Shrieker

A shrieker is a large Underdark fungus known for the strange and loud noises it emits to attract prey. They usually grow and live in symbiosis with Violet fungus, which both work together to catch prey.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Shriekers are human-sized mushrooms. They can produce a loud, piercing, screaming sound that tends to attract curious creatures (or adventurers) to the area through the oriphases on the top of their cap. They are poisonous when ingested.
Each screaming sound lasts between five and fifteen seconds. A patch of shriekers rely on violet fungi to kill prey with their poison, since a shrieker cannot attack or move on its own. Like violet fungi, shriekers gain nourishment from the breakdown of organic matter that falls nearby.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Shrikers cannot be eaten by a mundane creature due to their poison (with a few notable exceptions). They are often used by Underdark civilizations as alarm systems, aletting out its horrible screech when anyone gets too close.

Geographic Distribution

• Underdark