Dungeons & Dragons 2024 (D&D) Monster/NPC: Noran

At first glance, the noran appears as an ordinary petrified tree full of knots and holes. What gives it away is its face growing out of the trunk, with two eyelids and a mouth filled with teeth that look like crudely-sharpened wooden stakes. Above the noran's face is a hollow but sturdy 4-foot long, 2-foot diameter branch. The noran also possesses three prehensile branches, each ending in long sharp claws. The noran can move, albeit slowly, by crawling on the ground with its thick stubby roots. It is normally found at the edges of bogs, gloomy forests, and swamps, where it can blend easily. A few have also been discovered living deep within the Underdark.

Ambush Hunter. The noran is an aggressive carnivorous creature. While it still needs water and soil nutrients, it is nourished mainly by meat. The noran is usually an ambush hunter, waiting for prey to wander close to it. Once its target is within range, the noran explodes into action, attacking with its powerful claws at blinding speed. Most victims are torn to pieces by the initial assault. Those that manage to survive are grappled by the noran and bitten until it is dead.

Deadly Cannoneer. What makes the noran deadly is its ability to shoot rocks from its hollow cannon-like branch located above its face. The noran has a body organ that can trap and heat air, allowing it to build pressure within its trunk cavity until it decides to release it. If the noran has a rock loaded within its cannon's aperture, it can release the built-up pressure and shoot the rock with tremendous power. The noran can aim the rock accurately at distances of 120 feet. Most prey are instantly killed by the rock's blow which is strong enough to shatter bone and break spinal columns. Those that survive are either stunned or knocked unconscious, giving the noran ample time to reach it.

Awakened Tree. The noran, said to be distantly related to treants, is an intelligent tree that understands the value of coin and treasure. The noran usually collect them, keeping them within its cavity. It may be a voracious predator, but it is intelligent enough to recognize mutually beneficial arrangements. As long as it is paid and fed well, it can be hired to serve as a sentry. While the noran itself isn't an evil creature, it has been known to associate with green dragons, hags, harpies, malignos, quicklings, redcaps, and tikbalangs.