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Archives of Nethys

Archives of Nethys

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PFS StandardArboreal Archive

Arboreal archives are solitary beings typically found in the remote wilderness. These ancient monoliths hold the memories of their vast territories, keeping mental records of the passing seasons of the world around them. Their knowledge of humanoid affairs varies, as they find quickly shifting political situations difficult to comprehend, but through fungal networks, reports from arboreal wardens, and other woodland chatter, arboreal archives learn of each storm, drought, or logging threat encountered throughout their long years. They primarily observe and record rather than interfere, but they willingly offer wisdom to those who respectfully seek them out. Arboreal regents call upon archives for advice in times of strife, conferring on the best course of action to protect their realms.

It is rare for there to be more than one arboreal archive in a given region. When an archive senses they're nearing the end of their lengthy lifespan, a grove of regents gathers to nominate the wisest among them to become the next archive. After four seasons' deliberation, all arboreals in the area congregate to witness the succession ritual, during which the elder arboreal archive transfers their collected wisdom to the elected replacement before retiring.

Recall Knowledge - Plant (Nature): DC 30
Unspecific Lore: DC 28
Specific Lore: DC 25

Elite | Normal | Weak
Proficiency without Level

Changes from being Weak are marked in red below.
NOTE: The -2 damage penalty to non-strike offensive abilities (-4 if the ability is limited, such as spells) is NOT factored in.

Weak Arboreal ArchiveCreature 11

Legacy Content

NG Huge Plant 
Source Bestiary 3 pg. 21
Perception +25; low-light vision, tremorsense (imprecise) 60 feet
Languages Arboreal, Common, Sylvan; speak with plants
Skills Athletics +21, Diplomacy +20, Forest Lore +26 (applies to the arboreal archive's territory), Nature +23, Stealth +17 (+21 in forests)
Str +7, Dex -1, Con +5, Int +4, Wis +7, Cha +4
AC 31; Fort +21, Ref +15, Will +25
HP 210; Resistances bludgeoning 10, piercing 10; Weaknesses axe vulnerability, fire 15
Axe Vulnerability An arboreal archive takes 10 additional damage from axes.Abeyance Rift If an arboreal archive dies unexpectedly before passing on their knowledge in a succession ritual, the amassed lore within their roots and boughs explodes out in a shock wave that deals 8d10 mental damage to creatures within 30 feet (DC 30 basic Will save) before dissipating; those who fail also fall prone.
Speed 25 feet
Melee [one-action] branch +23 [+18/+13] (reach 15 feet), Damage 3d10-2+10 bludgeoning plus Improved KnockdownPrimal Innate Spells DC 30, attack +22 (-4 dmg); 6th tangling creepers; 3rd earthbind (at will); 2nd entangle; Constant (4th) speak with plants
Memory Maelstrom [three-actions] (concentrate, incapacitation, mental, nonlethal, primal) The arboreal archive tries to overwhelm foes with a surge of information it has absorbed over its long life. This surge deals 5d6 mental damage to each enemy within 40 feet, who must attempt a DC 30 Will save.
Critical Success The creature maintains its composure, takes no damage, and is temporarily immune to Memory Maelstrom for 1 minute.
Success The creature is stunned 1 and takes half damage.
Failure The creature takes full damage and is stunned 3.
Critical Failure The creature takes double damage, is confused for 2d4 rounds, and is stunned 3.

Sidebar - Additional Lore Painting Memories

As with all arboreals, no two arboreal archives are identical in appearance. The uniquely patterned bark of arboreal archives makes them even more distinct from one another, painting a mysterious and unique record of their knowledge of Verduran Lore. Practitioners of primal magic believe the earthy colors adorning each arboreal archive's body hold clues about the memories and myths the creature collects and preserves.

All Monsters in "Arboreal"

NameLevel
Arboreal Archive12
Arboreal Reaper7
Arboreal Regent8
Arboreal Warden4
Awakened Tree6
Canopy Elder19

Arboreal

Source Bestiary pg. 24
Arboreals are guardians of the forest and representatives of the trees. As longlived as the woods they watch over, arboreals consider themselves parents and shepherds of trees rather than their gardeners. Consequently, while arboreals tend to be slow and methodical, they are terrifyingly swift when forced to fight in defense of the woods. Though they rarely seek out the companionship of short-lived folk—even elves are fugacious in the eyes of arboreals—and have an inherent distrust of change, arboreals have been known to tolerate those who seek to learn from their long-winded, rambling monologues, especially if such pupils also express a desire to protect the timberlands. Against those who threaten their realm, such as loggers eager to harvest lumber or settlers aiming to establish croplands or a town, arboreals’ wrath is unwavering and devastating. Perhaps ironically, arboreals are gifted at tearing down what others build—a trait that serves vengeful members of their kind well.

Sidebar - Additional Lore Felled Arboreals

Arboreals have a great respect for dead members of their species. Their elaborate burial rituals involve laying the fallen arboreal down in a mossy bed in the center of a grove of saplings. The decomposing arboreal nourishes the saplings, ensuring the growth of a new generation of trees.

Sidebar - Additional Lore Fungus Network

Particularly old arboreal regents and other powerful arboreals can tap into the extensive network of fungus that connects the roots of all the trees in the forest. By doing so, the arboreal can learn of threats throughout the entire woodland, even from miles away.

Sidebar - Additional Lore Late Bloomers

Though they grow faster than trees, arboreals take decades to reach maturity. They spend their early years rooted in place, developing an affinity with the flora of their homeland and attuning to its rhythms while adult arboreals keep a watchful eye on their progress. After the first century, young arboreals become more mobile, often apprenticing with senior arboreals in their territory as they take up the mantle of forest guardian.