For sapient Huorn Folk and Ents, SEE TreeFolk; here, we are considering their simpler relatives, the huorn tree-beasts. SEE also Willow, Old Man Willow, entry.| Class: | Vegimal, beast to Folk |
| Hab: | Forests, and, from deep taiga to tree-dappled veldt |
| Fre: | Common - more so than is generally realized |
| Num: | 1-10,000 |
| Lair: | 20% near water or mineral-rich "wallow" |
| Size: | Tree-sized (equally varied) |
| Move: | 20 mph |
| Def: | Tree-tough and massive |
| Att: | Giant clubbing branches |
| Int: | Dull beast to Human, as they shade form vegimal critter to Ent Folk |
| Spec: | "Call Ent," "Awaken (other) Trees," incredible strength |
| Posns: | Reserves of water and minerals, incredible local knowledge |
Huorn
For sapient Huorn Folk and Ents, SEE TreeFolk; here, we are considering their simpler relatives, the huorn tree-beasts. SEE also Willow, Old Man Willow, entry.
As derived from the descriptions penned by JRR Tolkien, the huorn could be normal trees, given motivation and mobility similar to that of a simple beast, pet, peasant, or guardian, by the masters of the forest, the tree-herder Ent Folk, or the huorn could be degenerate Ents. Naturally, it is likely that there are several versions which simple Humanoid observers confuse; these various versions may mingle and cross-breed, and are as varied as regular trees.
Some huorn tree-beasts are normal trees whose inherent spirits are "awakened," their awareness and intelligence enhanced and given a measure of mobility to match their motivation; this is somewhat the reverse of the degenerative process by which some Ents' spirits become "treeish," sleepy, and regress into little more than ordinary trees of vaguely Humanoid form. Other huorn are normal trees inhabited by some additional spirit; in a Lovecraftian setting, the inhabiting spirits are likely to be alien and inimical.
A more "natural" form of huorn are simply mobile "vegimals," trees as active, at least at times, as any beast, with little in the way of special spiritual significance.
The huorn described by Tolkien may be wild and degenerate, but they are not actually evil; their simple minds are motivated by a desire to protect their woodlands. They are essentially the guardian-servants of the masters of the forest, the tree-herder Ents. To those who understand them, the huorn may be as friendly as any well-trained and beloved pet.
Huorn spend most of their time placid and still, much as any inanimate tree. Their senses, however, are constantly monitoring their environment. When they sense something of significance, they communicate with each other, other varieties of tree-beasts, Huorn Tree-Folk, and Ents. Their language is subtle; mortal ears cannot distinguish it from the normal background noises of the forests. It may be a while before the huorn - or their Entish masters - determine how to deal with a matter, but once the huorn are motivated, they are able to move swiftly - swiftly, yet surprisingly quietly and unseen - until ready for open action. Despite their great size, the huorn are able to blend in with their surroundings; this is more that simple camouflage, it is a manipulation of shadow, or perhaps a shadowing of the minds about them. This may be a part of their own nature-spirit power, or it may be the power of their Entish masters, aiding them.
Active huorn were said to have torn through the mighty stone walls of Isengard as though they were but bread-crust.
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