Fungus Gargoyle

This creature looks like a winged statue, humanoid in shape, carved from molds, funguses, and mushrooms. Its arms and legs end in clawed hands and feet, and its mouth is lined with fangs carved from the same substances its body is.

Fungus Gargoyle (CR 5)

Medium Plant (Fungus)
Alignment: Neutral Evil
Initiative: +2
Senses: Low-Light Vision; Perception +12
Aura: sickening aura (10 feet, DC 16, sickened)

Speed: 40 feet, Fly 60 feet (average)
Space: 5 feet

Defense

Armor Class: 17, touch 12, flat-footed 15 (+2 Dex, +5 natural)
Hit Points: 59 (7d8+21 plus 7)
Saving Throws: Fort +8, Ref +4, Will +4
Damage Reduction: 10/slashing or piercing
Immunity: plant traits
Energy Resistance: fire 5

Offense

Melee: 2 claws +9 (1d8+4)
Reach: 5 feet

Special Attacks: Breath Weapon

Statistics

Str	Dex	Con	Int	Wis	Cha
18 (+4)	14 (+2)	17 (+3)	6 (-2)	11 (+0)	7 (-2)

Base Attack Bonus: +5
CMB +9
CMD 21

Feats: Iron Will, Skill Focus (Perception), Toughness

Skills: Fly +2, Perception +12, Stealth +10 (+18 in vegetation)

• Racial Modifiers: +2 Perception, +2 Stealth (+8 in vegetation)

Languages: Common (can't speak)

Special Abilities

Breath Weapon (Su)

Once every 1d4 rounds, a fungus gargoyle can breathe a line of deadly spores to a range of 10 feet. A living creature struck must succeed on a DC 16 Fortitude save or take 1d4 points of Strength damage. Thereafter, the creature must succeed on a DC 16 Fortitude save each minute (10 rounds) or take 1 point of Strength damage. This cycle continues until the creature dies or receives a remove disease spell. A successful DC 20 Heal check or a delay poison spell slows the continuing damage to 1 point per hour. The save DC is Constitution-based.

Sickening Aura (Su)

As a free action, a fungus gargoyle can emanate an aura that smells like rotting vegetable matter in a 10-foot radius. Creatures within the area must succeed on a DC 16 Fortitude save or be sickened for as long as they remain in the area and for 1d4 rounds afterwards. The save DC is Constitution-based.

Ecology

Environment: Any
Organization: solitary, pair, or patch (5-10)
Treasure: none


Fungus gargoyles are thought to be gargoyles that have been transformed into their current state by an evil cult that pays reverence to various demons of slime, ooze, and fungus. These creatures are often found acting as guardians in temples dedicated to such demons. Unlike normal plants, fungus gargoyles do not require food or air (they still require water however), but sometimes eat their fallen enemies simply for the sheer pleasure of doing so (usually only evil-aligned fungus gargoyles do this). A typical fungus gargoyle stands about 5 or 6 feet tall and weighs up to 200 pounds. Though its shape can vary, most resemble ugly winged humanoids.

Fungus gargoyles typically ambush their prey, standing motionless until their opponent moves close. The fungus gargoyles then leap to the attack, slashing with their claws. Most fungus gargoyles try to stay airborne during combat rather than fight on the ground.

Credit The Fungus Gargoyle originally appeared in the First Edition Fiend Folio (© TSR/Wizards of the Coast, 1981) and is used by permission. Copyright Notice Authors Scott Greene and Clark Peterson, based on original material by Gary Gygax.