Twig Blight

Twig blights are tree-like creatures of evil disposition. They can root themselves in normal soil and draw nutrients like normal plants, and they look much like woody shrubs in this mode. But these monsters have a special taste for blood, and they greatly prefer that to making food through photosynthesis. Indeed, a twig blight that lives underground must subsist on blood, since it gets no sunlight.

A twig blight normally stands about 3½ feet tall. Its leafless branches interlock to create a humanoid shape. Sages believe that the first twig blights grew from seeds of the Gulthias Tree, which sprouted from a wooden stake used to slay an ancient vampire. Instead of producing fruit, twig blights reproduce through their root systems, like aspen trees.

Twig blights speak Sylvan.

Twig blights usually huddle together in a group, trying to blend in with an area’s natural vegetation (or with piles of debris or firewood) until suitable prey comes along. They particularly enjoy lurking near campsites or waterholes, where they can often catch prey unawares.

Poison (Ex): A twig blight delivers its poison (Fortitude save DC 11) with each successful claw attack. The initial damage is 1 point of Strength damage; there is no secondary damage.

Source: Monster Manual II, page 197. This creature’s statistics block has been updated to version 3.5 as given in the D&D® V.3.5 Accessory Update for Monster Manual II. Strangely enough, the organization is listed as “solitary”, despite combat text that starts with, “Twig blights usually huddle together in a group…” A group of one? Dungeon Masters should consider sending these in groups as one won’t last long.