The Rotted - Treefolk's dark cousins

From the fallen Soul Oaks that stand in the Dark Forest's rotten heart are born the Rotted, vile cousins to the Treefolk of Veltingard.  Born withered and rotten within, they yet grow to the same size as their brighter kinfolk.  They work their blight upon the world around them, their motives malevolent.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Rotted are tall, lumbering creatures that look like dead trees. Mature Rotted are large, standing close to 12 feet tall. Their skin is covered in black, mold crusted barklike skin that sloughs off their bodies at random intervals.  Their heads typicall look like the broken top of a tree struck by lightning or decimated by fire.  They typically have anthropomorphic bodies, but an extra limb here and there is not unheard of.

Genetics and Reproduction

The Rotted are born from seeds dropped by the Fallen Soul Oaks in the Dark Forest.

Ecology and Habitats

The Rotted tend to remain within the boundaries of the Dark Forest, but occasionally invade the green woods of Veltingard or the low moors of southern Erynland.  There are rumors of bands of Rotted in the Desolation, but no verifiable reports confirm this.

Civilization and Culture

History

The Rotted are a byproduct of the creation of the Dark Forest itself, and the fall of the Soul Oaks within it.  They have existed to foul the world since the Second Age.

Game Traits: 9 HPs

• Blight Another: Through touch, a Rotted can cause another person to wither 1 HP (2 HP for Treefolk).
• Cast Thorns: a Rotted can fire thorns, like the Emerald Magic spell in the rulebook.
• Strong: Advantage to tests involving strength.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Treefolk

Lifespan

unknown

Average Height

11-14 feet

Geographic Distribution

• The Dark Forest - Twisted and Evil