Fungal Folk

by magejosh

Ecology of the Fungal Folk


History
The Fungal Folk are an ancient race, deeply rooted in the world's oldest forests. Arising from a confluence of natural magic and the earth's nurturing essence, they've existed as long as the forests themselves. Their history is marked by a low profile in world affairs, preferring a simple life. However, tales often hint at their mysterious involvement in bringing peace to warring nations or stilling battles momentarily, suggesting a subtle but profound influence on the world.
Originally, there were two distinct groups among the Fungal Folk: the Bulbous Folks, known for their resilience and affinity with the dense, dark parts of the forest, and the Spindle Folks, slender and swift, at home in the more light-dappled areas. Both groups shared common traits: a deep connection with the mycelial network of the forest, a natural inclination towards harmony and peace, and a physical form resembling humanoid fungi.
A significant event in their history was the Great Withering, a period when a blight threatened the forests. In response, the Fungal Folk unified, using their innate connection to the land to heal and restore the balance. This period strengthened their communal bonds and solidified their role as caretakers of the forest. It also gave way to new forms of subraces to be created.
Physiology
Fungal Folk are a unique blend of plant and humanoid characteristics. They have a spongy, fibrous texture to their skin and are typically adorned with mushroom-like caps and gills, which vary in color and shape among individuals. Their height and build depend on their subrace; Bulbous Folks are more robust and taller, while Spindle Folks are leaner and more agile.
One of their most remarkable features is their ability to regenerate through their Fungal Regeneration trait, drawing sustenance from the soil and air around them. They do not require traditional sleep but enter a state of deep meditation, connecting with the mycelial network to rejuvenate.
They reproduce through natural cycles, akin to starfish budding, creating a subrace-less baby that develops its own personality and subrace during puberty, reaching adulthood in about 18 months. Their reproduction, tied to lunar cycles, is voluntary, with gender expressions often more ambiguous than humanoid races.
Their aging process is slow and tied closely to the health of their forest homes. A Fungal Folk can live for centuries, aging in tandem with the ancient trees of their forests.
Culture of the Fungal Folk

The Fungal Folk have nurtured a culture that is intrinsically tied to the essence of the forest, emphasizing unity, ecological balance, and a deep, empathic bond with their surroundings:

Communal Harmony: Central to their way of life is the principle of collective well-being. Their society functions on egalitarian ideals, where decisions are made collaboratively, ensuring the interests of the community and the forest are paramount. This is facilitated by their Mycelial Network, which not only connects them to each other but also to the heart of the forest, fostering a unique form of empathic communication.

Ceremonies of the Lunar Cycle: The Fungal Folk hold sacred rituals aligned with the moon's phases, each celebrating a different aspect of their life cycle and the forest's rhythm. These rituals are communal events that strengthen their bond with the natural world and each other, honoring growth, rejuvenation, and the cyclical nature of life.

Ancestral Storytelling: Through oral traditions rich in metaphor and allegory, they pass down stories that encapsulate the wisdom of the forest. These narratives serve as educational tools, imparting lessons on the interconnectedness of life and the importance of ecological equilibrium.

Meditative Union: Daily, they engage in a practice of quiet reflection, akin to meditation, where they attune to the mycelial network. This practice deepens their sense of interconnectedness, promoting a harmonious existence with all forest life.

Spiritual Reverence: Acknowledging the spirits in every aspect of the forest, their rituals include offerings and communications with these entities. This veneration underscores their respect and desire to maintain harmony within the natural environment.

Ritual of Spore Spreading: A central aspect of their culture is the spreading of spores, a ritual that symbolizes life's perpetuity and the renewal of the forest. This practice underscores their role as stewards of growth and balance in the ecosystem.

Inclusive Decision-Making: In their societal structure, every voice is heard, and decisions are reached through consensus in tranquil, natural settings. This approach ensures the well-being of both the community and the forest.

Gender Fluidity and Bonds: Reflecting the diverse nature of fungal life, the Fungal Folk exhibit fluidity in gender and relationships. Their societal norms transcend traditional gender constructs, embracing a spectrum of identities and relationships that are deeply respected within their community.

Artistic Celebrations: Their artistic expressions often mirror the forest's cycles of growth, decay, and regeneration. Art in their culture is not merely aesthetic but a means to convey knowledge, history, and values, enriching their communal and intergenerational bonds.

In their culture, the Fungal Folk epitomize a deep reverence for nature, living in an intertwined harmony with the forest, and celebrating the intricate network of life that sustains their existence and that of their environment.
Society
Fungal Folk societies are scattered throughout the world's oldest forests, often unseen by other races due to their reclusive nature and ability to blend seamlessly into their surroundings. Their settlements are symbiotic with the forest, causing no harm or disruption to the natural environment.
Their leaders are typically the wisest and oldest among them, serving more as guides than rulers. Their governance is less about control and more about nurturing the well-being of each individual and the forest. Each adult is seen as a sovereign individual, guided by a culture deeply rooted in respect for nature and communal ethics. Elders are revered for their wisdom, but the society operates on a basis of individual autonomy within the collective.
Fungal Folk rarely interact with other races, but when they do, they are known as peacemakers and mediators, capable of calming tensions with their Mycelial Sanctuary ability. They are often sought after by other races for their wisdom and deep understanding of the natural world. Some hereditary rule countries have been known to hide their heirs in Fungal Folk colonies to keep them safe.
Religion
Their spiritual practices are pantheistic, venerating the life force in all natural entities rather than personifying deities. They maintain ancient knowledge through psionic songs of ancestors, telling stories that transcend generations. While respecting nature deities, their primary spiritual expression lies in these ancestral songs. They also tell psionic stories to worship the spirit of the forest, the cycle of life and decay, and the unseen energies that connect all living things.
Their rituals and ceremonies are closely tied to the seasons and the health of the forest. They celebrate the cycles of the moon, the solstices, and the equinoxes, seeing these celestial events as manifestations of the forest's rhythm.
Interaction with Other Races
The Fungal Folk are generally respected by other races, sometimes assisting in peacekeeping efforts or collaborating with Druid Circles for the betterment of the land. Their peaceful, somewhat reclusive nature often leads to a respectful, if slightly distant, relationship with others.
Ecological Role
The Fungal Folk of this realm are a unique and integral part of the world's ecosystem. Their deep connection to the forest and its mycelial network, their peaceful and communal way of life, and their ancient wisdom make them a fascinating and mysterious race, caretakers of the natural world's most sacred places.
Cultural Background:

Harmonious Symbiosis: Fungal Folk deeply respect the balance of nature, aspiring to live in harmony with all living beings. They avoid conflict, believing it disrupts the natural order.

Mycelial Peacekeepers: Evolved to emit a calming psionic effect, their mycelial network subdues aggression in their vicinity. This trait reflects their commitment to peace.

Community-Oriented: Their culture emphasizes collective welfare and resource-sharing, prioritizing the community's well-being over individual ambitions.

Spiritual Connection: Revering deities or forces representing growth and balance, they practice meditation and non-violence, focusing on spiritual enlightenment.

Cultural Implications:

Diplomacy and Mediation: Renowned as mediators, they naturally create non-violent environments, facilitating peaceful conflict resolution.

Isolation vs. Engagement: A cultural split exists between isolationists, who prefer peace within their communities, and activists who engage with the world to propagate peace.

Conflict Resolution: They employ unique, non-violent conflict resolution methods, underscoring understanding and compromise.

Impact on Others: Other races may see them as vital peacekeepers or impediments to justice and military actions.

Basic Characteristics:

Type: Plant

Alignment: Neutral, with a focus on balance and harmony.

Size: Medium

Speed: 25 ft.

Ability Score Increase: +1 to Wisdom, reflecting natural insight. An additional +1 to an ability score of the player's choice.

Darkvision: 60 ft.

Mycelial Network: Telepathic communication within 60 ft among their kind and basic sensory sharing with consent to sentient beings not of their kind.

Fungal Regeneration: Once per long rest, they can heal anumber of HP equal to their level + CON modifier.

Spore Release: Creates difficult terrain in a 10-foot radius for 1 minute, once per short rest. The terrain becomes slick or sticky depending on surface type, either way making movement through it more difficult for all but other Fungal Folk, whose skin is unaffected by these spores. As these spores breakdown, they grant the effects of the plant growth spell to the affected area.

Sun Sensitivity: Disadvantaged in sunlight for attacks and perception checks.

Languages: Common and one other language, primarily communicating via Mycelial Network.

Unique Species Trait: Mycelial Sanctuary:

Activates a 20-foot radius psionic field akin to the Sanctuary spell, deterring violence.

Wisdom save DC: 11 + WIS Bonus + Proficiency Bonus. On a failed save, the attacker must choose a new target or lose the attack or spell. Affects the race member if they initiate aggression. Mycelial Sanctuary Disabled on a successful save by the aggressive Fungal Folk until a rest is completed without further aggressive action.

Subraces:

Bulbous Folk: +1 to Constitution, more durable.

Spindle Folk: +1 to Dexterity, more agile.

Verdant Guardians: +1 Wisdom or Charisma, greater Psionic Power.

Whisperwood Kin: +1 to Dexterity or Wisdom, ESP ability and Pacification powers.

Bulbous Folk Stat Block:

Size/Type: Medium Plant

Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)

Hit Points: 30 (4d8 + 12)

Speed: 25 ft.

Attributes: STR 15, DEX 10, CON 16, INT 10, WIS 13, CHA 8

Skills: Athletics +4, Medicine +3, Nature +2

Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 11

Languages: Common (understands, non-verbal), Mycelial Network

Challenge: 1 (200 XP)

Traits: Mycelial Network, Fungal Regeneration, Spore Release, Sun Sensitivity

Actions:

- Slam: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d10 + 2) bludgeoning.
- Jump: May cast Jump spell without components or concentration if in forest a number of times equal to Proficiency Bonus/rest.
- Guardian of Nature: May cast Guardian of Nature spell without components or concentration if in forest 1/rest.
- Spike Growth: May cast Spike Growth spell without components or concentration if in forest a number of times equal to Proficiency Bonus/rest.
- Confusion Spores: May as an action project spores of confusion to a radius of 30 feet if in forest a number of times equal to Proficiency Bonus/rest. A creature in the range of the spore release must make a Constitution Saving Throw DC 14 or be Confused.

Spindle Folk Stat Block:

Size/Type: Medium Plant

Armor Class: 12

Hit Points: 22 (4d8 + 4)

Speed: 25 ft. / climb 30 ft.

Attributes: STR 10, DEX 18, CON 12, INT 10, WIS 13, CHA 8

Skills: Stealth +6, Acrobatics +6

Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 11

Languages: Common (understands, non-verbal), Mycelial Network

Challenge: 1 (200 XP)

Traits: Mycelial Network, Fungal Regeneration, Spore Release, Sun Sensitivity

Actions:

- Thorn Whip: +3 to hit, reach 30 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing.
- Agile Escape: Use Disengage or Dash as a bonus action once per encounter.
- Camouflage Ability: May cast Invisibility without components or concentration if in forest 1/rest.
- Snare: May cast Snare without components or concentration if in forest 1/rest.
- Dimension Door: May cast Dimension Door without components or concentration if in forest 1/rest.

by magejosh

Stat Block for Verdant Guardians:

Size/Type: Medium Plant

Armor Class: 14 (natural armor)

Hit Points: 30 (4d8 + 12)

Speed: 25 ft.

STR 12 (+1), DEX 10 (+0), CON 16 (+3), INT 10 (+0), WIS 14 (+2), CHA 13 (+1)

Skills: Nature +4, Perception +4, Survival +4

Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14

Languages: Common, Druidic, communicates via Mycelial Network

Challenge: 1 (200 XP)

Traits:

- Blight Resistance: Advantage on saving throws against disease and poison. Resistance to acid, poison, & necrotic damage.
- Forest Bond: Can communicate with plants and influence plant creatures (advantage on Social Skill checks with them).
- Pacifist Defense: When attacked, Verdant Guardians can use their reaction to impose disadvantage on the attack roll, reflecting their desire for peace.
- Purify and Heal: Can purify food and water once per long rest as per the 'Purify Food and Water' spell. Additionally, they have a pool of healing power like a Paladin's Lay on Hands, with a total number of hit points equal to their level x 5. This pool can be used to heal or cure diseases in others.

Actions:

- Non-Lethal Strike: Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d12 + 2) bludgeoning damage. The Verdant Guardian can choose to incapacitate rather than kill.

Role in Society:
Verdant Guardians are the peaceful protectors and healers within Fungal Folk societies. They are revered for their role during the Great Withering, where their unique abilities to purify and heal were crucial in saving the forests. They serve as environmental custodians, ensuring the health and safety of their habitats.

Cultural Impact:
These guardians are seen as symbols of resilience and healing. They embody the balance between strength and peace, using their abilities to nurture and protect rather than for aggression. They are also spiritual guides, promoting understanding and respect for all life forms.

Integration with Other Subraces:
Verdant Guardians maintain strong connections with other Fungal Folk, sharing their knowledge and skills to protect and heal. They embody the unity and strength of their race, showing that even in the face of danger, peaceful solutions and healing are always possible.

by magejosh

New Subrace: Whisperwood Kin

Lore
Whisperwood Kin, a unique subrace of the Fungal Folk, are known for their extraordinary affinity with the forest's subtler languages. During the transformative stages of adolescence, these individuals develop traits aligning with deep forest intuition and an exceptional ability to navigate and interpret the natural world. Integral to the Fungal Folk society, Whisperwood Kin are distinguished by their natural aptitude for exploration, environmental awareness, and an innate connection with the forest's rhythms.

Stat Block for Whisperwood Kin:

Size/Type: Medium Plant
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points: 28 (4d8 + 8)
Speed: 30 ft.
STR 10 (+0), DEX 15 (+2), CON 13 (+1), INT 11 (+0), WIS 16 (+3), CHA 9 (-1)
Skills: Nature +5, Perception +5, Survival +5
Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 16
Languages: Common, Druidic, communicates via Mycelial Network
Challenge: 1 (200 XP)
Traits:
Forest Insight: Can use 'Locate Animals or Plants' spell a number of times equal to Proficiency Bonus/rest, without components or concentration.
Natural Pathfinder: Skilled at guiding through forested terrain, leaving no trace and moving stealthily.
Forest Empathy: Sensory connection with the forest, allowing them to detect environmental changes or disturbances such as dark rituals, blights, storms, etc. This grants a +1 Bonus to Passive Perception while in forest terrain.
Actions:
- Subdue Strike: Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 2) bludgeoning damage. The Whisperwood Kin can choose to incapacitate rather than kill, and if they do so they are not bound by the Mycelial Sanctuary effect.
- Sapping Sting: Con Save DC 16, range 30 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) necrotic damage and fall prone.
- Sleep: May cast Sleep spell as though upcast a number of spell slot levels equal to Proficiency Bonus without components or concentration if in forest a number of times equal to Proficiency Bonus/rest.
- Silence: May cast Silence spell without components or concentration if in forest a number of times equal to Proficiency Bonus/rest.
- Speak with Plants: May cast Speak with Plants spell without components if in forest a number of times equal to Wisdom Bonus/rest.

Role in Society:
Whisperwood Kin are the silent watchers and guides within the Fungal Folk communities. They excel in scouting, foraging, and serving as early detectors of ecological changes or threats. Their keen perception makes them invaluable in maintaining the health and safety of their environment.

Cultural Impact:
Whisperwood Kin are revered as keepers of ancient forest wisdom. They are often sought for their deep knowledge of flora and fauna and are pivotal in teaching younger generations about the intricacies of forest life and its preservation.

Integration with Other Subraces:
Whisperwood Kin maintain a harmonious relationship with other Fungal Folk subraces, sharing their unique insights and skills for the collective benefit. They embody the deep connection and respect for nature that is central to Fungal Folk culture, strengthening the bond between different subraces and ensuring a balanced coexistence with the natural world.

New Condition used:

Confused
Condition
Source: Titan
A confused creature cannot take reactions.
Until the start of your next turn, any action choice you make requires you to roll a d10. On an 8 or higher, your chosen action happens normally. On a 2-7, you either do nothing or the wrong thing in a nonharmful way instead of the chosen action. On a 1, you harm yourself or otherwise have a misfortunate action instead of your intended one.
Until the start of your next turn, any movement choice requires you to roll a d10. On a 10 you move as intended at up to full speed. On a 1 you do not move. On a 2-9 are the 8 squares around you, 2 is north and they increase clockwise around you making NW=9. You instead move full speed in this direction.
This condition ends at the start of your next turn.