Fungi
Shrieker Fungus
- Size: Medium
- Type: Plant
- Alignment: Unaligned
- AC: 5
- Initiative: -5 (5)
- HP: 13 (3d8)
- Speed: 5 ft
| ATTR | VAL | MOD | SAVE |
|---|---|---|---|
| STR | 1 | -5 | -5 |
| DEX | 1 | -5 | -5 |
| CON | 10 | +0 | +0 |
| INT | 1 | -5 | -5 |
| WIS | 3 | -4 | -4 |
| CHA | 1 | -5 | -5 |
- Immunities: Blinded, Charmed, Deafened, Frightened
- Senses: Blindsight 30 ft.; Passive Perception 6
- Languages: None
- CR: 0 (XP 0; PB +2)
Reactions
Shriek. Trigger: A creature or a source of Bright Light moves within 30 feet of the shrieker. Response: The shrieker emits a shriek audible within 300 feet of itself for 1 minute or until the shrieker dies.
Violet Fungus
- Size: Medium
- Type: Plant
- Alignment: Unaligned
- AC: 5
- Initiative: -5 (5)
- HP: 18 (4d8)
- Speed: 5 ft
| ATTR | VAL | MOD | SAVE |
|---|---|---|---|
| STR | 3 | -4 | -4 |
| DEX | 1 | -5 | -5 |
| CON | 10 | +0 | +0 |
| INT | 1 | -5 | -5 |
| WIS | 3 | -4 | -4 |
| CHA | 1 | -5 | -5 |
- Immunities: Blinded, Charmed, Deafened, Frightened
- Senses: Blindsight 30 ft.; Passive Perception 6
- Languages: None
- CR: 1/4 (XP 50; PB +2)
Actions
Multiattack. The fungus makes two Rotting Touch attacks.
Rotting Touch. Melee Attack Roll: +2, reach 10 ft . Hit: 4 (1d8) Necrotic damage.
Lore & Background
The term 'fungi' encompasses a variety of ambulatory plant creatures that have developed mobility and predatory behaviors unlike their stationary cousins. These creatures represent nature's darker side, where the usually passive plant kingdom has evolved aggressive, carnivorous traits. Most fungi creatures are the result of magical contamination, druidic experiments gone wrong, or exposure to otherworldly energies that twisted normal plant life into something sinister.
These creatures often inhabit dark, damp places where normal fungi would thrive - underground caverns, deep forests, abandoned ruins, or areas tainted by necromantic magic. They reproduce through spores, which can lie dormant for years before the right conditions trigger their growth into mobile, hungry creatures. Some varieties have developed symbiotic relationships with other creatures, while others remain solitary hunters.
Combat Tactics
Fungi creatures typically rely on stealth and environmental advantages rather than direct confrontation. Many species can remain perfectly still, appearing as normal mushrooms or plant growth until prey comes within range. They often use spore attacks that can poison, paralyze, or cause hallucinations in their victims.
Most fungi prefer to attack from concealment, using their natural camouflage to set up ambushes. They may coordinate attacks when multiple specimens are present, surrounding prey and cutting off escape routes. Their attacks often focus on incapacitating rather than immediately killing, preferring to drag unconscious victims back to their spawning grounds.
Encounter Ideas
The Mushroom Circle: A fairy ring of mushrooms in the forest appears harmless, but stepping inside triggers the awakening of dormant fungi creatures that emerge from the ground to defend their territory.
Cellar Infestation: A tavern's wine cellar has become infested with fungi creatures that feed on the alcohol. The creatures have grown larger and more aggressive than normal, threatening anyone who enters their domain.
The Druid's Mistake: A druid's attempt to accelerate plant growth in a blighted area has backfired, creating aggressive fungi creatures that now threaten the local ecosystem and nearby settlements.
Spore Plague: A village is suffering from a mysterious illness that causes hallucinations and weakness. Investigation reveals that fungi creatures have been releasing spores into the water supply, slowly preparing the population for harvest.
Environmental Effects
Fungi creatures significantly alter their environment through spore release and decomposition processes. Areas where they dwell often have thick, visible spores floating in the air, creating a hazy atmosphere that can cause respiratory irritation. The ground becomes soft and spongy from decomposing organic matter.
Bioluminescent patches may appear where certain fungi species have established themselves, creating an eerie glow in dark areas. The air often carries a musty, earthy smell mixed with the sweet scent of decay. Plants in the area may show signs of unusual growth or corruption.
Treasure
Fungi creatures don't actively collect treasure, but their lairs often contain the remains of previous victims. Coins and jewelry may be found partially dissolved in acidic secretions or embedded in the creature's body. Weapons and armor are often corroded but might still be salvageable.
Rare spores collected from defeated fungi can be valuable to alchemists and herbalists, worth 10-50 gold pieces per sample. Fungal samples may be needed for research or magical components, particularly for spells dealing with plants or poison.
Plot Hooks
The Spreading Blight: Fungi creatures are expanding their territory, converting normal plants and animals into fungal versions of themselves. The party must find the source of this corruption before it reaches major population centers.
Alchemist's Request: A researcher needs live samples of specific fungi creatures for his experiments in creating new medicines. The party must capture rather than kill these dangerous creatures, adding complexity to the encounter.
Underground Garden: Deep beneath a city, someone has been cultivating fungi creatures as guardians for an illegal operation. The party must navigate through the fungal maze to reach their target while avoiding the mobile mushroom sentries.
The Fairy Ring Portal: Ancient fungi creatures guard a fairy ring that serves as a portal to the Feywild. The party must either negotiate with the creatures or find another way to access the portal for their quest.