Demon Weed

The Demon Weed is an Uncommon creature released on Protochroma. It is found only in the Forested Laboratory, its associated Regular Delve, Laboratory Depths, and its associated Limited Run Delves, Drakilin Hideaway and Qidrik Sighting. It may only be encountered in a Delve via triggering a trap while inspecting fruit. Its standard variant is Emerald.

Baby
''This looks like a large germinated seed at first glance until one notices that it moves around and reacts to touch and sound. It doesn't seem like it can see, but it still slowly slithers along the ground regardless.''

Juvenile
''The seed has grown substantially in size, opening up further to reveal a pair of piercing eyes that immediately take notice of anything that approaches it. Several large, writhing vines are sprouting from inside the shell, one of which has large thorns growing from it. It still moves around with a slither, but is also able to stand up on its root-like foot. When the sun is out it likes to bury its roots in the ground and bask in the sunlight.''

Adult
''Demon Weeds are patient ambush predators that lurk in the foliage and rubble throughout forested areas, luring potential prey in with their sweet-smelling, fruit-like lures. When a prospective meal draws close enough, it will ensnare them with its thorny vine and attempt to stuff the now-weakened prey in its massive maw. It will consume smaller creatures whole even if they're still alive, but it will go through the extra effort to ensure larger prey is killed before it attempts to feed on it. They are quite slow-moving, and thus have a difficult time escaping from threats. While they are sturdy and can usually hold their own in a fight against one other creature, a cooperative pack of creatures can easily overwhelm them.''

''In the wild Demon Weeds are often observed fighting Knuttes, with the former attempting to protect their territory and the latter merely being enticed by the prospect of eating a large, juicy fruit. Due to the two being relatively similar in size, these fights are more a matter of survival than one genuinely attempting to eat the other. While they won't eat any Knutte they ensnare, they will ensure that they, at the very least, are gravely wounded and will think twice before attempting to disturb them again. Curiously, Demon Weeds in captivity are very easy to tame and will readily respond to commands if one makes the effort to train them. They're quite good at knowing better than to try and bite the hand that feeds them.''

Trivia

 * Demon Weeds originally appeared only in the Laboratory Depths, where they were initially uncolored lineart.