Azure Fungus (CR 2)

Azure Fungus
CR 2

XP 600

This strange blue fungus tends to grow on walls or other surfaces and typically has wispy strands that stretch out into the air from whatever surface the fungus covers like roots dangling in the air, twitching and swaying in an unseen breeze.

Azure fungus is a rather dangerous hazard that as a byproduct of its growth builds up a charge of electricity that it releases in bursts into its surroundings. Normally this can be detected by a faint sizzling noise coming from the fungus. Where the fungus comes into contact with small bodies of water, such as a small pool or puddle it becomes more dangerous as the water conducts the current.

The azure fungus is sensitive to touch and discharges its electricity if contacted. When in contact with a small pool of water, if anyone tries to move through the water at a speed greater than 5 feet per round, the fungus discharges from the impact of waves and splashes. Otherwise, the fungus discharges randomly once every 1d10 rounds. When the fungus discharges, all creatures adjacent to a square containing the fungus or water in contact with the fungus take 3d6 points of electricity damage; a DC 14 Fortitude save halves the damage. Creatures that are not touching the water or the fungus are immune. After a discharge, the fungus cannot discharge again for 1d6 rounds. Scraping it from the wall kills it and takes 1 round per 5-footsquare patch.

Azure fungus is immune to electricity and fire, but any amount of cold damage causes one 5-foot patch to become inert for 1 hour. The basic abilities of this fungus can be determined with a DC 17 Knowledge (nature) check. Exceeding this check by 5 or more reveals the fungus’s weakness.