Verdant Fluffback
Large Beast, Neutral Good
Armor Class: 13 (Natural Armor)
Hit Points: 60 (8d10 + 16)
Speed: 30 ft.
Challenge Rating: 2 (450 XP)
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | 12 | 14 | 2 | 14 | 10 |
Saving Throws: Strength + 5, Constitution + 4
Skills: Perception +4, Nature +1
Damage Vulnerabilities: Fire
Damage Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing from Nonmagical Attacks
Damage Immunities: Poison
Condition Immunities: Charmed, Frightened, Poisoned
Senses: Darkvision 60 feet, Tremorsense 30 feet, Passive Perception 14
Languages: Understands Common and Sylvan, but cannot speak.
Spellcasting
Spellcasting. The Verdant Fluffback is a 3rd-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 12, +4 to hit with spell attacks). The Verdant Fluffback has the following spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): **Druidcraft**, **Guidance**
1st level (3 slots): **Entangle**, **Goodberry**, **Cure Wounds**
2nd level (2 slots): **Healing Spirit**, **Barkskin**
**Descriptions of spell levels:**
– **Cantrips** can be cast at will, without using spell slots.
– **1st level spells** can be used three times before needing to take a long rest. Each spell offers unique effects: **Entangle** restricts movement in a designated area, **Goodberry** creates nourishing berries that restore health, and **Cure Wounds** heals an ally.
– **2nd level spells** can be used twice before requiring a long rest. **Healing Spirit** summons a spirit that heals creatures within its area, while **Barkskin** increases the target’s AC, enhancing its defenses.
**Notes:** The Verdant Fluffback often utilizes **Cure Wounds** on allies when it feels companionship and harmony in its vicinity, making it a beneficial ally during encounters. It may also cast **Entangle** if threatened, using it strategically to protect itself and its territory.
Actions & Abilities
Leafy Swat: *Melee Weapon Attack:* +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. *Hit:* 1d8 + 3 bludgeoning damage. The Fluffback swings its leafy tendrils with surprising force, delivering a solid swat to a nearby creature.
Pollen Burst (Recharge 5-6): The Fluffback releases a cloud of multicolored pollen in a 10-foot radius centered on itself. Each creature in that area must make a Constitution saving throw (DC 12). – *On a failed save:* The creature takes 1d4 psychic damage and has disadvantage on its next attack roll. – *On a successful save:* The creature takes no damage and suffers no additional effects. The sweet fragrance of the pollen can leave creatures dazed and confused.
Entangling Tendrils: *Ranged Attack:* The Fluffback extends its leafy tendrils to ensnare a target within 15 feet. The target must succeed on a Strength saving throw (DC 12) or be grappled until the grapple ends. While grappled, the target is considered restrained. The Verdant Fluffback can grapple one creature at a time and may maintain the grapple as long as it uses its action to do so.
Fluffback Charge (Recharge 5-6): Once during its turn, the Fluffback can move up to 60 feet in a straight line toward a creature. If it ends its movement within 5 feet of that creature, the target must make a Dexterity saving throw (DC 12). – *On a failed save:* The target takes 1d8 bludgeoning damage and is knocked prone. – *On a successful save:* The target takes half damage and isn’t knocked prone. The Fluffback uses the momentum of its charged thump, lighting up the battlefield with vibrant colors as it lunges forward.
Leading Lullaby (Recharge 1/Day): If the Fluffback is surrounded by characters that show kindness and goodwill, it can sing a calming lullaby. All allies within 30 feet regain 1d4 hit points. This ability can only be used once per long rest.
Appearance
In the heart of lush landscapes, the Verdant Fluffback emerges as a captivating marvel—large and rotund, it stretches six feet tall and five feet wide, bearing a silhouette reminiscent of a colossal cabbage. This plush creature features a softly rounded form that invites the touch, creating an instant aura of comfort and wonder. Its vibrant body showcases a spectacular blend of lush greens, accented by striking bursts of violet and cerulean, creating patterns akin to blooming flowers swaying in the breeze.
Covering its rotund surface is a thick, velvety moss, exuding an inviting and ethereal sheen, especially when dew glistens upon it at dawn. The texture not only enchants the eye but serves a practical purpose—retaining moisture as the creature flourishes in its natural habitat.
The Fluffback’s face merges plant-like and animal traits, crowned by oversized leafy extensions that unfurl gracefully like petals. Its gentle, beady eyes shine bright amber, brimming with intelligence and mischief that beckon curious onlookers. The soft, rounded mouth lacks teeth, instead possessing a glistening, edible inner lining, hinting at its herbivorous diet and inviting encounters.
Sturdy and stout, its four legs mimic thick, leafy stalks, each ending in broad, flat appendages that provide stability and a soft tread upon the earth. Wisps of thin, brush-like tendrils sway with gentle ease, trailing behind like delicate ribbons, and lending an air of ethereal beauty to its movements.
When the Verdant Fluffback grows excited, it can release iridescent spores that swirl and sparkle through the air, creating an enchanting display of colors that dance in the light. Its vibrant hues can flicker in intensity, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the surrounding flora for camouflage.
In motion, the Fluffback exudes a confident, upright posture, swaying gently as it ambles through meadows. Despite its substantial size, it moves with surprising agility, embodying both grace and strength. Accompanying the creature is a soft, earthy aroma reminiscent of fresh soil and blooming flowers—a soothing scent that speaks to its deep connection with nature.
Patches of bioluminescent moss sporadically adorn its body, glowing faintly in the twilight, casting a magical charm that enchants those fortunate enough to encounter it under the stars. As it moves, a gentle hum fills the air, akin to whispering leaves, resonating with tranquility and inviting nearby creatures to bask in its serene presence.
In every aspect, the Verdant Fluffback is a breathtaking representation of nature’s vibrancy—a creature that embodies harmony, capturing the imagination of anyone who lays eyes upon this wondrous, living tapestry.
Tactical Information
The Verdant Fluffback: Tactical Information
Behavior in Day-to-Day Life
In its lush natural habitat, the Verdant Fluffback can be found lazily ambling through fields and gardens, often basking in the sun. With its expansive, cabbage-like form and vibrant colors, it blends harmoniously with the surrounding flora, ensuring it remains unnoticed. This creature is a functional member of the ecosystem, subsisting primarily on the nutrients from the soil, absorbed through its roots and supplemented by sunlight. Unlike other pack animals, its primary motivation lies not in traditional feeding or foraging but in sustaining its vibrant home and the wellbeing of local farmers whom it has bonded with.
Socially, the Verdant Fluffback is inquisitive and friendly. They are often found in small herds, displaying affection towards each other through gentle nudges and playful rolling. These creatures maintain a nurturing bond with their environment, often guiding wayward animals or humans back to safety when lost. Their day is characterized by leisurely exploration, encounters with other creatures, and moments of joy as they engage with their surroundings. Rarely aggressive, the Fluffback prefers to avoid confrontation, opting instead to frolic through fields or entertain children with playful antics, earning its place as a beloved guardian of the land.
Combat Behavior
The Verdant Fluffback is not a natural combatant; however, when a threat emerges, it knows how to protect itself and its territory creatively and tactfully. If attacked or provoked, the Fluffback relies on its abilities to create confusion rather than engaging in direct violence. When the Fluffback perceives danger, it may quickly retreat into the cover of greenery, presenting itself as a mere oversized cabbage to deflect attention.
Upon being positioned in combat, the Fluffback will approach foes in a seemingly playful manner, attempting to initiate combat with surprise. If cornered or feeling threatened, it utilizes its Pollen Burst, releasing a cloud of pollen that disorients its attackers, aiming to create an opportunity to escape. In the heat of battle, it may employ Fluffback Charge, using its considerable mass to knock a foe down, all while remaining conscious of its surroundings and ensuring it does not get trapped or outnumbered.
The Verdant Fluffback is clever enough to momentarily misdirect threats, favoring environments with tall grass or flowers to obscure its retreat. If outnumbered, it won’t hesitate to use its environment by maneuvering to unsuitable terrain for predators, potentially leading them into difficult ground where they cannot easily follow. Should the battle turn unfavorable despite its cunning tactics, the Fluffback tends to mimic its gentler nature; it may refuse to fight back and retreat, opting to find shelter until the threat dissipates.
Roleplay/Narrative Interactions
In a narrative encounter, the Verdant Fluffback is immediately recognized for its gentle curiosity rather than hostility. If adventurers find themselves in proximity to one of these creatures, it may greet them with its beady, playful eyes, tilting its head in inquisitive observation. Characters demonstrating kindness or curiosity in their approach are likely to elicit a friendly reaction, whereby the Fluffback seeks interaction, allowing small items or even adventurers to rest upon its soft surface.
When threatened, the Verdant Fluffback does not immediately resort to hostility. Instead, it may respond to intimidation or aggressive gestures with caution, attempting to maintain distance. Should adventurers wish to build rapport, they might successfully lure the Fluffback with offerings of food or a display of friendly gestures, which can lead to a playful exchange or assistance in navigation.
In cases where it feels cornered, the Verdant Fluffback might exhibit a defensive posture—puffing itself up as it rhythmically rustles its leaves in a subtle warning. Yet, if adequately convinced of the adventurer’s good intentions, it can mimic speech, albeit in a garbled, leafy tone, attempting to communicate its desire to remain unharmed rather than fight. Given its intelligence, the Fluffback may negotiate its way out of confrontations, using its gentle nature to evoke empathetic responses.
Overall, the Verdant Fluffback presents as a charming and whimsical entity within the realm, turning potential conflict into opportunities for cooperation and rich storytelling as it embodies both protector and playful companion for those who approach with heart and respect.
