Dark Hollows

In the time before the Forest of Kings grew sentient, the ancient woodland magic pooled and crystallized within the oldest trees, seeking a way to protect itself from the encroaching blight of civilization and careless destruction. The forest's desperate will wove together roots and vines, branches and twigs, animating them with purpose and consciousness, and from this primordial crafting emerged the Dark Hollows—neither alive nor dead, but something altogether different. Each Hollow is essentially a vessel, a walking hollow shell animated by the concentrated essence of the forest's own magical lifeforce, giving them an androgynous nature that transcends the binaries of the natural world. They communicate through low, resonant humming that vibrates through the earth itself, a language older than words that resonates directly with the forest's needs and desires. Within their twisted forms burns a core of condensed magic so potent it fuels their extraordinary abilities—the whipping of vine lashes, the snaring entanglement of thorn-laden growth, and countless other methods of defense against those who would harm their woodland home. The Dark Hollows are not malicious creatures driven by evil intent, but rather the forest's own immune system made manifest, responding with fierce protectiveness whenever danger threatens the ancient woodland that birthed them. They exist in perfect alignment with the natural order, neither good nor evil, simply necessary—the price of peace that the Forest of Kings demands from those who would walk beneath its canopy.

Strength

16, modifier +3

Dexterity

14, modifier +2

Constitution

18, modifier +4

Intelligence

10, modifier +0

Wisdom

12, modifier +1

Charisma

8, modifier -1

Vine Whip

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 2d10+3 slashing damage.

Thorn Lash

Ranged Spell Attack: +5 to hit, range 30 ft., one target. Hit: 3d8 piercing damage and target must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw or be restrained.

Entangle

As an action, create a 20 ft. radius area of grasping roots. Creatures must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw or be restrained for 1 minute. They can repeat the save at the end of each of their turns.

Humming Resonance

As a bonus action, emit a low hum that heals one ally within 30 ft. for 1d8 hit points. Can be used once per short rest.

Forest's Guardian

Dark Hollows gain advantage on saving throws against spells.

Rooted Resilience

They have resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage from non-magical attacks.

strength

+5

dexterity

+4

constitution

+7

wisdom

+3

Bludgeoning

Piercing

Slashing