Horrors Unbound: Blood Kaktos (5e)
Blood Kaktos (Carnegiea succo)
The blood kaktos¸ Carnegiea succo¸ is a motile¸ sentient arborescent plant that inhabits any warm¸ sandy environment. It is a relative of the common saguaro cactus and has leathery green flesh covered with needle-like spines¸ with two jointed¸ branch-like arms sprouting from a large trunk that grows to between 5-7 feet tall upon maturity. The top of the trunk is usually rounded and called a crown¸ but in rare cases¸ the top fans out in a cristate formation containing multiple small crowns. A slot in the lower third of the trunk allows for a proboscis to be extended and retracted. The proboscis¸ a large specialized spine attached to the trunk by a pulsating veiny vine¸ is used for anesthetizing and sucking the blood of usually unaware victims.
Frog God Games' Horrors Unbound series are in-depth looks at the fantastic creatures. More than just stat blocks and bonuses¸ the Horrors Unbound provide details like special skills¸ behavioral oddities¸ collectible parts and observations not found in bestiaries. Also includes adventure hooks¸ folklore and other details to make the encounter with each creature exciting and memorable.
Excerpt from Swyfte's Physiologus¸ a collection of ecologies of wondrous beasts¸ monstrosities¸ and horrors.