Maize Leshy

Family: Leshy

Small plant (leshy), neutral

Armor Class 16 (natural armor)
HP 66 (12d6+24)
Speed 30 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
13 (+1)	15 (+2)	14 (+2)	11 (+0)	13 (+1)	12 (+1)

Saving Throws Dex +4, Con +4
Skills Acrobatics +4, Nature +2, Stealth +4 (+5 on farms)
Senses passive Perception 11
Languages Common, Druidic, Sylvan
Challenge 1 (200 XP)

SPECIAL TRAITS

• Plant Speech. crops
• Plant Form. Small maize stalk
• Verdant Burst. When the Maize leshy dies, a burst of primal energy explodes from its body, restoring 4 (1d8) hit points to each plant creature in a 30-foot radius. This area immediately fills with maize stalks, becoming difficult terrain. If the terrain is not viable for maize, they wither after 24 hours.
• Volatile Nature When the leshy suffers fire damage, it pops, causing all creatures within a 20-foot radius to make a DC 13 Constitution saving throw or suffer the effects of Popcorn as detailed below. The first time this effect is triggered, the Maize leshy grows to Medium size and has its AC reduced to 14.
• Popcorn When an enemy is successfully hit by a Kernel attack, the corn kernel sticks to them. Whenever a kernel is exposed to fire, it pops, requiring any creatures adjacent to the kernel to make a DC 13 Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, a target suffers 3 (1d6) bludgeoning damage and is deafened until the end of their next turn. On a success, they are not deafened and take half as much damage. The kernel can be removed using an action.

ACTIONS

• Scythe. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8+2) slashing damage.
• Kernel. Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 30/90 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6+2) bludgeoning damage.

ABOUT

A consistent fear of birds keeps some Maize Leshies confined to indoor activities. These leshies make great distillers, producing spectacular corn-based whiskey. Others address their fears by “befriending” scarecrows, carrying one around or building them near their homes as wards against sky-bound threats.

Growing as a tall, thin stalk, maize is a cereal grain common throughout the world. First cultivated nearly 10,000 years ago, selective breeding has caused maize to lose the ability to grow in the wild, requiring human care to propagate. The ears of this grain hold upwards of 600 kernels, which can be cooked in a variety of dishes, used as feed for livestock, and fermented to make alcohol.

Maize Leshies are important in numerous cultures, acting as farmers and caretakers of livestock. Seasonal harvest festivals honoring the local Maize Leshies are common in rural towns and villages.