Russet Mold (CR 6)

Russet Mold (Hazard, Plant [Fungus]) CR 6

XP 2,400
Hazard, Plant (fungus)

Russet mold is found in dark, wet areas. At a distance of 30 feet or more, it is likely to be mistaken for ordinary rust (DC 25 Perception check to see it for what it truly is). A patch of russet mold is about 5 to 7 feet in diameter. When a living creature comes within 5 feet of a patch of russet mold, it releases a cloud of spores in a 5-foot-radius. All in the area must succeed on a DC 15 Fortitude save or take 2d6 points of Constitution damage. Another DC 15 Fortitude save is required 1 minute later – even by those who succeeded at the first save – to avoid taking another 2d6 points of Constitution damage.

A creature killed by russet mold rises as a vegepygmy commoner in 24 hours, unless antiplant shell is cast within one hour. Antiplant shell does not actually prevent the creature from becoming a vegepygmy, but it does delay the process for the spell’s duration. After that, only a miracle or wish can prevent the creature from rising as a vegepygmy.

Russet mold is immune to cold and fire. Acid-based effects, alcohol (at least one gallon per foot diameter of mold), continual flame or remove disease instantly destroys russet mold.