CR 6 – Plant – Verdant Manipulator
Tier 2 play
**Monster Name:** Verdant Manipulator
**Size, Type, Alignment:** Large Plant, Neutral Evil
**Core Stats:** Armor Class (AC) 15, Hit Points (HP) 95, Speed 30 ft.
**Ability Scores:**
Strength 16 (+3),
Dexterity 12 (+1),
Constitution 18 (+4),
Intelligence 4 (-3),
Wisdom 14 (+2),
Charisma 6 (-2)
**Proficiencies:** Saving Throws: Constitution +7, Wisdom +5
Skills: Nature +1, Stealth +5
Damage Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing
Damage Immunities: Poison, Psychic
Condition Immunities: Charmed, Frightened, Paralyzed
**Senses:** Blindsight 60 ft. (blind beyond this radius), Passive Perception 12
Languages: Understands Druidic but cannot speak
Challenge Rating (CR): 6
**Special Abilities:**
– **Camouflage:** The Verdant Manipulator can hide in natural terrain, gaining advantage on Stealth checks when in forested areas.
– **Entangling Roots (Recharge 5-6):** As an action, the creature can cause roots to burst from the ground in a 20-foot radius centered on itself. Each creature in that area must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw or be restrained.
**Actions:**
– **Multiattack:** The Verdant Manipulator makes two attacks: one with its Vine Whip and one with its Root Slam.
– **Vine Whip:** +6 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 3) slashing damage and the target must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw or be pulled up to 10 ft. closer.
– **Root Slam:** +6 to hit, melee weapon attack, one target. Hit: 12 (2d6 + 3) bludgeoning damage. On a hit, the target must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or be poisoned until the end of its next turn.
**Description:** The Verdant Manipulator is a large, sentient plant creature that thrives in rich, overgrown forests. With its long, flexible vines and thick roots, it ensnares unwary adventurers, using cunning ambush tactics by hiding among thick foliage. It seeks to protect its domain fiercely, ensnaring intruders while summoning nature to do its bidding, often employing the roots of the forest to trap and poison those it sees as threats. The Manipulator's demeanor is cold and calculating, viewing all living things as either allies or prey in its eternal quest to dominate its territory.