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Thornwood Pixies

—

by

Dale
in

From: Twisted Labyrinth of the Fae

These diminutive sprites have become grotesque parodies of their former selves, their bodies gnarled and overgrown with thorns. They flit through the labyrinth, leaving trails of thorny vines that ensnare and poison unwary travelers.

Lore of the Thornwood Pixies: In the days of yore, the pixies of the Whispering Woods were renowned for their playful nature and delicate beauty. They flitted through the sun-dappled glades, their laughter echoing through the trees. Their wings shimmered like iridescent jewels, and their touch brought healing and growth to the forest. However, as the chaos took root in the faerie lord’s heart, it spread like a blight, twisting and corrupting all it touched. The pixies, once symbols of life and joy, became grotesque parodies of their former selves.

Their delicate forms became gnarled and twisted, their once-vibrant wings withered and tattered. Thorns sprouted from their skin, a painful reminder of their corrupted nature. Their laughter turned into spiteful cackles, and their once-healing touch now brought pain and decay. They became creatures of vengeance, their anger directed at the intruders who dared to enter their twisted domain.

These Thornwood Pixies now flit through the labyrinth, leaving behind trails of thorny vines that ensnare and poison unwary travelers. They revel in the suffering of others, their laughter a chilling soundtrack to the labyrinth’s twisted horrors.

Thornwood Pixie

  • Tier: 1
  • Type: Fey
  • Size: Tiny
  • Alignment: Chaotic Evil
  • Armor Class: 15 (Natural Armor)
  • Hit Points: 7 (2d4 + 2)
  • Speed: 40 ft., fly 40 ft.
  • STR 3 (-4) | DEX 18 (+4) | CON 14 (+2) | INT 10 (+0) | WIS 11 (+0) | CHA 8 (-1)
  • Skills: Acrobatics +6, Stealth +6
  • Damage Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing from Nonmagical Attacks
  • Condition Immunities: Charmed, Frightened
  • Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10
  • Languages: Sylvan
  • Challenge: 1/4 (50 XP)

Actions:

  • Thorn Sting: Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 1 piercing damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 12 Constitution saving throw or take 5 (2d4) poison damage.
  • Entangling Vines (Recharge 5-6): The pixie creates a 10-foot square of thorny vines in an unoccupied space it can see within 30 feet of it. The vines last for 1 minute, or until the pixie is incapacitated. A creature that enters the area for the first time on a turn or starts its turn there must succeed on a DC 12 Strength saving throw or be restrained. A creature restrained by the vines can use its action to make a DC 12 Strength check. On a success, it frees itself.

Strategy: Thornwood Pixies are agile and elusive, preferring to strike from the shadows and then retreat to safety. They use their Entangling Vines to hinder and trap their opponents, then attack with their Thorn Stings. They are often found in groups, swarming their prey with their poisonous attacks.

Vulnerabilities: Thornwood Pixies are vulnerable to fire damage, as their thorny bodies are highly flammable.

Tags: Fey, Plant, Poison, Swarm

Battle Tactics of the Thornwood Pixies: Thornwood Pixies are cunning and malicious fighters, utilizing their small size, agility, and poisonous attacks to their advantage. They rarely engage in direct confrontation, preferring to harass and weaken their foes from afar. Their typical strategy involves creating a web of thorny vines to entangle and immobilize their targets, then swarming them with their venomous stings.

They often attack in groups, their tiny forms flitting around their victims in a chaotic dance. Their stings, while not individually powerful, can quickly overwhelm a foe with their cumulative poison damage. They are also adept at using the environment to their advantage, hiding in dense foliage or darting through narrow passages to avoid attacks.

Environment: Thornwood Pixies are most commonly found in the overgrown sections of the Twisted Labyrinth of the Fae, where the chaotic magic has caused the flora to become twisted and overgrown. They prefer areas with dense foliage, as it provides ample cover for their ambushes and allows them to quickly disappear after striking. They may also be found near sources of decay or rot, as they seem to draw power from the corruption of the natural world.

Remains: The remains of a Thornwood Pixie, while seemingly insignificant, can be surprisingly useful. Their thorns, while poisonous, can be carefully harvested and used to create potent toxins or antidotes. Their wings, though withered, can be ground into a fine powder that, when combined with certain herbs, can enhance the potency of healing potions. Even their gnarled bodies can be used to create potent fetishes or talismans, channeling their chaotic energy for various magical purposes.

In the hands of a skilled alchemist or enchanter, the remains of a Thornwood Pixie can be transformed into valuable tools and resources, a testament to the twisted power that these creatures wield.

Above are three examples of Thornwood Pixies

Sensory and Extrasensory Perceptions of a Thornwood Pixie:

  • Sight:
    • Description: A tiny, hunched figure flitting through the shadows, its silhouette barely discernible against the tangled foliage. Closer inspection reveals a creature resembling a grotesque pixie, its body gnarled and twisted, covered in thorns and barbs. Its wings, once delicate, are now tattered and withered, barely capable of flight. Glowing, malevolent eyes peer out from beneath a tangled mane of thorny hair.
    • Positives: Difficult to spot in the undergrowth, their movements are quick and erratic, making them hard to track.
    • Negatives: Their appearance is unsettling and disturbing, often causing a visceral reaction of fear and disgust.
  • Sound:
    • Description: A high-pitched, cackling laughter that echoes through the labyrinth, bouncing off the walls and disorienting those who hear it. The rustling of leaves and snapping of twigs as the pixie moves through the undergrowth. A faint buzzing sound, like that of a swarm of insects, as it prepares to attack.
    • Positives: Can be used to locate the pixie’s general vicinity or to anticipate an attack.
    • Negatives: The laughter can be unnerving and distracting, causing fear and paranoia.
  • Smell:
    • Description: A sickly sweet scent, reminiscent of rotting fruit and decaying vegetation. A subtle undertone of venom and decay, hinting at the pixie’s poisonous nature.
    • Positives: Can be used to track the pixie’s movements or to identify areas it has recently inhabited.
    • Negatives: The smell can be nauseating and can cause headaches or dizziness in those with sensitive noses.
  • Touch:
    • Description: The pixie’s touch is like a pinprick, followed by a burning sensation as its thorns inject venom into the skin. Its body is rough and prickly, its wings like brittle parchment.
    • Positives: Can be used to confirm the pixie’s presence and to determine its location in darkness.
    • Negatives: Extremely painful and can cause serious injury or even death if the venom is not treated promptly.
  • Taste: (Not applicable as it would be inadvisable and potentially lethal to taste a Thornwood Pixie)
  • Extrasensory Perceptions:
    • Empathy: Those sensitive to emotions may feel a wave of malice, spite, and resentment emanating from the pixie.
    • Aura Sight: The pixie’s aura appears as a sickly green haze, flickering with sparks of chaotic energy.
    • Nature Sense: Those attuned to nature may feel a sense of unease and corruption in the presence of a Thornwood Pixie, as if the very essence of the forest is being twisted and poisoned.

The Thornwood Pixie is a creature that evokes a sense of primal fear and disgust. Its twisted appearance, poisonous touch, and malevolent aura make it a formidable foe, even for experienced adventurers. The combination of sensory and extrasensory perceptions paints a vivid picture of a creature that is both repulsive and dangerous, a true embodiment of the chaos that has infected the Twisted Labyrinth of the Fae.

Ballad of Thorns and Woe

In the days of yore, before shadow twisted the wood, Pixies danced with laughter, wings of light they would. Joy filled their tiny hearts, gentle touch they bestowed, upon flora and fauna, life and love they sowed.

But darkness crept forth, as a serpent’s cold hiss, the Fae Lord fell, a heart full of amiss. And the Pixies too, were twisted and turned, their laughter now shrill, their hearts full of scorn.

Thorns sprouted forth, from skin once so fair, wings once of sunlight, now tattered despair. Poison filled their veins, once filled with mirth, woe to those who cross their path, upon this cursed earth.

No longer they dance, in sun-kissed delight, but flit in the shadows, with venomous bite. Beware their thorny grasp, their poisoned sting, for joy turned to sorrow, a terrible thing.

So heed this tale, of the Thornwood Pixies’ plight, for innocence lost, can turn day into night. And remember this well, as you tread through the wood, that darkness can twist, even that which is good.

The Moral: Let not joy be lost, to shadows of doubt, for even the purest heart, can be turned about.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

Thornwood Pixie

  • STR: 3 CON: 14 SIZ: 4 INT: 10 POW: 11 DEX: 18 APP: 8
  • Skills: Stealth 70%, Dodge 75%
  • Attacks: Thorn Sting 60%, damage 1D3, Poison (CON save or 2D4 damage)
  • Special: Entangling Vines (STR save or restrained)
  • Sanity Loss: 0/1D4 on seeing a Thornwood Pixie

Blades in the Dark

Thornwood Pixie

  • Tier: I
  • Harm Capacity: 3
  • Armor: 0
  • Quality:
  • Prowess: Agile and hard to hit.
  • Insight: Senses weaknesses and opportunities.
  • Special Abilities:
    • Thorn Sting: Inflicts minor harm and the Poisoned effect.
    • Entangling Vines: Creates a hazardous terrain.

Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)

Thornwood Pixie

  • Tiny fey, chaotic evil
  • Armor Class: 15 (Natural Armor)
  • Hit Points: 7 (2d4 + 2)
  • Speed: 40 ft., fly 40 ft.
  • STR: 3 (-4) | DEX: 18 (+4) | CON: 14 (+2) | INT: 10 (+0) | WIS: 11 (+0) | CHA: 8 (-1)
  • Skills: Acrobatics +6, Stealth +6
  • Damage Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing from Nonmagical Attacks
  • Condition Immunities: Charmed, Frightened
  • Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10
  • Languages: Sylvan
  • Challenge: 1/4 (50 XP)
  • Actions:
    • Thorn Sting: Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 1 piercing damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 12 Constitution saving throw or take 5 (2d4) poison damage.
    • Entangling Vines (Recharge 5-6): The pixie creates a 10-foot square of thorny vines in an unoccupied space it can see within 30 feet of it. The vines last for 1 minute, or until the pixie is incapacitated. A creature that enters the area for the first time on a turn or starts its turn there must succeed on a DC 12 Strength saving throw or be restrained. A creature restrained by the vines can use its action to make a DC 12 Strength check. On a success, it frees itself.

Knave

Thornwood Pixie

  • HP: 3
  • Armor: 0
  • Attack: Thorn Sting (+0 Damage)
  • Special Abilities:
    • Entangling Vines: On a failed STR save, target is entangled.
    • Poison: Target takes additional damage on a failed CON save.

Fate (Accelerated Edition)

Thornwood Pixie

  • High Concept: Twisted Fey of the Thorns
  • Trouble: Poisonous Trickster
  • Aspects:
    • Thorny Vengeance
    • Master of Entanglement
    • Cackling Menace
  • Approaches:
    • Careful: +1
    • Clever: +2
    • Flashy: +1
    • Forceful: -2
    • Quick: +4
    • Sneaky: +3
  • Stunts:
    • Entangling Vines: Create an Advantage with a thorny obstacle.
    • Poisonous Sting: Inflict a Poisoned consequence on a target.

Numenera & The Cypher System

Thornwood Pixie

  • Tier: 1
  • Effort: 1
  • Might Pool: 3
  • Speed Pool: 6
  • Intellect Pool: 3
  • Armor: 1
  • Attacks:
    • Thorn Sting (Speed): 2 points, inflicts Poisoned
    • Entangling Vines (Speed): 1 point, creates difficult terrain
  • Special Abilities:
    • Flight: Can fly short distances.
    • Small: Difficult to target.

Pathfinder (Second Edition)

Thornwood Pixie

  • Creature 1
  • Perception: +5
  • Skills: Acrobatics +6, Stealth +6
  • Str: 3 (-4) Dex: 18 (+4) Con: 14 (+2) Int: 10 (+0) Wis: 11 (+0) Cha: 8 (-1)
  • AC: 15; Fort: +4; Ref: +6; Will: +3
  • HP: 7
  • Speed: 40 feet, fly 40 feet
  • Melee: Thorn Sting +6 (1 piercing, DC 12 Con save or 5 poison)
  • Entangling Vines (Recharge 5-6): DC 12 Str save or restrained.

Savage Worlds

Thornwood Pixie

  • Attributes: Agility d8, Smarts d6, Spirit d6, Strength d4, Vigor d6
  • Skills: Fighting d4, Notice d8, Stealth d10
  • Pace: 6; Parry: 6; Toughness: 3 (2)
  • Edges: Agile, Small
  • Hindrances: Vengeful
  • Special Abilities:
    • Flight: Can fly.
    • Poison: Target takes 2d4 damage on a failed Vigor roll after being hit.
    • Entangling Vines: Target is entangled on a failed Agility roll.

Shadowrun (6th Edition)

Thornwood Pixie

  • Type: Spirit (Fey)
  • Attributes: Body 2, Agility 8, Reaction 7, Strength 1, Willpower 4, Logic 4, Intuition 5, Charisma 3
  • Skills: Infiltration 6, Sneaking 6, Unarmed Combat 3
  • Magic: Spellcasting 4, Illusion 3
  • Powers:
    • Thorn Sting: Physical Damage 3P, AP -1, Poison (Toxin)
    • Entangling Vines: Creates a zone that hinders movement.
  • Weaknesses:
    • Vulnerable to fire and area-effect attacks.

Starfinder (First Edition)

Thornwood Pixie

  • CR: 1/4
  • XP: 50
  • Type: Fey
  • Perception: +5
  • Skills: Acrobatics +6, Stealth +6, Survival +4
  • Str: 3, Dex: 18, Con: 14, Int: 10, Wis: 11, Cha: 8
  • AC: 15; Fort: +4; Ref: +6; Will: +3
  • HP: 7
  • Speed: 40 ft., fly 40 ft.
  • Melee: Thorn Sting +6 (1 piercing plus poison)
  • Special Attacks: Poison (1d4 Con), Entangling Vines (DC 12 Ref)

Traveller (Mongoose 2nd Edition)

Thornwood Pixie

  • Characteristics: Strength 4, Dexterity 14, Endurance 10, Intelligence 9, Education 8, Social 6
  • Skills: Recon 2, Melee (Unarmed) 1
  • Weapons: Thorns (1d6)
  • Armour: None
  • Special:
    • Poison: Target must pass an END test or suffer 1d6 damage each round.
    • Entangling Vines: Target must pass a DEX test or be entangled.

Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (4th Edition)

Thornwood Pixie

  • Profile: WS 30, BS 0, S 10, T 20, Ag 45, Int 30, WP 30, Fel 25
  • Skills: Climb, Dodge, Silent Move
  • Talents: Poisoned Attacks, Entangling Vines (Target must pass an Agility test to avoid being entangled)
  • Traits: Fey, Magical, Poisonous