The Drunstick Tree stands erect against the amber backdrop, its crystalline limbs daintily adorned with vibrant, jewel-like fruits that seem to shimmer in iridescent hues. Snowflakes appear to dance whimsically around the tree, resembling soft clouds drifting lazily through the arid air. Upon closer inspection, however, the soil surrounding the tree is laced with hidden sharp branches, camouflaged by an enchanting illusion. As a creature approaches, a sudden chill sweeps through the air, followed by an eruption of snow that billows into a swirling vortex of icy shards and frost, eager to claim intruders in a bind of freezing, playful torment.

Gameplay Notes for the Frosty Frustration of the Drunstick Tree Trap

Trap Activation

• Activation Trigger: The trap activates when any creature approaches within 10 feet of the Drunstick Tree. When this distance is breached, the trap springs into action, creating an illusory snowfall that draws in the attention of nearby travelers.
• Environmental Conditions: Should the environment become unusually cold or if creatures are distracted (e.g., by engaging in conversation, focusing on gathering fruits), the trap may activate sooner, as it is designed to deter curious individuals.

Detection and Disarm Notes

• Detection Check Options:

  • Investigation (DC 15): Reveals sharp branches hidden in the falling snow before they become a threat.
  • Perception (DC 15): Characters may notice a slight shimmer or unnatural chill in the air, hinting at the trap’s presence.
  • Arcana (DC 16): Identifies the magical nature of the trap, revealing that the snow is animated with a concealed danger.
  • True Sight: Characters with this ability can perceive the trap in its true form without any roll.

• Disarm Checks:

  • Arcana (DC 17): Disrupts the trap’s magical properties, negating its effects successfully.
  • Dexterity (Thieves’ Tools) (DC 18): Requires precision to dismantle the illusion without triggering a full cascade of effects. A failure inflicts a lesser version of the trap’s effects.

Suggested Tactics and Variations

1. Level Variations:

   • For lower-level characters, reduce damage dice and possible secondary effects, making the paralyze condition less severe (e.g. only slowing rather than fully paralyzing).
   • For higher-level encounters, consider adding a layer of complexity: perhaps the snowfall can create illusory duplicates of the characters that confuse or mislead them.

2. Targeting Strategy:

   • The trap can have a special targeting mechanism, directing its icy shards towards the character who appears most curious (e.g., those who succeed their checks), making it seem like the tree behaves malevolently.
   • If a character is engaged with the tree, they may automatically trigger a secondary effect of gaining disadvantage on their next saving throw against being frozen.

3. Responses to Player Actions:

   • The trap can react to players trying to solve it. If players make noise or show signs of distraction while examining, it can cause an unexpected re-trigger like a sudden chill shock that forces a saving throw.

Initiative and Round Actions

• Trap’s Initiative Bonus: The trap has a +2 bonus to its initiative, rolling 1d20 + 2 to determine its order in the combat.
• Actions on it’s Turn:

  • Primary Action: Frost Shards Release

    • Attack: +5 to hit.
    • Range: 30 feet, targeting 1-3 creatures within range.
    • Damage: Based on character level (as specified in the original trap design).
    • Effect: Affected creatures must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or be frozen as described.

  • Secondary Action (If a creature is frozen): Ice Barrier

    • A frozen target creates an additional icy aura around them for one round, affecting all creatures within 5 feet of the frozen target, dealing an extra 1d6 cold damage at the start of their turns.

Round-by-Round Effects

1. Phase 1 (Round 1):

   • *Initial Activations: The trap triggers, and all within a 10-foot radius must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw against taking the cold damage (1d10 for levels 1-4, escalating by level).
   • Environment: The area becomes difficult terrain due to icy buildup.

2. Phase 2 (Rounds 2-4):

   • Each round afterward, the trap repeats the Frost Shards Release targeting the same or different creatures (no limit on targeting).
   • If creatures remain within 10 feet of the tree, they must make an additional Constitution saving throw at the beginning of each of their turns or take 1d6 cold damage and suffer disadvantage on their next action.

3. Phase 3 (Round 5 Onward):

   • If any creature remains frozen, they suddenly release a surge of icy gas in the area, forcing all creatures to make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or take 5d6 cold damage and become paralyzed for 1 round.
   • At the end of Round 5, the tree’s magical snow dissipates, releasing energies in a final icy explosion, affecting all creatures within 15 feet (10d10 cold damage, DC 15 Constitution save for half).

Additional DM Tips

• Tracking Damage & Conditions: Keep a visible damage and condition tracker for characters affected by the trap to facilitate faster play.
• Visual & Descriptive Cues: Use evocative descriptions to highlight the whimsical yet dangerous nature of the trap, emphasizing the beauty of the Drunstick Trees juxtaposed with the hazards they hide.
• Player Engagement: Encourage players to communicate their strategies and describe how they approach the tree, providing opportunities for creative solutions to experiencing the trap.
• Combat Flow: Consider allowing for player checks in the initiative order, making each character’s turn impactful and invested—this can enhance tension and engagement throughout the encounter.

Running this trap should be a memorable experience that balances whimsy with danger, pushing players to think creatively and work together to unravel the mystery of the Frosty Frustration of the Drunstick Tree.