I am Groot. (This week we head out into the deepest reaches of space.) I am Groot. (Here, we find a creature unlike any other.) I am Groot. (This creature is a brilliant mix of terrifying power and straight up adorableness.) I am Groot. (There ain’t no like him but him.) I am Groot. (This week on Monstrous Physique, I get to present to you with my favorite walking tree.) I am Groot! (He is Groot!)
This tall plant resembles a humanoid tree. It is covered in thick bark and sports a warm smile
Groot CR 10
XP 9,600
NG Large plant
Init +4; Senses low-light vision; Perception +17
DEFENSE
AC 23, touch 13, flat-footed 19 (+4 Dex, +10 natural, –1 size)
hp 142 (15d8+75); regeneration 5 (epic)
Fort +14, Ref +9, Will +6
Defensive Abilities create shield; DR 10/—; Immune plant traits
OFFENSE
Speed 30 ft., climb 20 ft.
Melee 2 slams +18 (2d10+12)
Or vines +18 (1d8+12 plus grab)
Space 10 ft.; Reach 10 ft.
Special Attacks vines
STATISTICS
Str 26, Dex 19, Con 20, Int 10, Wis 9, Cha 17
Base Atk +11; CMB +20 (+24 grapple); CMD 34
Feats Awesome Blow, Cleave, Great Cleave, Improved Shield Bash, Iron Will, Power Attack, Shield Slam, Skill Focus (Perform [dance])
Skills Climb +16, Intimidate +18, Perception +17, Perform (dance) +6
Languages Common (limited speech)
SQ elasticity, light generation, protective sphere
ECOLOGY
Environment any
Organization solitary
Treasure none
SPECIAL ABILITIES
Create Shield (Ex) Groot can create a large shield on his arm as a standard action. The plant matter shield grants a +4 shield bonus to Groot’s AC and can be dismissed as a free action. Groot can only make a single slam attack and cannot use his vines attack while the shield is active.
Elasticity (Ex) Groot can stretch his arms or legs as a standard action. He can add up to 5 feet to his height or his reach when stretched in this manner. He suffers a –4 penalty to AC while stretched.
Light Generation (Ex) Groot generates a large number of luminescent spores as a standard action. These spores create bright light in a 10-foot radius burst centered on Groot for 1 minute.
Protective Sphere (Ex) Groot can reshape himself into a large sphere made of plant matter that can protect all of those within. This process takes 1 minute. Groot creates a huge sphere and up to 4 Medium creatures or 8 Small creatures can enter while he completes the process. Once creatures are inside, they cannot be targeted by effects or abilities from outside creatures. Groot becomes the sole target for any area effects and is the only one to take damage and he increased his damage reduction to DR 15/— while in this form. Groot can revert back to his ordinary form by spending 1 minute to do so.
Vines (Ex) Groot can reshape his arms into long vines as a swift action. He can attack all creatures in a 20-foot line with his vines. Reverting back to his normal arms is a free action.
Groot is a plant creature from another world. He is composed of seemingly indestructible bark that can regrow if it is ever damaged. He is capable of reshaping and growing out his body for either offensive or defensive purposes. Groot does not seem inclined to violence, however, and typically shows a gentle demeanor with a kind disposition. When speaking, Groot is a creature of few words. In combat, Groot fights furiously and without fear. His regenerative abilities keep him going long after his opponents tire. Groot is known to enjoy upbeat music and is said to dance when no one is watching.
In Your Game
Giving to the Tree
Groot seeks the PCs out to try to retrieve a particular item of theirs. The item is particularly peculiar, such as a glass eye or an odd trophy. The party needs to find a way to properly communicate with Groot to know how to assist him or risk causing an altercation in the confusion.
Groot’s Gift
The PCs must track down the curious Groot. He is capable of creating a small plant on his body with potent abilities which the PCs require. Tracking down Groot is not so simple as he is constantly moving about due to his curiosity.
Dance Off!
Filled with a rhythm, Groot challenges the PCs to a dance off. He challenges each PC individually, but the PCs must take care as Groot does not take kindly to losing.
Monstrous Origins
You may recognize Groot from an indie comic called Tales to Astonish. Since his original appearance, Groot has gone on to star as a member of the Guardians of the Galaxy in the movie of the same name. I’m basing this Groot’s stats off of the movie Groot, as he is the latest hotness. In the movie, Groot has a suite of abilities, some seemingly out of nowhere, which he can use. These include growing in height, extending vine-like tendrils from his arm, creating a shield from the bark on his arm, and creating glowing lights. I wanted to make sure to get all of these. A lot of them don’t really impact his combat effectiveness, but it doesn’t feel like Groot without them. I considered making a baby Groot statblock instead, but most his abilities are the same in either baby or normal size, so I choose adult Groot instead. If you want to emulate baby Groot, here are my quick changes: Size Tiny, Str –8, Dex +4, Con –8, Int –4, Wis –4, Cha +2, Racial Bonus +8 Perform (dance).
That’s it for this week! Please let me know if you would like to see some movie and comic characters. These characters are usually really easy to stat up! If you end up bringing Groot into your game, or you have any request for a future Monstrous Physique, please drop me a line at KnowDirection@hotmail.com
