Berrythorn

"The gods are on our side. If you need proof, just look at the berrythorn."
~Margrave Arronax Skinner, Elector of Cambreath

Basic Information

Anatomy

This plant grows in a dense tangle of branches directly from the short stump. A mature example grows to roughly fill a 5x5 cube, and can stand unsupported. The barbs on this plant are hooked and hollow, with fleshy lumps on the back. This plant cannot move under its own power anymore than any other plant came. However, the design of the thorns cause it to stick to a trapped creature. As the creature thrashes, more of the hooks are drawn to it until it is completely immobilized.

Growth Rate & Stages

Once planted, the berrythorn will breach the soil in roughly one month. In three months, they will cover an area 5x5 with branches laying low to the ground. Nine months after planting on average, they will grow to their full height. This process can be sped up with fresh, blood-filled corpses (or living victims) being thrown onto the plant.
Berrythorn planted too close to another berrythorn bush are absorbed into the thicket, expanding it in that direction. In this way, a 'hedge wall' of berrythorn can be planted as a single plant.

Ecology and Habitats

Berrythorn can thrive even in depleted or destroyed soil, so long as it has access to victims to supplement its nutrition. Berrythorn will actually revitalize the soil around it, making the whole area more fertile.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Berrythorns get their nutrition from the soil, supplemented by the blood of victims that fall prey to it.
When a hook penetrates a creature that has blood, an internal seal is broken and the blood is drawn to the fleshy lump, which is actually a seed pod. The engorged seed pods swell with blood to a slightly oblong sphere about two inches in diameter. This occurs rapidly with an audible pop, usually loud enough to be heard even over the inevitable screams or cursing of the victim.
If these berries are immediately picked, they are simply fleshy bags filled with blood. If allowed to ripen for several weeks, the plant has filtered and metabolized the blood. What remains in the berry is packed with nutrients and healing power; prized by alchemists and herbalists. The parts of the blood that aren't needed for the berry are 'sweated' out by the roots to fertilize the soil.

Biological Cycle

Left unhindered and provided with enough nutrition, berrythorn bushes can survive indefinitely, or near enough that they may as well be ageless. Due to the way that they absorb their offspring, ancient berrythorns can form natural and extremely dangerous hedge-mazes in the wild.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Berrythorn is planted around some settlements as an extra layer of defense. It is also sometimes planted around fields to keep out animals that might graze on the crops and to invigorate the soil. The deaths caused by berrythorn are so slow and loud that they serve as good early warning as well as a minimal hazard for careless youths (though an unforgettable lesson in caution).
Alchemists and herbalists harvest berrythorns for potions and tinctures, particularly healing potions or medicines to fight disease. Additionally, the thorns are useful for suture-needles and can be boiled to make an anticoagulant and fever reducer.
Fishermen and trapmakers harvest the hollow thorns for use in fishing and trapping.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Berrythorns can be found anywhere they have been planted, and can be encountered in any sort of terrain. Berrythorn exists on every continent as far as anyone is aware. They are especially thick around Grimhii ruins.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

A species of ant called the Corpsebiter Ant has adapted to live in the roots of established berrythorn bushes. These ants tear up the bodies left by the plant and pick the bones clean.
A particular breed of fungus called the Honeybowl grows on the bloodless corpses, which exudes a sweet and enticing smell. This fungus is edible, if one is brave enough to pick it.

Civilization and Culture

History

It is believed by scholars that the berrythorn is not a natural plant, but a result of Grimhii experimentation. It has been used throughout living history by all races but the elves, who regard it as an unnatural hazard.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Humans and Halflings find the plant infinitely useful.
Elves in general despise berrythorn and destroy it whenever they can.
Greenskins fear the plant, and therefore use it prodigiously.

Origin/Ancestry

This plant comes in two varieties: Yellowbell and Vampire Rose. Both are identical except for their flowers.

Lifespan

Indefinite

Average Height

5x5x5 ft roughly spheroid in shape.

Berrythorn Bush CR: 1/4

Large plant, unaligned

Armor Class: 13

Hit Points: 10 hp (2d8)

Speed:

STR

12 +1

DEX

0 -5

CON

12 +1

INT

0 -5

WIS

0 -5

CHA

0 -5

Saving Throws: Con +8

Damage Vulnerabilities: Fire

Damage Resistances: Bludgeoning

Damage Immunities: Piercing

Challenge Rating: 1/4

Any creature entering the square of the berrythorn bush is grappled. Attempting to escape inflicts 1d6 piercing damage to the creature. If they succeed, they are no longer grappled and can move freely, though the berrythorn's area is difficult terrain. If they are still in the berrythorn's area when their turn ends, they are grappled again. A successful Strength (Athletics) Dexterity (Acrobatics) or Wisdom (Survival) check DC 15 allows for a successful escape.
When a creature with blood (or similar vital fluids) is grappled, they immediately gain one level of exhaustion. If they take any action aside from a successful break free attempt, they gain another level of exhaustion as their struggles bring them into contact with more thorns.
Elves and greenskins are especially vulnerable to this plant, and take double damage and exhaustion levels.
Every level of exhaustion inflicted by this plant on a creature allows it to produce 3d4 usable berries.

See Berrythorn

Berrythorn Berries

Adventuring Gear

Common

Consuming a raw, ripe berrythorn berry grants 1 hp and gives advantage on the next saving throw against poison or disease within 24 hours.
This item is also useful as an ingredient in potions to combat poison, disease, and for healing.

A small, slightly oblong red berry roughly 2 inches around. This item smells sweet and tastes sweet and savory.

Cost: 2 sp for a basket.
Weight: 6 lbs/basket