Treants were awakened trees that dwelled in ancient forests, whiling away years in quiet contemplation. They were typically guardians of their forest, possessing immense strength, wisdom, and deep connection to the natural world. While generally indistinguishable from a regular tree, they occasionally moved slowly but purposefully if needed. Through their root network, they could call wild creatures to aid them or carry messages across great distances.
A tree destined to become a treant meditated through a long cycle of seasons, living normally for decades or centuries before realizing its potential. Trees that awakened did so only under special circumstances, and in places steeped with nature's magic. Treants and powerful druids could sense when a tree has the spark of potential, and they protected such trees in secret groves as they drew near the moment of their awakening.
During the long process of awakening, a tree acquired face-like features in their bark, a division of the lower trunk into legs, and long branches bending downward to serve as arms. When they were ready, the tree pulled its legs free from the clutching earth and joined their fellows in protecting its woodland home. They continued to grow exactly as they did when they were a tree.
Treants created from the mightiest trees could reach great sizes while developing an innate magical power over plants and animals. Such beings could use magic to control other plants to ensnare and trap intruders, such as Animated Trees.