Reapers

Description
A harmless looking tree can be the end, if a traveler isn't aware of this danger. Reapers are trees, occupied by evil spirits, transforming them in death-traps. Reapers are either rooted to the ground, or can only move around slowly. But they make up for this with their long, tentacle-like branches and their strong magic spells, which can spell doom for everyone near. But since its body is wood, fire will destroy a Reaper very fast.

They can be found mainly in forests, especially Spiritwood, but also dwell within dungeons. They hoard great treasures and are excellent hunting for those looking to raise funds.

Lore
''These grim creatures stand upright on trunk-like bodies and wave many tentacles at their prey. The evil reaper can also reputedly cast different energy fields, and this is considered a most vicious opponent.''

- from "The History of Britannia", Ultima IV

''Reapers are strong and enduring, and do severe damage by bludgeoning. Their weakness is their immobility; for they cannot change locations. They throw magical bolts at distant foes. They also bludgeon nearby creatures with their tentacles. Reapers are quite hardy, but often worth the trouble. They hoard good booty.''

- from "The Book of Lore", Ultima V

''A remnant of an ancient enchanted forest swallowed up long ago in a cataclysmic upheaval, the reaper at first appears as a solitary tree trunk rooted in the dungeon rock. Closer examination reveals a grim intelligence which lashes out with long, gnarled branches and magical bolts of destruction. But, the resourceful adventurer can turn the threat of the reaper into the evening's campfire, ofttimes uncovering hidden treasure in the process.''

- from "Compendium", Ultima VI

''Legend tells us that the first Reapers were born when an ancient, enchanted forest was swallowed up in a cataclysmic upheaval long ago. Ever since, these animate, arcane treeforms have been found in subterranean places, often guarding some object they fancy or patrolling their chosen territory. The common Reapers of Britannia are fully mobile for only a brief period in their life cycle, but the specimens to be found here can wander about at will (though quite slowly). Although their wildly swinging branches often miss their targets, one blow that strikes a valiant warrior can do more damage than any sword thrust. Therefore, Reapers are a serious menace, to be avoided by the inexperienced warrior.''

- from "Memoirs of Cabirus", Ultima Underworld

''The reaper is actually a malevolent tree spirit that has the power to reach out and grab passers-by in its long, powerful branches. The reaper also possesses the magical power to unleash destructive bolts of lightening. As it is a creature made of dry, dead wood, it is quite vulnerable to fire''

- from "Fellowship", Ultima VII

''The legends relate that long ago, an enchanted sentient forest sank underground in a great cataclysm, and there the trees that composed it mutated into something that could survive in the underworld. Reapers appear as ambulatory trees, broken and bare of leaves. Their thick limbs can deliver blows of enormous power, and for all its flexibility their wood is as resistant as any oak or pine. There are a few unconfirmed reports of magic use among the reapers.''

- from "A Safe Passage through Britannia", Ultima Underworld II

Evolution in the series

 * First appearance: Ultima IV


 * Last appearance: Ultima VII/2

Reapers first appeared in Ultima IV. From there on, they changed very little in all the installments they appeared in. The only difference was that sometime they can move, and sometimes not.