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.