Snapback Sapling (5e Hazard)
Snapback Sapling[edit]
Traveling through dense forest can be dangerous. If the party travels single file through the dense forest, replace one entry in your Random Encounters table with the Snapback Sapling. OMEN/SIGN: The forest here is very thick, with dense underbrush and many stout, elastic saplings that spring back when pushed aside. EFFECT: A randomly selected party member, other than the first in line, must make a DC 17 Dex(Acrobatics) save or be whip-slapped by a strong yet elastic young tree that "snaps back" into position after being pushed aside by the preceding party member. On a failed save, roll 1d6 on the following table: (1) slapped hard in the face/helmet for 1d3 bludgeoning damage and a bloody nose, (2) slapped hard in the solar plexus, wind knocked out of you, can't speak and -3 to hit for one minute (3) primary weapon/item slapped from your hand, lands 3+d6 feet away (4) foot slapped from under you--you're now prone, (5) hat/helmet/headgear slapped off head, lands 3+d12 feet away, (no hat? a big chunk of your hair/beard is sliced clean off), (6) slaps and destroys a random item of gear (not weapon or armor) on your person. REWARD: If the party closely investigates a Snapback Sapling, a Ranger, Druid or Archer may make a DC 12 Intelligence(Nature) check to recognize that this snappy sapling could be made into a masterwork (+1) longbow by a good bowyer or weapon smith. OPTIONAL COUNTERMEASURE: If the party decides to cut/hack their way through the forest, instead of pushing the undergrowth and samplings aside, the effect of the Snapback Sapling is negated. However, the movement rate of the party is reduced to half the normal movement rate in similar forested terrain.
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