This fast-growing ivy-like vine, identifiable by its distinctive five-lobed leaves, is covered with fine hairs and larger thorns that are loaded with a paralytic poison not unlike that which is found in hemlock. Contact with unprotected skin will result in a rapid spreading paralysis that lasts up to 24 hours and can be fatal in many cases. When a victim is paralyzed, the corpse ivy will rapidly grow over them, administering more poison but also sending shoots and runners deep into the victim’s body.

The corpse ivy appears to gain a significant amount of nourishment this way, and when the organic matter of a victim has been consumed, a hollow is left in the midst of a human-shaped vine bundle. These “jack o’vines” as they are known, can rise up and move independently, and are often used as lures for more victims. Some cases are reported of jack o’vines even using the armor and equipment of their victims, though this seems to be rare.

High Inquisitor’s Note:
Some aspects of the victim’s mind still seem to be present in the jack o’vines, as they are known to use combat techniques similar to that of those they have consumed. It’s unknown if they have any other retained knowledge, although one inquisitor did report getting one to answer yes-no questions through nodding.

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