Scythe TreeCreature 6
Source Pathfinder Bestiary 2
Perception +14 (lifesense 30 feet, low-light vision)
Languages Aklo, Arboreal, Sylvan
Skills Athletics +15, Stealth +12
Str +7, Dex +2, Con +4, Int +0, Wis +2, Cha +0
AC 24; Fort +17; Reflex +8; Will +9;
HP 105
Speed 15 feet
Weaknesses Axe 5
Resistances Bludgeoning 5, Piercing 5
Scythe Branch +18 (+13, +8) to hit (backswing, deadly d10, reach 15) 2d10+9 Slashing
Low-Light Vision
The monster can see in dim light as though it were bright light, so it ignores the Concealed condition due to dim light.
Lifesense 30 feetLifesense allows a monster to sense the vital essence of living and undead creatures within the listed range. The sense can distinguish between the positive energy animating living creatures and the negative energy animating undead creatures, much as sight distinguishes colors.
Axe Vulnerability 5A scythe tree takes 5 additional damage from axes.
Ripping DisarmTrigger A creature rolls a critical failure on a melee weapon Strike against the scythe tree
Effect The scythe tree attempts to Disarm the creature.
Dead Tree (concentrate)Until the scythe tree acts, it appears to be a dead tree. It has an automatic result of 35 on Deception checks and DCs to pass as a dead tree.
Woodland AmbushRequirements The scythe tree is using Dead Tree in forested terrain, and a creature that hasn't detected it is within 30 feet
Effect The scythe tree Strides up to 25 feet toward the triggering creature. Once the creature is in reach, the scythe tree makes a scythe branch Strike against it. The creature is Flat-Footed against this Strike.
Malevolent, vicious, and cruel, scythe trees pose as normal trees near deep forest paths, where they wait to slaughter passersby. Instead of drawing sustenance from light and soil, scythe trees gorge themselves on the flesh, blood, and bone of sapient creatures. Nothing is more delectable to scythe trees than a kind-hearted gnome or an altruistic dryad who believes that a scythe tree can be redeemed. The screams and whimpers of these victims are music to these cruel plants and add an extra dimension of flavor to the meal.
Scythe trees are solitary creatures by nature, and their size and power mean that they don't need to compete for food with other carnivorous plants. Once food sources dwindle in an area, scythe trees move on to another location. When a scythe tree dwells in a location for many months or years, it leaves traces of its bark and roots in the soil. Over time, these blood-nourished fragments might grow into a new scythe tree, but the progenitor will most likely have already moved on to new hunting grounds long before the new scythe tree reaches maturity.
Scythe trees appear as dead or dying deciduous trees with long, twisted branches that end in scythe-like blades. These carnivorous plants have dark-brown bark that is nearly black near the bottom of the trunk and rusty brown leaves that remain attached year-round. Scythe trees' disturbing mouths remain closed when not eating, appearing as a jagged gash on the trunk. When scythe trees deign to speak, their voices are rough, deep, and mocking, particularly when discussing arboreals, whom scythe trees universally find to be insufferable and worthy of little more than being hacked to pieces.
Traits
Anything that doesn't list another rarity trait (uncommon, rare, or unique) automatically has the common trait. This rarity indicates that an ability, item, or spell is available to all players who meet the prerequisites for it. A creature of this rarity is generally known and can be summoned with the appropriate summon spell.
PlantVegetable creatures have the plant trait. They are distinct from normal plants. Magical effects with this trait manipulate or conjure plants or plant matter in some way. Those that manipulate plants have no effect in an area with no plants.