Fungus (violet)

Violet fungi are a species of non-intelligent, carnivorous fungal growth.  The creature is able to move slowly, able to sense spaces that are well-travelled, where they will tend to gather singly, in pairs or in very small groups.

Though easy to avoid (their prey is more likely creatures of animal intelligence who attempt to pick their way past the fungi), the process of exterminating the creatures is difficult and dangerous.  Outdoors, they can be avoided; but when they block a tunnel underground, they are often closed in rather than contended with.  A violet fungus might live for a year without sustenance.

Advantages

The body of violet fungus possesses four stiff tentacles that can snap reflexively at any creature that approaches up to a distance of ten feet (two hexes).  The creature expends none of its own movement in this attack.  As these tentacles are positioned equally around the body, each is able to attack only a 180° half circle ~ so that while the creature has up to four attacks, this relies on the creature being attacked by more than one creature to take advantage of the benefit.

In game terms, one creature approaching within the range of the creature will be attacked twice.  Two creatures, attacking side by side can be attacked three times (maximum of two per defender).  If two persons attack from opposite sides of the creature, each can be attacked twice.  Finally, if three persons attack the fungus, distribute all four attacks among them ~ with each being attacked a minimum of once.

Hits will not cause ordinary damage, but necrotic damage.  This is damage that cannot be healed with ordinary cure spells or with rest ... and in turn begins to consume the body each day.

Violet fungus must be thoroughly destroyed with acid to be permanently rid of the creature.  Otherwise, a new fungus will grow from less than an ounce of its original body in 4 to 5 months.  The creature is fire resistant and will not burn unless cast into a enclosed oven or kiln ~ even small pieces thrown into a open bonfire will leave enough to sprout a new fungus.  A level of expertise is necessary when removing or cutting up a fungus, expertise is necessary as gas from the fungus as it is cut apart will cause 1 point of necrotic damage to the victim's lungs.

Once a violet fungi has killed a victim, it will step over the body and begin to feed on the victim, dessicating its remains.  Violet fungi hardly ever move during combat.

See Bestiary

Cockatrice (beast)

Describes a malevolent, colorful two-legged dragon-like creature with a rooster's head, dwelling in obscure, dense hinterlands ranging from temperate to tropical climates. They are expressly dangerous in that the tail of the beast (which may consist of a flourish of feathers or a line of spikes as shown) has the power to transform enemies into stone.

In combat, the cockatrice will take short leaps of 3-4 hexes, jumping up and over its enemies, striking downwards with the tail while it passes. These leaps require only 2 action points to achieve. The tail causes little damage, but those struck by it must make a saving throw or be transformed. Once the creature has landed, it will attack with its beak. If in trouble, it will bound away and seek a better opportunity for attacking again.

Cockatrices are uncommonly malevolent and, if challenged, will fight until dead.

The cockatrice owes its existence to a dweomercraft practice of allowing a toad to incubate an egg which is produced from the male chicken, a circumstance that is induced through dark means unknown to most persons. Once managed, the single egg will usually produce three infants, which will seek a hidden place to dwell, remaining there for years before chancing upon a village or other habitation. Often, their presence becomes known when such a village is discovered with all the occupants turned to stone. Over time, one or two might die, leaving only one, thus accounting for the number appearing.

Myths that weasels are immune to the touch of a cockatrice have not been supported by a single, credible witness.

See Bestiary

Beasts (list)

Beasts are divided into two groups: ordinary beasts and unique beasts. This page describes those creatures known to clerics in relation to the sage ability, Beasts. For a list of all monsters in Alexis' world, see Bestiary.

For further details, see the following links:

ankheg ~ ape (carnivorous) ~ astral wolf ~ axe beak ~ basilisk ~ behemoth ~ beholder ~ bird of Tyaa ~ bulette ~ carrion crawler ~ catoblepas ~ centaur ~ chimera ~ cockatrice ~ couatl ~ displacer beast ~ dog (blink) ~ dragon