Mutant Vines

Mutant vines are a carnivorous plant which was the result of a genetic experiment gone bad. The R&D department tried to produce a plant-based sap which could replace the slugs as a more manageable source of adhesive, but in the process created an abomination that grabs its prey, squeezes them to submission, and then eats them alive. Gloodood Industries tried to destroy all traces of the plant, but spores were inevitably left in the East Forest. Weed killing efforts have aided in mitigating widespread growth, but they are still found in patches throughout the forest.

Identification

Mutant vines are hard to spot. The vines themselves are hidden underground leaving hardly noticeable sprouts. When prey is effectively on top of the sprouts, they will unleash themselves, and quickly grab their prey. Pulling oneself out of the vine's clutches is very difficult, and could become impossible as more vines wrap themselves around the prey's body. During this process it will squeeze the prey, causing intense pain and possible paralysis if it snaps the prey's spine. When the prey has been subdued by this squeezing it will pull the body into its unseen maw. By this time the prey will most likely be dead, either due to snapping its neck or asphyxiation from squeezing its chest and/or throat.

Prevention

If one is attempting to trek where mutant vines are known to be hiding, the best defense is a sharp knife which can cut the vines and cause damage. Typically a mutant vine plant has between 4 and 10 "arms" but it will usually retreat if at least 4 of them have been cut off. The only way to completely defeat a mutant vine plant is by either pulling it out of the ground, leaving no roots behind, which requires industrial equipment, or by spraying a large amount of weed killer.