by in
Fellow adventurers, if you’re reading this, you’re either intrigued by the phrase “mushroom monster,” or you’re knee-deep in a dank, dimly lit cavern with a band of Myconids circling you. Either way, you’re in the right place. Welcome to our DnD 5e Mushroom Monster Guide. Buckle up, we’re about to delve deep into the underbelly of the Underdark.
Myconids: The Mushroom People of DnD 5e
Let’s start with the basics. Myconids, or mushroom people, are one of the most intriguing, peculiar species in the Dungeons & Dragons universe. In essence, they’re sentient fungi, living in harmonious, interconnected colonies called “circles.” Quite the far cry from your typical orc or goblin encounter, right?
Myconids communicate through spores, which they release into the air. This creates an effect called a rapport, through which they can share thoughts, feelings, and memories. Also, they can release different types of spores with various effects, from healing to hallucinogenic, which adds an exciting layer to encounters with these fungus-folk.
Putting the “Fun” in Fungus: Using Myconids in Your Campaign
Myconids are the underdogs of the monster world, often overlooked in favor of more traditional, bloodthirsty creatures. But they have so much potential! Here’s how you can integrate these fungal fellows into your campaign:
Peaceful Interaction
Myconids are typically peaceful and prefer to avoid violence. They can serve as unusual allies or sources of information in the depths of the Underdark. They might provide shelter, reveal secret paths, or share the lore of the subterranean world.
Mind-Altering Experiences
The hallucinogenic spores of Myconids can create strange, dream-like sequences. They could send players on a psychedelic journey to communicate a prophecy, reveal hidden truths, or just confuse the hell out of them.
The Fungus Among Us
Myconids can blend seamlessly into a fungal environment, making for an unexpected surprise when the seemingly ordinary cave mushrooms suddenly spring to life!
Fungus Fight Club: Combat with Myconids
Even though Myconids are typically peaceful, encounters with them can still end in combat. Maybe a particular circle has gone rogue, or the party unwittingly threatened them. Whatever the case, battling mushroom folk is not your everyday sword-swinging affair.
Myconids come in different types, each with its own abilities. Here are a few to consider:
- Myconid Sprout: The smallest and weakest of the Myconids, but in large numbers, they can be a nuisance to any adventuring party.
- Myconid Adult: The average Myconid, capable of releasing rapport spores to communicate or pacifying spores to calm aggressors.
- Myconid Sovereign: The leaders of the Myconid circles. They pack a punch with their powerful hallucination spores and animate spores that can raise dead creatures as spore servants.
Myconid Sprout Stats
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Armor Class | 10 |
| Hit Points | 7 (2d6) |
| Speed | 20 ft. |
| STR | 6 (-2) |
| DEX | 10 (+0) |
| CON | 10 (+0) |
| INT | 5 (-3) |
| WIS | 7 (-2) |
| CHA | 3 (-4) |
| Skills | Stealth +2 |
| Condition Immunities | Blinded, deafened, frightened |
| Senses | Blindsight 30 ft. (blind beyond this radius) |
| Languages | Understands Common but can’t speak, Telepathy 30 ft. |
| Challenge | 0 (10 XP) |
Myconid Adult Stats
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Armor Class | 12 (natural armor) |
| Hit Points | 22 (3d8 + 9) |
| Speed | 20 ft. |
| STR | 10 (+0) |
| DEX | 10 (+0) |
| CON | 15 (+2) |
| INT | 10 (+0) |
| WIS | 12 (+1) |
| CHA | 10 (+0) |
| Skills | Perception +3, Stealth +2 |
| Condition Immunities | Blinded, deafened, frightened |
| Senses | Blindsight 60 ft. (blind beyond this radius) |
| Languages | Understands Common but can’t speak, Telepathy 60 ft. |
| Challenge | 1/2 (100 XP) |
Myconid Sovereign Stats
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Armor Class | 15 (natural armor) |
| Hit Points | 75 (10d8 + 30) |
| Speed | 30 ft. |
| STR | 10 (+0) |
| DEX | 10 (+0) |
| CON | 16 (+3) |
| INT | 10 (+0) |
| WIS | 15 (+2) |
| CHA | 14 (+2) |
| Skills | Stealth +2 |
| Damage Resistances | necrotic |
| Condition Immunities | Blinded, deafened, frightened |
| Senses | Blindsight 120 ft. (blind beyond this radius) |
| Languages | Understands Common but can’t speak, Telepathy 120 ft. |
| Challenge | 2 (450 XP) |
Strategy & Tactics
The Myconids aren’t the type to charge headlong into a fight. They’re more likely to employ tactics that involve their unique abilities. Here are a few things they might do:
- Create Spore Servants: Myconid Sovereigns can create spore servants from deceased creatures. This can result in the party facing opponents they’ve already defeated, now mushroom-infused and ready for round two.
- Spore Clouds: Myconids can release spore clouds that have various effects, from causing hallucinations to pacifying aggressors. These can disrupt the party’s plans and sow chaos in their ranks.
- Hit and Retreat: Myconids may use hit and run tactics, attacking the party then retreating into their fungal surroundings, using their natural camouflage to evade pursuit.
Monster Variants: From Myconids to Mushroom Monsters
While Myconids are the most iconic mushroom monsters in DnD 5e, they’re not the only ones. The Underdark is teeming with a variety of fungal foes that can challenge your party in unique ways. Let’s take a look at a few:
- Zuggtmoy: Zuggtmoy is the Demon Queen of Fungi, and one of the demon lords of the Abyss. She seeks to infect all living creatures with her spores, turning them into mindless servants. An encounter with her would certainly be a high-stakes event in your campaign.
- Gas Spores: These dangerous fungi resemble beholders, floating in the air and exploding in a cloud of deadly spores when disturbed. They’re perfect for adding an element of surprise and danger to any Underdark exploration.
- Shriekers and Violet Fungi: These two often work in tandem. Shriekers emit a loud noise when they sense movement, attracting other creatures (like the deadly Violet Fungi) to the area. It’s an effective one-two punch that can catch your party off guard.
The Beauty of the Underdark
The Underdark, with its sprawling caverns and bioluminescent flora, is a place of eerie beauty. The mushroom monsters add a layer of intrigue and uniqueness to this subterranean world. They can be allies, enemies, or simply part of the living landscape that makes the Underdark so unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
The mushroom monsters of DnD 5e are a testament to the rich, diverse world that Dungeons & Dragons offers. They break the mold (pun intended) of traditional fantasy monsters and provide opportunities for interesting encounters and storylines.
So, next time you’re planning an adventure, why not take your party on a trip to the Underdark? There’s a whole world of fungal wonders waiting for them. And with this DnD 5e Mushroom Monster Guide in your Dungeon Master arsenal, you’re ready to make the most of these unique creatures.
