Sylvan Strangler
Sylvan Stranglers are a haunting manifestation of the twisted magic wielded by Acacia, ruler of the Court of Rampant Green. Once vibrant and living fey, these beings have been overtaken by the relentless kudzu vines that are Acacia’s signature and her primary means of domination. The fey victims, strangled or otherwise slain by her aggressive plant magic, are transformed into puppets of vine and decay, their lifeless bodies animated by the invasive tendrils that have overtaken them. These animated corpses, known as Sylvan Stranglers, are extensions of Acacia’s will, moving and acting on her commands as though they were her own limbs.
The kudzu vines that infest these Stranglers remain physically tethered to Acacia, a symbol of her unyielding control over her creations. While the vines allow the Stranglers to move independently within their range, they are always bound to her by their connection. Through these vines, Acacia maintains an unbroken connection to her creations, allowing her to see, hear, and even speak through them. This ability makes the Sylvan Stranglers not only brutal tools of combat but also effective instruments of espionage and intimidation.
Visually, Sylvan Stranglers are a disturbing sight. Their corpses, still bearing the marks of their original fey beauty, are marred by the invasive growth of the kudzu vines. These vines wrap tightly around their limbs and torsos, bursting through flesh and bone in grotesque mockeries of life. Eyes that once sparkled with the light of the Feywild are now hollow, their sockets sprouting green tendrils that twist and writhe unnervingly. As they move, the rustling of vines accompanies their every step, creating an eerie soundscape that unsettles even the bravest of witnesses.
In battle, Sylvan Stranglers are both relentless and cunning. The vines that animate them also serve as weapons, lashing out to ensnare and choke their foes much as they once strangled their hosts. Their connection to Acacia allows them to act with a unified purpose, with her controlling their every move. Their movements are imbued with an unnatural grace, blending the predatory instincts of their creator with the residual agility of the fey bodies they inhabit.
The presence of Sylvan Stranglers in a region is a clear sign of Acacia’s influence.. They serve as both soldiers and symbols of her power, showcasing her ability to subjugate and repurpose even the most spirited of beings. Despite their core being a deceased form, these Sylvan Stranglers are not undead, but are simply being puppeted by the invasive kudzu.
