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Petrifern

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This tiny, unassuming tree is shaped like a miniature person, with branches for arms and roots for feet.

Petrifern CR 1/6

XP 65
N Diminutive plant
Init –1; Senses blindsight 30 ft.; Perception –2

DEFENSE

AC 15, touch 13, flat-footed 15 (–1 Dex, +2 natural, +4 size)
hp 5 (1d8+1)
Fort +3, Ref –1, Will –2
Defensive Abilities toxic secretion; Immune plant traits

OFFENSE

Speed 20 ft.
Space 1 ft.; Reach 0 ft.

STATISTICS

Str 2, Dex 9, Con 13, Int —, Wis 6, Cha 9
Base Atk +0; CMB –5; CMD 1
SQ petrify

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Petrify (Ex)

A petrifern can petrify itself as a standard action in order to defend itself from predators. When it does so, the petrifern's natural armor bonus to AC increases by 5, it gains resistance 10 to cold and fire, and it can take 20 on Stealth checks to appear as a sprout or fallen tree branch.

While petrified, the petrifern can't move or take any actions. A petrifern can remain petrified indefinitely, and can cease its petrification as a standard action.

Toxic Secretion (Ex)

Petriferns secrete a bitter toxin meant to make them distasteful to predators. Once per day when a creature touches a petrifern, the plant can release its toxin, causing the attacker to become sickened for 1d4 rounds if it fails a DC 11 Fortitude saving throw. The save DC is Constitution-based.

ECOLOGY

Environment any forests
Organization solitary, bundle (2–14), or hive (15–60)
Treasure none

The petrifern is an unusual plant creature that resembles a small humanoid-shaped fern, and is able to walk about on its roots. It has the unusual ability to petrify itself at will, hardening its branches and leaves to resemble those of a plant that has been fossilized by natural means. A petrifern's chemical makeup not only allows it to petrify itself, but also doubles as a toxin that the plant can emit from its foliage when it senses danger.

Like all plants, petriferns subsist on sunlight, oxygen, and water. But unlike most flora, they can relocate themselves to ensure they always receive an abundance of nutrients. Once rooted, a petrifern typically petrifies itself until either the nearby soil is depleted of nutrients or external factors cause it to seek sustenance elsewhere.

Petriferns reach a maximum height of 1 foot and weigh up to 3 pounds.

Section 15: Copyright Notice

Pathfinder Player Companion: Familiar Folio © 2015, Paizo Inc.; Authors: Will McCardell, Philip Minchin, Mark Seifter, and Jerome Virnich