Cathkhala

This article does not represent actual in-game mechanics!It was created for the 2022 mythical creature contest.The article is exempt from wiki rules on false information. If it does not finish within the top three of the contest, it will be turned into a legacy article.
Strange, tall yet very dangerous and poisonous, the cathkhala is a desert plant in which it's giant flower is the main attraction for the unwary, and the hunters. Able to ensnare people by it's roots and fires darts, as well as releasing poisonous spores upon it's death, it is considered a very dangerous creature by the nomads that encounters them in the warm biomes.

### Creature classification:

* Name: Cathkhala
* Type: Aberration/Plant
* Type level: Adept-Class
* Territory: Desert/Mesas
* Loot: Varies

## Backstory:

### Habitat:

The Cathkhala is a dangerous plant native only to the desert and mesas biomes. As this plant nurtures itself from flesh, bones and often carcasses, this makes this plant carnivorous, but it can be seen sometimes near Oasis, where it consumes coconuts and drink water ...

It can survive up to 3 months without any source of consommation, at the only condition that a good source of food (Cf. A humanoid or beast of medium or larger size) presents itself near the said creature. It can sense it's environment thanks to it's roots, which are also used as tools to hunt down creatures near him.

The plant by itself is not that dangerous at it's young age, but remains still a challenge, it is only once the red flower that serves as a "crown" for this plant bloom that the creature becomes a strong and fierceful enemy.

### Combat-wise:

Although notably dangerous, it is quite wise to know how this plant fights, in it's young and maturity:

* When it is young, it is unable to fire darts correctly and will thus, only use it's vines to ensnare and eats creatures ... It is rare but we can see it move at the speed of a snail at this time in age.
* When it is adult, it has gained two abilities, the possibility to fire darts and the dangerous capacity that is a poisonous sac which opens itself when the creature dies, acting like a death burst or dead-man switch.

The darts contains a strong serotoxin which makes the player illuminates and sicks (Glowing and Poison II), in which in position of nearby creatures such as husks or creepers, makes the prey more noticeable and less stealthy... Furthermore, it's vines will attempt ensnaring when the player fights with melee. If it is caught on, the player will have it's life force sapped , and the creature will regenerate a bit of health. The player must react quickly and make sure to not get into difficult situations or cornered by husks, as they pair together dangerously well.

### Taming:

It is widely known, that taming these creatures won't be possible. It is of course a harsh reality, but there's a myth in which people do use seeds harvested from dead Cathkhalas to raises their owns, similar to the accursed carnivorous jungle plant, the Foliaath. The creature will hold no sympathy for you, but will be able to divert attacks from your enemies so they can buy you time... probably... It is quite unsure about it.

### Optimal Gearing:

The best equipment a player should have is potentially be an iron or diamond armor enchanted with a bow and crossbow or, lacking the ammunition or the tools for, an axe and a shield. The player might also wish to stack on health potions and/or speed potions to dodge it's attacks, and good food such as steak for saturation.

### Culture

Strangely enough, the cathkhala can be cultivated into dangerous plantations. Some use it for defensive purposes, others do so for their seeds, vines, and sometimes pink flowers that produces refined luxuries. It is quite unsure if these cultivations still exists nowadays, as it would require a lot of efforts and time, but if someone manages to pull this out. I can guarantee him some rare luck, I presuppose..

## Media

### Videos

Demonstration of the creature's ranged abilities along with a group of husks, at night.

Demonstration of the creature's ensnaring and poison burst ability, at day.

### Pictures of the creature:

Picture of the creature, as seen in-game.

### Outside work:

#### Conception of the creature:

Final Model in BlockBench

Textureless version

#### Artwork of the creature:

Sketch of the creature

Final artwork of the creature