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## Cucurbins
Cucurbins are peaceful creatures, superficially resembling a larger than normal pumpkin that has grown four small stubby legs. They are generally found in more secluded areas of large forests being tended to by groups of pixies. The young cucurbin are generally found attached to a large tree with fiery orange, red and yellow leaves by a thick vine. Although not very intelligent, the cucurbin is sentient, able to communicate telepathically to its fellow cucurbins and the pixies around it about danger. Adult cucurbins stay generally close to their birthing tree, although can rarely be found straying further away. They have a gentle demeanor, albeit a playful and mischievous one, similar to a puppy dog and make loyal companions for any adventurer.
**Sap of life**. When the young cucurbin are still attached to their original tree, there is a notable purple light that runs through the vine into the child. While it is unclear what exactly this magical sap is and does, the prevailing theory is that it is the life force for these cucurbins, giving them the initial spark of life. There have been no documented cases in which this sap has been harvested due to the hidden nature of these creatures.
**Loyal pets**. Cucurbins can be occasionally be found outside of their natural habitats following a kindly druid or ranger who gained the creatures trust. While exceptionally inept in combat, curcurbins for unknown reasons can track down another creature with ease. They are also excellent foragers on account of their direct connection with nature, and can help any adventurer in a pinch.
**Eating**. Cucurbins don’t have mouths like most creatures, instead, gaining sustenance from the sunlight they absorb. They will not survive longer than 3 days within a dark area, such as caves and will do everything within their power to avoid any such area. They absorb water through their waxy outsides and while lacking any obvious methods of sight, they can very easily find a pool of water using the vibration receptors on the bottom of their padded feet.
> ##### VARIANT: CUCURBIN FAMILIAR
> Some cucurbins are willing to serve travellers, druids in particular, as a familiar. Such cucurbins have the following trait. Familiar. The cucurbin can serve another creature as a familiar, forming a magic, telepathic bond with that willing companion. While the two are bonded, the companion can sense what the cucurbin senses as long as they are within 1 mile of each other. While the cucurbin is within 10 feet of its companion, the companion shares the cucurbin’s Connected with Nature trait. At any time and for any reason, the cucurbin can end its service as a familiar, ending the telepathic bond.
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> ## Cucurbin
>*Small plant, chaotic good*
> ___
> - **Armor Class** 15
> - **Hit Points** 25
> - **Speed** 30 ft
>___
>|STR|DEX|CON|INT|WIS|CHA|
>|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|
>|1 (-5)|4 (-3)|14 (+2)|14 (+2)|8 (-1)|18 (+4)|
>___
>
> - **Damage Vulnerabilities** Fire, cold
> - **Condition Immunities** frightened, blinded, deafened
> - **Senses** Blindsight 20 ft
> - **Languages** Understands common and sylvan but cannot speak.
> - **Challenge** 0 (0 xp)
> ___
> ***False Appearance.*** When the cucurbin remains motionless, it is indistinguishable from a regular pumpkin.
>
> ***Sun Dependent.*** While not in sunlight, the cucurbin has disadvantage on ability checks, attack rolls, and saving throws. The cucurbin dies if it spends more than 3 days in direct sunlight.
>
>***Interconnected Vines.*** When the cucurbin takes damage, all other cucurbins within 240 feet of it can sense its pain.
>
> ***Connected to Nature.*** The cucurbin can make any plant around it reach maturity once a day, producing any fruit said plant may bear.
>
> ***Limited Telepathy.*** The cucurbin can magically communicate simple ideas, emotions, and images telepathically with any creature within 100 feet of it that can understand a language.
>
> ### Actions
> ***Ram*** *Melee Weapon Attack:* + 3 to hit, Reach 5ft., one target. *Hit:* 1 bludgeoning damage
>