Roper

"This creature looks much like a natural stalagmite about 10 feet tall. Its great, gaping maw lined with crystalline teeth suggests it is a meat eater."

- Monster Manual 3.5

Ropers are ambush hunters that evolved in the underworld.

Description
They take the appearance of stalagmites and wait for a living creature to draw close.

Combat
When this happens, the roper quickly lashes out with tendrils extruded from its body that wrap around its target, sapping the creature’s strength. The roper then draws its prey into its fang-filled mouth to consume. As a rope never knows when its next meal is coming, they often slay and eat more than they can possibly consume at once.

Variants
There are some varieties of ropers that have evolved on the surface of the world. They take the shape of dead tree trunks and hide within the forest.

History
Despite their monstrous hunger and evil natures, ropers are intelligent and insightful creatures. In the time between feedings, they learn about their surrounding underworld and contemplate philosophy. Religious pilgrims sometimes brave the lair of a roper for a chance to learn the creature’s insight.