Roper

In the dark and treacherous depths of the world, the Roper lurks as a sinister and deceptive creature. With its stalactite-like appendages, unblinking eyes, and deadly tendrils, the Roper embodies patience, cunning, and the eerie nature of subterranean predators.

The Roper appears as a grotesque and stationary creature, resembling a stalagmite or rocky outcrop, camouflaging itself among cave formations. Its body is composed of stony segments, blending seamlessly with its surroundings. Long, slimy tendrils hang down from its upper body, each ending in a grasping, fang-filled maw. Its central eye, piercing and unblinking, watches intently for potential prey.

Ropers are masters of deception and ambush. They remain motionless, mimicking their environment with uncanny precision, waiting for unsuspecting creatures to come within reach. When prey draws near, the Roper strikes with lightning speed, using its tendrils to ensnare victims and draw them closer to its sharp-toothed mouths.

One of the most notorious features of the Roper is its ability to blend seamlessly into rocky surfaces, making it difficult to discern from its surroundings. Its stony exterior provides natural armor, making it resistant to physical attacks. Legends speak of rare Ropers with enchanted or gem-studded hides, indicating their proximity to hidden treasures or ancient artifacts.

Ropers are patient hunters, capable of surviving for extended periods without sustenance. They are often found deep within labyrinthine cave systems or underground tunnels, where they claim their territory and patiently await passing prey. They are skilled at trapping their victims, entangling them in their slimy tendrils and incapacitating them with a paralyzing toxin secreted from their fangs.

Encountering a Roper is to face a creature of stealth and deadly precision. Its presence exudes an aura of stillness and primal hunger, as it patiently awaits its next unsuspecting victim. Engaging a Roper requires both caution and strategic thinking, as its mimicry, powerful tendrils, and venomous bite make it a formidable opponent.

Ropers bring a touch of subterranean danger and the hidden threats that lie within the depths to the tapestry of the world. They serve as reminders of the perils of venturing into unexplored caverns and the necessity of vigilance in underground environments. Whether encountered as an unexpected obstacle, a guardian of hidden treasures, or a cunning predator lying in wait, Ropers add a sense of eerie and deceptive menace to the realms of adventure and exploration.

Special Abilities

False Appearance

While the roper remains motionless, it is indistinguishable from a normal cave formation, such as a stalagmite.

Grasping Tendrils

The roper can have up to six tendrils at a time. Each tendril can be attacked (AC 20; 10 hit points; immunity to poison and psychic damage). Destroying a tendril deals no damage to the roper, which can extrude a replacement tendril on its next turn. A tendril can also be broken if a creature takes an action and succeeds on a DC 15 Strength check against it.

Spider Climb

The roper can climb difficult surfaces, including upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an ability check.

Actions

• Multiattack: The roper makes four attacks with its tendrils, uses Reel, and makes one attack with its bite.
• Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 22 (4d8 + 4) piercing damage.
• Tendril: Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 50 ft., one creature. Hit: The target is grappled (escape DC 15). Until the grapple ends, the target is restrained and has disadvantage on Strength checks and Strength saving throws, and the roper can’t use the same tendril on another target.
• Reel: The roper pulls each creature grappled by it up to 25 ft. straight toward it.

Proficiencies

• Skill: Perception +6
• Skill: Stealth +5