Battlebriar (4e Monster)

Saddlespike Battlebriar


Purposefully grown by powerful spellcasters to serve as mounts in combat, saddlespike battlebriars are extremely destructive creatures capable of routing small formations of enemy troops. Other than the threat of catching his clothing on one of the creature's many dangerous thorns, a rider has little to worry about, as battlebriars are extremely self-sufficient and able to aptly defend themselves even if unattended. Though not as powerful as some varieties of battlebriars, they more than make up for that fact by possessing increased mobility and by being able to offer their riders a fair degree of protection.

Saddlespike Battlebriar Tactics
A saddlespike battlebriar tries to get close to as many targets as possible to expose them to its flensing thorns aura. If mounted, it uses its entwining briars ability only on command.

Saddlespike Battlebriar Lore
A character knows the following information with a successful Nature check.

DC 20: Saddlespike battlebriars are used as both mounts and living siege engines by those powerful enough to control them. Those left uncommanded are dangerous adversaries indeed.

DC 25: Battlebriars don't feed like an animal might. They can survive like plants do, and thus make excellent eternal guardians.

Encounter Groups
Level 16 Encounter (XP 7,600) — Dryad Grove


 * 2 briar witch dryads (level 13 elite controller, Monster Manual pg. 96)
 * 1 saddlespike battlebriar (level 17 soldier)
 * 1 treant (level 16 elite controller, Monster Manual pg. 251)