Detached Hellmaw

A parasitic, crimson fruit-like entity that has detached from the main plant. Using its vine-like proboscis, it drags itself across the ground to locate hosts, secreting acidic sap to leech nutrients from unsuspecting creatures. Though slow, its persistence and unsettling presence make it a danger to anything nearby.

Plant

1/4

6

8

12

1

8

2

8

5

1 ft

Crimson with faint black streaks across its surface. The proboscis is greenish-brown, with a fleshy texture.

Tiny

Approximately 4-6 inches tall

Very light, under a pound

Thorn-like protrusions across its fleshy exterior, a pulsing texture indicating internal movement, and a vine-like proboscis capable of secreting acidic sap.

A fibrous outer skin with internal acidic tissues; the proboscis is soft and flexible but deceptively durable.

Mildly aggressive; seeks out hosts but avoids direct combat unless cornered.

Uses its proboscis to attach to a host, secreting acid to leech nutrients over time.

Hides in or around its host, using the host’s body or nearby terrain (e.g., leaves, debris) to avoid detection. If threatened, it may retreat under the host for protection.

Resistant to poison damage. Immune to psychic damage and charm effects due to its lack of a nervous system or intelligence.

Vulnerable to fire and slashing damage, which easily pierce its soft, fibrous body.

None

Tremorsense 30 ft.; no vision or hearing.

Makes faint wet squelching noises as it moves, and a soft, sucking sound when feeding.

None

• Leeching Proboscis:
• Description: The maw uses its proboscis to latch onto a creature within 5 feet, secreting acidic sap to leech nutrients.
• Mechanics:
1. The target must make a Dexterity saving throw (DC 10) to avoid the initial attachment. On a failure, the maw latches onto the target.
2. While attached, the target takes 1d4 acid damage at the start of its turn.
3. The maw detaches automatically if it takes 5 or more damage in a single attack.

• Rancid Smell:
• Description: The detached maw emits a pungent, overripe fruit smell, creating an unsettling aura that distracts and disorients nearby creatures.
• Mechanics:
• Creatures within a 30-foot radius of the maw must make a DC 10 Wisdom saving throw:
• When they first enter the aura or at the start of their turn while inside it.
• On a failure, they have disadvantage on all Intelligence- and Wisdom-based ability checks (e.g., Investigation, Perception, Insight, Survival) until they leave the aura.

Attack Roll: +2 to hit
• Reach: 5 ft.
• Hit: 1d4+1 piercing damage. If the attack hits, the target must make a Dexterity saving throw (DC 10) or the maw attaches, activating its Leeching Proboscis ability.

Any sleeping creature nearby, regardless of size, becomes a potential host if it enters the maw’s range.

Fire-based predators and scavengers pose significant threats to the maw. Hell Hounds are known to enjoy consuming them, often hunting them down for their unique flavor.

Typically 3-4 weeks after detaching from the parent plant, during which it must feed regularly to gather enough energy to evolve into its next phase.

The detached maw is non-reproductive. Its sole purpose is to sustain itself and gather energy for its evolution into the next phase. The parent plant is responsible for producing additional maws.

None. Once detached, the maw operates independently and has no interaction with the parent plant.

The Detached Hellmaw represents a transitional phase in the lifecycle of the Hellmaw Flytrap. While it is relatively weak on its own, its parasitic nature and unsettling aura make it a dangerous hazard for the unwary. Its tendency to target sleeping creatures has led to cautionary tales among adventurers about setting up camp in areas where these creatures are known to roam.