Bush-Ents (4e Race)

Bush-Ent

By Ramon Puasa Jr.

Hidden masters of camouflage, Bush-ents are a force to be reckoned with

Racial Traits

Average Height: 3-5 feet.

Average Weight: 20-70lbs

Ability Scores: +2 Intelligence, +2 Dexterity or Constitution

Size: Small

Speed: 5 squares

Vision: Low-light

Languages: Common, Elven

Skill Bonuses: +2 Stealth, +2 Nature

Fey Plant: You are considered a Fey for the purpose of effects relating to creature origin. You are considered a Plant for the purpose of effects relating to that keyword.

Photosynthesize: Rather than sleep, you enter a passive state in which you photosynthesize. You need to spend 4 hours in this state to gain the same benefits of a 6-hour extended rest. Whilst photosynthesizing you are fully aware of your surroundings and notice approaching enemies and other events as normal. In addition you are considered to have consumed food if you were able to photosynthesize in direct sunlight.

Protector of the Forest: When your bush-ent character gains a class utility power after 1st level, you can forgo taking a power granted to you by your class. Instead you gain a bush-ent utility power of the same level or lower.

Root Burst: You have the root burst power.

Root Burst	Bush-Ents Racial Power
In an attempt to turn the tides of battle, roots burst from the ground ensnaring the opponents around him.
Encounter
Minor Action	Close burst 1
Target: All enemies in burst
Attack: Dexterity + 2 or Constitution + 2 Vs. Reflex
Hit: The target is immobilized until the end of your next turn.
Effect: Squares in the burst are considered to be difficult terrain until the end of your next turn.
Level 11: Dexterity + 4 or Constitution + 4 Level 12: Dexterity + 6 or Constitution + 6

Bush-ents are smaller beings than normal ents, allowing them to better live among other creatures. Their smaller size and peaceful demeanor, as well as their connections to nature, have coaxed good relations with others like elves and fey people like eladrin. Bush-ents are considered to be more primal than hamadryads, who have attuned to a more human form.

Physical Qualities

Bush-ents have leafy layers on the outside and a really thin body overall. Root-like appendages form rudimentary limbs, giving bush-ents mobility. Sometimes they are covered with thorns or flowers for protection or pollination. They can be as thin as twigs, but can seem much larger in depending on the situation. Some have stronger limbs made of woven plant matter. They are green year-round and are perfectly at home in the forest.

In tune with their natural surroundings, bush-ents will not wear much of anything. Not only do they have nothing to show, but they don't see clothes as necessary. Their bodies sometimes appear to be wearing clothes anyway, with the leaves on them. If they must, they will only wear clothes of natural make; that is leafy shirts, bark shoes, and the like. On rare occasions, they may have berry-like beads in their branches, stone bracelets, or even wear leather products. But they absolutely abhor metal.

Attitudes and Beliefs

One with nature, the bush-ents are created by Melora, as a free-people, who will protect the forest, and will never allow the other races to destroy their home. Though they may prefer to hide and stay hidden, within the bush-ents lie a piece of Melora herself, and they will defend their homes from any forces that encroach, be they that of Erathis or the Far Plane.

Generally taught to keep to themselves and hide, some decide an adventure is the right path, and refuse to root to the spot like some of their ancestors. When in groups, they are picky about protecting the forest and will attack at any sign of littering or destruction of natural beauty. They get along with treants, sometimes acting as servants or mercenaries for them. They often hate cities and towns. But if the forest in danger, they may seek help and learn the way of city life.

Bush-Ent Communities

Bush-Ent communities are small and compact, being very picky. It is an honor if you are accepted into a bush-ent community, as they are generally suspicious of all outsiders. To be accepted means to also have some favor from Melora herself, or at least acknowledgment that you are on nature's side. They usually have the young sapling ents be the tenders of the forest, leaving the older and stronger to protect the forest. They are somewhat rare and aren't treated well or poorly when in adventuring groups.

Bush-Ent Adventurers

Bush-Ents favor the druid, cleric, and thief classes. Three sample bush-ent adventurers are described below.

Durian was a paladin bush-ent, who praised Avandra. After freeing his family from a treant who enslaved his family. Despite his small stature and weak strength, he uses everything to his advantage and can win against most opponents.

Flower was raised in a garden, and some magic brought her to life. After killing her owners who in her mind captured her, she ran away and tried to protect other plants as a druid. No one knows of her and has killed anyone who stood in her way...

Alder is a simple ent. He simply likes the forest, and views it as his home. He respects it and cares for it, and praises Melora, for the life he gets to live. Of course, if anyone invades his home, and tries to overtake it, Melora's wrath comes in the form of a small powerful ent.

Roleplaying a Bush-Ent

Play a bush-ent if you want...

• To be a rare creature
• In tune with nature
• A master of disguise
• Be a race that will protect the forest above all else.

Bush-Ent Characteristics: Shy, stubborn, deceptive, and smart.

Male Names: Hickory, Oak, Willow, Pine, or other names of trees that are wilder, and aren't grown for fruit.

Female Names: Berry, Ivy, Lantana, Cocoa, or anything that grows flowers.

Bush-Ent Racial Feats

Heroic Tier Racial Feats

Name	Description

Paragon Tier Racial Feats

Name	Description

Epic Tier Racial Feats

Name	Description

Bush-Ent Utility Powers

When your bush-ent character gains a class utility power after 1st level, you can forgo taking a power granted to you by your class. Instead, you gain a bush-ent utility power of the same level or lower.

Forest Thorns	Bush-Ent Utility 6
Male bush-ents can summon a particularly nasty root burst, jagged with splinters and thorns.
Encounter  Primal
No Action	Personal
Trigger: You use your root burst racial power.
Effect: Targets hit by your root burst power are also grabbed and take damage equal to your Dexterity or Constitution modifier.

Bloom	Bush-Ent Utility 6
Female bush-ents have buds that bloom into dazzlingly beautiful flowers when they create a root burst.
Encounter  Primal, Charm
No Action	Personal
Trigger: You use your root burst racial power.
Effect: The root burst targets Will instead of Reflex. Creatures immobilized by your root burst cannot attack you.

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