Hellmaw Flytrap: Apex Bloom

The final form of the Hellmaw Flytrap is a massive, stationary predator exuding an overwhelming aura of danger. Its vibrant crimson jaws, lined with jagged thorn-like teeth, are fully developed and capable of crushing and dissolving prey. A central, menacing proboscis drips with acidic sap, used for ensnaring and feeding on creatures. Its vine-like extensions pulse with bioluminescent hues, serving as traps for the unwary.

Plant

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Deep crimson jaws with glowing green and red vine-like extensions. The proboscis is thick and pale green, dripping with acidic sap.

Large

10-12 feet tall when fully extended, with jaws spanning up to 8 feet wide

Over 500 pounds, including its extensive root system.

• Central Proboscis: A long, coiling structure that secretes acid and reaches prey from a distance.
• Jagged Thorn-Like Teeth: Lining the massive jaws, designed to crush and trap prey.
• Bioluminescent Vines: Glowing faintly in red and green, creating a hypnotic allure for creatures nearby.
• Massive Root System: Anchors the predator firmly, allowing it to withstand most attempts to uproot or move it.

Thick, fibrous tissue reinforced with bark-like plates; capable of withstanding extreme physical damage.

Extremely aggressive; it actively traps and attacks creatures that come within its range.

Uses its massive jaws to clamp down on prey, dealing devastating piercing and acid damage. The proboscis extends to ensnare prey and drag it into its jaws.

• Camouflage: Appears as a large, vibrant, but docile plant, blending into its environment to ambush unsuspecting prey.
• Durability: Thick, bark-like exterior resists damage from most physical attacks.

• Resistant to poison, psychic damage, and charm effects, due to its simple nervous structure and plant-like nature.
• Difficult to remove once latched due to its jagged teeth and acidic saliva.

Vulnerable to fire and slashing damage, as these can easily sever its roots and destroy its soft interior.

Tremorsense 90 ft.; passive Perception 14.

Emits low, guttural creaking noises, accompanied by acidic hissing when feeding.

• Multiattack:
The Apex Bloom makes two attacks per round, choosing any combination of Crushing Jaws, Vine Whip, or Extending Proboscis.
• Melee Attack: Crushing Jaws
• Attack Roll: +8 to hit
• Reach: 5 ft.
• Hit: 3d8+5 piercing damage and 3d8 acid damage. If the target is grappled, the Apex Bloom regains half the damage dealt as HP.
• Melee Attack: Vine Whip
• Attack Roll: +8 to hit
• Reach: 15 ft.
• Hit: 2d10+4 slashing damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 16 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.
• Grapple Attack: Extending Proboscis
• Attack Roll: +7 to hit
• Reach: 20 ft.
• Hit: The target takes 2d6 acid damage and is grappled (escape DC 16).
• Pulling Closer: At the start of its turn, the Apex Bloom can attempt to pull a grappled target closer by 10 feet. The target must succeed on a DC 16 Strength saving throw or be pulled closer.

Draws nutrients from the blood and flesh of any creature it captures, sustaining itself entirely through predation. The Apex Bloom also consumes other phases of the Hellmaw Flytrap, including Detached Maws, to eliminate competition and maintain territorial dominance.

Targets any creature within its reach, including humanoids, beasts, and infernal creatures. It uses its bioluminescent vines and camouflaged appearance to lure prey closer.

Pit Fiend Wyrms:

The Apex Bloom exists indefinitely in this stage, constantly feeding and growing until it is destroyed.

Solitary; the Apex Bloom consumes all other phases of its kind to protect its territory but leaves attached maws intact, using them as lures to attract prey.

The Apex Bloom drops 4d4 Hellmaw Seeds every 2-3 weeks within its 20-foot range. These seeds grow into attached maws, serving as lures to attract prey.

It does not directly care for its offspring but protects attached maws by eliminating competing phases and guarding its territory.

The Apex Bloom represents the culmination of the Hellmaw Flytrap’s lifecycle, making it a stationary but formidable predator. Its ability to reproduce and dominate its territory through the creation of Hellmaw Seeds ensures a steady supply of prey, making it a serious threat in corrupted or infernal ecosystems. The plant’s acidic sap and fibrous materials are highly sought after by alchemists and crafters, making it both a valuable and dangerous resource.