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw or be incapacitated by hallucinations for 1 minute. The creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns.

Lashing Vines. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) bludgeoning damage, and the target is grappled (escape DC 13).