Mycovore Sporeling
Small Plant , Neutral Good
Armor Class: 13 (Natural Armor)
Hit Points: 12 (5d6)
Speed: 20 ft., Climbing 10 ft., Burrowing 5 ft.
Challenge Rating: 1/2 (100 XP)
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 16 | 12 | 8 | 14 | 12 |
Saving Throws: Dexterity +5, Constitution +3, Wisdom +4
Skills: Stealth +7, Nature +3, Perception +4
Damage Vulnerabilities: Fire
Damage Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing from Nonmagical Attacks
Damage Immunities: Poison
Condition Immunities: Poisoned
Senses: Blindsight 30 ft., Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 14
Languages: Understands Sylvan and Common, but cannot speak
Spellcasting
Spellcasting. The Mycovore Sporeling is a 3rd-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 12, +4 to hit with spell attacks). The Mycovore Sporeling has the following spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): *Druidcraft, Poison Spray, Thorn Whip*
1st level (3 slots): *Entangle, Goodberry, Healing Word*
2nd level (2 slots): *Gust of Wind, Spike Growth*
Descriptions:
– **Druidcraft** (at will): This cantrip allows the Sporeling to create small wonders of nature, like predicting the weather or causing flowers to blossom in an area. It can serve to distract or beautify the environment.
– **Poison Spray** (at will): The Sporeling can extend its hand toward a creature within 10 feet and project a puff of noxious gas. The target must succeed on a Constitution saving throw or take 1d12 poison damage.
– **Thorn Whip** (at will): The Sporeling can create a long vine-like whip that it can use to pull creatures closer or damage them. It functions as a melee spell attack, dealing 1d6 piercing damage and pulling the target closer.
– **Entangle** (3 slots): The Sporeling can cause plants in a 20-foot square to sprout and ensnare creatures, creating difficult terrain and potentially restraining them if they fail a Strength saving throw.
– **Goodberry** (3 slots): The Sporeling creates five magical berries that can be consumed for restoration of 1 hit point each, allowing it to support itself or its allies.
– **Healing Word** (3 slots): As a bonus action, the Sporeling can heal an ally within 60 feet for 1d4 + its Wisdom modifier (which would be +2 in this case).
– **Gust of Wind** (2 slots): The Sporeling can conjure a strong wind that disperses fog, extinguishes candles, and can potentially push creatures back.
– **Spike Growth** (2 slots): The ground in a 20-foot radius becomes difficult terrain, causing damage to creatures that move through it.
Notes: The Mycovore Sporeling often casts *Entangle* and *Spike Growth* before combat to control the battlefield. It uses *Healing Word* to support injured allies and maintain the balance of the ecosystem it protects.
Actions & Abilities
Noxious Touch: *Melee Weapon Attack*: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. *Hit*: 1d4 + 1 poison damage. The target must succeed on a DC 12 Constitution saving throw or be poisoned until the end of its next turn. While poisoned this way, the target has disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks.
Spore Cloud (Recharge 5-6): The Mycovore Sporeling can release a dense cloud of spores in a 15-foot radius centered on itself, creating an area of difficult terrain. All creatures that start their turn in the area must succeed on a DC 12 Constitution saving throw or be poisoned until the end of their next turn. While poisoned, they have disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks.
Hide: The Mycovore Sporeling can take the Hide action. If in a forest environment, it has advantage on its Dexterity (Stealth) checks due to its natural camouflage.
Dodge: The Mycovore Sporeling can choose to take the Dodge action. Until the start of its next turn, attack rolls against the Sporeling have disadvantage, and it can’t be moved or grappled.
Appearance
In the enchanting depths of the forest, the Mycovore Sporeling stands like a whimsical guardian of hidden wonders, measuring a delicate 2 feet in height. Its silhouette is captivating; the creature is slender and upright, crowned with a bulbous, dome-shaped cap that mimics the jovial charm of a mushroom. The cap’s vibrant coloration is a bustling tapestry of deep purples that seamlessly shift into lively greens, illuminating its presence in the dappled light like nature’s own lantern.
The surface of the cap possesses an intriguing smoothness, glistening subtly as if kissed by morning dew, while its ivory stalk is a marvel in itself, speckled with earth tones of brown and moss green—hues that allow it to blend harmoniously with its surroundings. The texture is richly layered, with fine ridges reminiscent of tree bark, inviting a tactile intrigue that complements its whimsical appearance.
Beneath the cap, the creature’s face radiates an air of charm intertwined with mystery. Two tiny, beady eyes shimmer with an unsettling intelligence, twinkling like distant stars in a night sky. These eyes are framed by delicate, bioluminescent micro-mushrooms that resemble soft, ethereal eyelashes, enhancing its otherworldly allure. The mouth, small and often closed, remains nondescript until it opens slightly in moments of surprise, revealing a glistening inner lining that hints at its unique spore defenses rather than any conventional threat.
The Sporeling’s limbs are a fascinating display of fragility and grace, featuring two spindly arms that end in rounded, soft pads. These gentle appendages are perfectly designed for delicate manipulation of its environment, whether tossing aside leaves or aiding its sprightly movements. Its base is anchored by a broad, foot-like structure that enables stability on the forest floor, creating an intriguing blend of sturdiness and lightness.
One of the most striking elements is the spellbinding bioluminescence that dances across the Sporeling’s cap, casting a warm and mysterious glow. This soft light shifts in intensity, serving not only as a communication tool among forest dwellers but also as a protective measure against potential predators. During moments of agitation, tiny spores can be glimpsed wafting gracefully from its cap, creating mesmerizing trails that add to its enchanting presence.
In its posture, the Mycovore Sporeling embodies the essence of the forest—swaying gently as if attuned to the rhythmic pulse of nature. Unthreatened, it radiates a sense of calmness, standing tall and proud. Yet, if danger approaches, it instinctively hunches into a protective stance, ready to release its captivating cloud of spores in a spectacular display.
The creature’s entirety is adorned with tiny, iridescent markings that shimmer and shift colors when caught in the light, contributing to its dynamic presence. Each Sporeling is unique, with subtle variations in patterns that make every encounter a distinct and memorable experience.
In conclusion, the Mycovore Sporeling is a vivid embodiment of whimsy and wonder, harmonizing delicate features with bioluminescent magic, leaving those fortunate enough to encounter it entranced by its otherworldly beauty.
Tactical Information
Mycovore Sporeling: Tactical Information
Behavior in Day-to-Day Life
A Mycovore Sporeling thrives in the shaded and damp undergrowth of ancient woodlands. Its days are generally peaceful and contemplative, spent in quiet observation of the bustling life around it. Motivated predominantly by survival and the preservation of its forest environment, the Sporeling plays an integral role in nurturing the ecosystem. It feeds on decomposing matter—fallen leaves, decaying wood, and other organic waste—transforming this detritus into vital nutrients that help sustain the flora and fauna of its domain.
As a solitary creature, the Mycovore Sporeling is not particularly social; however, it does connect to and communicate through the underground mycelium network, sharing information and resources with other fungal entities and organic life forms. It often interacts playfully with curious woodland spirits and small forest creatures, exhibiting a gentle temperament characterized by curiosity and an innocent nature. Its bioluminescence flickers in vibrant colors during the twilight hours, serving both as a warning signal to potential threats and an enticing display to attract other benign forest beings for moments of companionship.
Combat Behavior
When threatened, the Mycovore Sporeling becomes a formidable defender of its sylvan home, embodying the dual nature of guardian and aggressor. Combat can be initiated should an intruder venture too close to its fungal sanctuary, either trampling through areas it protects or showing overt signs of hostility. Preferring non-violent tactics initially, the Sporeling will first attempt to scare off trespassers with a warning chime, a soft sound reminiscent of wind chimes. Should this not suffice, it swiftly moves into defensive mode.
In battle, the Sporeling employs its Spore Cloud ability deftly, utilizing the element of surprise to obscure the battlefield and trigger advantageous ground conditions. Its goal is not to kill but to hinder and confound, allowing it to maintain the upper hand while minimizing potential damage to itself. Knowing it’s a small creature, it utilizes its Camouflage ability to blend seamlessly with the environment when ambushed.
Should the tide of battle turn against it—especially if multiple foes confront it—the Sporeling will use its Mycelium Mender ability to bolster an ally or itself. If outnumbered, its instinct is to retreat into the undergrowth, merging with darkened woodland areas to escape unharmed, launching its Noxious Touch at the nearest aggressor as it flees. The Sporeling is cunning, aware that survival hinges on the delicate balance of aggression and evasion, and it skillfully exploits familiar terrain for strategic advantage.
Roleplay/Narrative Interactions
In non-combat situations, the Mycovore Sporeling behaves as a cautious protector of the forest, especially when encountering adventurers. It approaches interactions with a blend of curiosity and wariness, observing newcomers from within the safety of the shadows. When approached, the Sporeling may gesture with its spindly arms, inviting peace through the gentle sway of its cap, which emits a soft glow to signify it means no harm.
Should adventurers display aggression or intention to destroy, the Mycovore Sporeling will react defensively, puffing up and emitting a swath of spores in a vain attempt to frighten them away. However, if approached with respect and caution, the Sporeling is more relatable and might even offer harmless guidance through the woods. It has a childlike willingness to engage, allowing for attempts at cooperation, such as exchanging offerings of food or heartfelt intentions towards forest preservation.
Communicating through subtle movements, shimmering color changes in its bioluminescent cap, and a series of melodic sounds, the Sporeling can convey joy, alarm, and warnings to anyone perceptive enough to recognize the nuances. Because of its connection to the wider mycelium network, the Sporeling could potentially divulge lore about hidden treasures or the state of the woods if treated gently and with kindness.
In conclusion, the Mycovore Sporeling serves as a whimsical yet poignant reminder of nature’s delicate balance, both gentle and fierce, akin to the forest itself. Its various behaviors and abilities allow players to bridge connections with an intricate aspect of the forest ecosystem, cultivating an immersive tapestry of storytelling and adventure during their encounters.
