Trapper's Bane

If you are going into the Ghostspider Forest I would be more worried about the plants than the spiders. There is a reason its called Trapper's Bane.

— Jasper Cameron, Leader of the Bronze Ravens

The Trapper's Bane is a small, sinister tree native to the arctic Ghostspider Forest, a hauntingly beautiful biome known for its frost-shrouded vegetation and glimmering webs spun by its namesake ghostspiders. This predatory tree is both a deadly trap and a chilling spectacle, embodying the lethal charm of its icy home.
The Trapper's Bane only grows to height of 10-12 feet. Its twisted trunk is a pale, silvery white, seeming to shimmer with the ever-present frost in the forrest. The bark is smooth yet eerily reflective, mimicking the frozen terrain to blend seamlessly with its surroundings. Its branches are long and sinewy, arching outward like skeletal arms. They are adorned with sharp, crystalline needles that shimmer like shards of glass, catching and refracting the moonlight. These needles appear delicate but are capable of slicing through flesh with ease. Prey is lured in by clusters of glowing fruit at the base of branches, near the trunk, that glow with a faint bioluminescence. These fruits are edible, and even have medicinal properties, as well as being valued for the rare dye they can produce, but getting them is an often fatal task.
The problem comes from the fine fillaments that droop from the tips of small banches as one gets nearer to the trunk. Similar to other carnivorous plants, these fillaments act as trip wires. Brush up against one and the entire tree is primed. Disturn a second, and the branches coil violently around the trunk, the needles puncturing anything caught up. The needles contain a toxin that will paralyze the prey, and then secrete digestive fluids to process its prey.
Because the tree is similar to other evergreens in the forrest, even seasoned veterans can fall victim to Trappers Bane. Small animals will seek shelter around the trunk, safe in the knowledge that they will not trigger the mechanism. Ghostspiders can also avoid the trap with their ability to blink to the ethereal plane, and in fact have a symbiotic relationship, luring their predators towards the tree before tripping a second fillament and blinking away.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Dyes: The fruit’s bioluminescent compounds can be extracted to create "glow-dyes," vibrant and self-illuminating pigments used in luxury textiles, artwork, and even enchanted cartography. When processed with different minerals, the dyes produce a spectrum of colors, from icy blues to ghostly greens, which are particularly popular in magical and ceremonial attire. Fabrics treated with Trapper’s Bane dye maintain their glow for years without fading, making them highly desirable for theatrical performances and grand celebrations.
Medicine: The toxin within the fruit can be carefully refined into a medical-grade anesthetic. This is particularly useful in surgeries where magical alternatives are unavailable. Extracts from the fruit’s pulp are used in salves and potions to treat frostbite and severe skin injuries, promoting faster healing and reducing scarring. The biochemical complexity of the fruit’s toxin makes it a key ingredient in developing antivenoms for various arctic and magical predators.
Culinary Delicacy: When expertly prepared, the fruit’s flesh can be detoxified and turned into a delicacy. The process involves boiling the fruit in enchanted water to neutralize its toxins and release its natural sweetness. The detoxified fruit is described as having a unique flavor profile—a delicate balance of cool, citrusy tang with a faintly sweet, honey-like aftertaste. Its texture is reminiscent of soft, candied ice. Due to the difficulty and risk involved in harvesting, the fruit of Trapper's Bane is a symbol of luxury, served in exclusive restaurants and royal courts. A single fruit can fetch astronomical prices in high-end markets.