Lichenthropes

Cordyceps is a parasitic fungus that has the ability to infect a host and begin taking over its body, transforming it into a fungal monster. The disease, often called "lichenthropy" exhibits ironically similar effects to the lycanthropy curse. A creature is infected with cordyceps when it absorbs spores through a wound or mucous membrane. The spores may originate from another infected creature or a dormant fungal colony living externally, often on trees, until it can infect a host. When first infected, the creature experiences flu-like symptoms as the fungus spreads throughout its system. Shortly after, the host begins to sprout a leafy, moss-like fungus from its skin. The mind of the infected begins to deteriorate as the parasite invades its brain. Eventually, the host will be covered head-to-toe in the botanic growths, obscuring anything but its figure. When the transformation is complete, the lichenthrope exists only to spread its spores to new host bodies. The cordyceps fungus is fast-growing and can repair its hosts body with fungal tissue.

Infection of Lichenthropy. Spores are spread through the spore-infused saliva or similar fluid of the host. The most common method of infection is a spittle attack by an infected creature, but it is also possible to contract if a creature comes into contact with dormant cordyceps. A dormant cordyceps colony can be identified with a DC 13 Intelligence (Nature) or Wisdom (Survival) check. If a wounded creature comes into contact with a dormant cordyceps, it must make Constitution saving throw with a DC of 13. On a failure, the creature is infected with cordyceps spores. At the end of each long rest, it must make another Constitution saving throw. After succeeding on three of these saving throws, the creature's immune system destroys the cordyceps and recovers from the disease. After failing three of these saving throws, the creature becomes a mindless lichenthrop, and the creature stops making these saves. Abilities that remove disease can cure lichenthropy at any stage, and those immune to disease are immune to the cordyceps. If cured of the cordyceps, the creature does not recall anything from when it was a lichenthrope.

Lichenthrope Template

A lichenthrope is any creature that has succumbed to the infection of cordyceps. A lichenthrope becomes a mossy, plant-like version of their former selves and is a mindless servant of the parasitic fungus.

When a creature becomes a lichenthrope, it retains its statistics except as described below.

Lost Characteristics. The lichenthrope loses its original saving throw and skill bonuses, special senses except darkvision, and special traits.

Type. The lichenthrope's type is plant.

Damage Immunity. The lichenthrope has immunity to poison damage.

Alignment. The lichenthrope is unaligned.

Ability Scores. The lichenthrope's ability scores change as follows: Int 3 (-4), Cha 1 (-5).

Condition Immunities. The lichenthrope can't be charmed, frightened, or poisoned.

Languages. The lichenthrope loses all known languages. It can communicate with other lichenthropes infected with the same cordyceps within 30 feet of it by exuding spore clouds.

Plant Camouflage. The lichenthrope has advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks it makes in any terrain with ample obscuring plant life.

Regeneration. The lichenthrope regains hit points equal to twice its Constitution modifier (minimum 2) at the start of its turn. If it takes cold, fire, or necrotic damage, this trait doesn't function at the start of the lichenthrope's next turn. The lichenthrope dies only if it starts its turn with 0 hit points and doesn't regenerate.

Actions. The lichenthrope loses any action that isn't Multiattack or a melee weapon attack. It gains the Spore Spittle action.

Spore Spittle. The lichenthrope sprays spore-infused spit at a creature within 5 feet of it from a mouth or similar oriface. The creature must make a Constitution saving throw with a DC of 8 + the lichenthrope's proficiency bonus + the lichenthropes Constition modifier. On a failure, the creature is infected with cordyceps spores. Each day, it must make another Constitution saving throw. After succeeding on three of these saving throws, the creature's immune system destroys the cordyceps and recovers from the disease. After failing three of these saving throws, the creature becomes a mindless lichenthrop, and the creature stops making these saves.

Sample Lichenthrope

The lichenthrope statistics presented here use an ogre as a base creature.