Fallout Fungus are small, sentient fungi with round, lumpy bodies and tiny limbs, resembling ordinary mushroom clusters when motionless. With their legs and faces tucked in, they blend seamlessly into the environment, making them nearly indistinguishable from typical forest growth. However, these deceptive fungi are anything but harmless—they are cunning predators that roam the fungal forests in coordinated packs, scouting for suitable hunting grounds.
Once they find a promising location, the Fallout Fungus use their unique ability to magically meld into surrounding plant or fungal material, further enhancing their camouflage. When an unsuspecting creature ventures too close, the fungi spring into action, clinging to their victim and delivering a lethal dose of radiation. This radiation, their most dangerous weapon, overwhelms prey and causes their eventual collapse. The Fallout Fungus then take root in the remains, breaking down the organic material over time to absorb nutrients, as they lack mouths for traditional feeding.
Despite their deadly tactics, Fallout Fungus face risks. Overexerting their radiation or clustering in overly large groups can lead to their own demise—and, if they perish near sufficient plant material, even trigger the creation of a monstrous Burgen. They are not without threats in the fungal forest, as some predators are resistant to radiation and actively prey on the fungi. In these cases, Fallout Fungus adopt defensive strategies, hardening the caps on their backs into protective shells and concealing their soft, vulnerable bellies.
This CR1/4 creature is called a Fallout Fungus and is a Plant that lives mostly within the Fungal Forest.