Corpse Tree

The Corpse Tree is the name given to a species of deciduous trees native to temperate climes, most particularly the area of the world known as Travance. These trees are carnivorous, and feed mostly upon the flesh of other creatures. Like all trees, the Corpse Tree requires soil, water, and sunlight, but the majority of its nutrients comes from the meat it consumes. Corpse Trees, true to their name, will quite happily consume carrion or already dead bodies, but much prefer fresh prey (including the undead), as they seem to have somewhat of a predatory instinct. The Corpse Tree is unique among the plant world in that it is actually mobile, and capable of uprooting itself and moving to other areas in search of prey. Its roots are extremely strong and are capable of propelling the tree to other places. The larger and older a Corpse Tree gets, the slower and harder it is for the tree to move. However, they do become increasingly dangerous to compensate for the lack of mobility. Corpse Trees attack using their immensely strong, yet flexible branches and vine-like tendrils to bludgeon and seize prey. They are also extremely hardy and durable, and seem to be immune to poison. In addition, some Corpse Trees have been seen making use of Arcane and Druidic powers. Some speculation exists as to this is dependent on the seed's host having access to these powers, but nothing has been confirmed.
Corpse Trees propagate themselves via a parasitic process that has been referred to by some botanists as "Marionetting." This process involves a Corpse Tree implanting a seed into the body of a living creature. Slowly, the seed begins to spread tendrils throughout the body of the host, eventually taking physical control of the host's limbs and bodily functions. In this way, the Corpse Tree can spread offspring to other areas where there will be less competition for prey. These "Marionettes" have been observed utilizing skills they had before the implantation of the seed, including the use of magic, psionics, and other metaphysical abilities. Eventually, the seed begins to sprout within the host, ultimately killing it, while the new sapling uses the former host for food before seeking new prey.