Welcome to Bob Blake’s The Bane of Llywelyn (C5, 9109) from 1985, an RPGA Network Official Competition Adventure designed for 6-10 adventurers of levels 4-7. This classic module brought some innovative elements to the table, including the impressive war boomerang, but one of its standout features remains the treacherous Viper Vines—a creature that can add deadly spice to any campaign setting.
Viper Vines are a type of carnivorous, poisonous plant native to tropical forests, but their versatility makes them perfect for indoor and outdoor encounters alike. These vines are nearly indistinguishable from normal vegetation, making them perfect for ambushes, traps, or surprise encounters. Whether creeping along walls in a dungeon or hanging from trees in a jungle, Viper Vines create an atmosphere of danger and unpredictability.
Appearance and Behavior:
Viper Vines are thick, ropy vines approximately 3 inches in diameter, with a brownish-green hue that blends seamlessly into their surroundings. They trail from trees or ceiling beams, their ends often dangling temptingly close to the ground or pathways. Their appearance is deceptively innocuous—most adventurers might mistake them for ordinary vines, making them perfect for setting ambushes.
Combat Capabilities:
Viper Vines have two primary methods of attack. First, they constrict their victims much like a snake, doing 1-4 points of damage each melee round. They can wrap around an unwary prey quickly, squeezing with deadly force. The second attack involves the release of a potent, paralyzing poison from their skin onto the ensnared creature. After constricting a victim for 1-4 melee rounds, the vines exude their venom, which can paralyze or severely weaken the target—saving vs. poison is required to resist this effect.
Tactical Uses:
As a DM, Viper Vines are incredibly versatile. Use them as hidden traps in jungle adventures, lurking in cavernous walls, or draped over the ceiling of a dark temple. They can serve as a deadly obstacle in a forest chase or a stealth encounter in a ruin. Because they look like ordinary vines, they add an element of surprise and tension—perfect for players who love to be caught off guard.
Additional Tips:
Viper Vines are excellent for creating a sense of lurking danger. Use their ability to control the battlefield—entangling a party member before unleashing their poison can turn a simple fight into a tense, strategic challenge. Their poison can be potent, but not lethal—unless the party fails multiple saves, they can be a formidable, but manageable threat.
Inspiration and Resources:
For more on plant-based monsters and deadly wilderness encounters, check out online resources like the D&D Beyond Monster Manual or Kobold Fight Club for ideas on integrating deadly flora like Viper Vines into your campaigns. Their versatility allows DMs to craft scenes of creeping dread and sudden ambushes, adding depth and danger to any adventure.
Viper Vines
Frequency: Rare
No. Appearing: 1-10
Armor Class: 8
Move: 3″
Hit Dice: 4
% in Lair: 0%
Treasure Type: Incidental only
No. of Attacks: 1
Damage/Attack: 1-4
Special Attacks: Poison
Special Defenses: Immune to blunt
weapons
Magic Resistance: Standard
Intelligence: Low
Alignment: Neutral
Size: L(20′ to 50′ long)
Level/X.P. Value: III/110 + 4/hit point
