Alraune

Alraune are the macabre attempts of Kingdom Plantae to create ambassadors that can communicate with people. The first elven explorers to venture into the jungle died in various ways - their corpses were affected by the natural magic of the Kingdom and returned to find new life in plant form.

Alraune names tend to be a hybrid of their Green Elf "ambassador" and some plant-like designator, to indicate that they have transcended their old form and now act in service to Kingdom Plantae. Green Elves are uncomfortable at the sight of Alraune outside of their floral veils - especially when they are speaking to the body of a deceased family member. There is something deeply unsettling about the interaction.

Alraune physiology
Alraune are large complexes of ambulating vines and lush foliage with a colourful, bulb-like flower structure at their centre. In the depths of these large petals, a faint humanoid form can be distinguished, usually veiled by the surrounding plant matter. This form is actually the reincarnated corpse of a Green Elf explorer. The Alraune can use its humanoid parts to communicate with people in any of the languages that the dead explorer would have known - usually Linguafranca, Elven and one or two other trade languages.

An Alraune gives off a faint, sweet odour with a slight composty undertone. Alraune can only thrive in biospheres where the climate is warm and wet, supporting lush plant growth. While they are largely omnivorous, they are capable of generating energy for themselves through photosynthesis, which releases oxygen in the process. This process is especially useful in times of a food shortage. Alraune respond happily to gifts of fruit or meat, which they will bury and digest over time.

Racial features
(roughly based on the Alraune racial template) Wallflower: Alraune have Advantage on Stealth checks in dense jungle foliage, heavy rain, mist, and other natural phenomena. However, they are vulnerable to fire damage and shy away from open flames.
 * +2 Wis bonus. Medium to Large size, depending on how veiled the Alraune is.
 * Alignment: Neutral. The jungle is chaotic, but the Alraune take their duty as ambassadors seriously - so it balances out.
 * Base speed: 25 feet.

Floral Rest: Alraune root themselves in favourable soil, remaining semiconscious, for 4 hours a day to absorb nutrients from the soil.

Vines: these can be extended and retracted for up to 20 feet at will. Alraune can use them to hang from trees while staying hidden, grapple targets at a distance, use and manipulate simple objects and such, however, they are not strong enough to use weapons.

Alraune Pollen: a light sticky pollen that works like a charm person spell. As an action, they can release a puff of pollen in a 10-foot radius around them or in a 20-foot cone, forcing all creatures in range to make a Tough Constitution saving throw. An affected creature can repeat their saving throw each time they take damage.

Natural Knowledge: Alraune are proficient in the Nature skill.