Medium plant (fungi), unaligned
Armor Class 5
Hit Points 13 (3d8)
Speed 0 ft.
Proficiency Bonus +2
Proficiency Bonus +2 (5th Edition Advanced Mode)
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (-5) | 1 (-5) | 10 (+0) | 1 (-5) | 3 (-4) | 1 (-5) |
Condition Immunities blinded, deafened, frightened
Senses blindsight 30 ft. (blind beyond this radius), passive Perception 6
Languages –
Challenge 0 (10 XP)
False Appearance. While the shrieker remains motionless, it is indistinguishable from an ordinary fungus.
REACTIONS
Shriek. When bright light or a creature is within 30 feet of the shrieker, it emits a shriek audible within 300 feet of it. The shrieker continues to shriek until the disturbance moves out of range and for 1d4 of the shrieker’s turns afterward.
5th Edition Advanced Mode
Limiting the power of a character and making the overall difficulty of the game harder, does not reduce the creativity, indeed it does quite the opposite.
The Game Master has the option to use any and all of the instances proposed in this guide, or just some of them according to their preference.
It is the lack of something that move and motivate characters, not the abundance of it
DESCRIPTION
A shrieker is a type of fungus that resembles a large mushroom with many holes on its cap. It has a purple color and a rubbery texture. It does not have any eyes, ears, mouth, or limbs, and it is normally quiet and mindless. However, it can move slightly from its place by extending or retracting its stalk. It is usually found in dark and damp places, such as caves, dungeons, or underground tunnels. A shrieker is not a sentient creature, and it does not have any goals or motivations other than to survive.
COMBAT
A shrieker does not actively attack or defend itself, as it has no means of doing so. However, it has a unique adaptation that allows it to alert other creatures of its presence. When a shrieker senses bright light or a creature within 30 feet of it, it emits a loud and piercing shriek that can be heard within 300 feet of it . The shrieker continues to shriek until the source of the disturbance moves out of range and for a few seconds afterward. This shriek can attract the attention of nearby predators or allies, who may come to investigate or defend the shrieker. A shrieker can be easily destroyed by physical or magical attacks, as it has very low defenses and no resistances or immunities.
HABITAT / SOCIETY
A shrieker is usually found in groups with other fungi, such as violet fungi or gas spores. These fungi form a symbiotic relationship, where the shrieker acts as an alarm system for the others, while the others provide protection and nourishment for the shrieker. A shrieker feeds on organic matter that falls near it, such as dead animals or plants. A shrieker reproduces by releasing spores into the air, which can grow into new shriekers if they find a suitable environment. Shriekers are prized as food by some creatures, such as purple worms or shambling mounds, who do not mind the noise while eating. Shrieker spores are also an important ingredient in potions of plant control.
ECOLOGY
A shrieker plays an important role in the ecology of the underground realms, as it helps to decompose organic matter and recycle nutrients. It also serves as a food source for some creatures, such as oozes, slimes, molds, or myconids. However, a shrieker can also pose a threat to adventurers or explorers who venture into the dark places where it dwells, as its shriek can alert more dangerous foes or traps. A wise traveler would do well to avoid disturbing a shrieker, or to silence it quickly if they do.
Shrieker is employed as material component to empower the following spells: