Despite the rather grotesque appearance, this is not actually an animal, but instead an alien form of fungus found on many worlds. The creature has a body of a pale-white mushroom, standing about 3 feet in height. The top is a large cap, with a pair of fish-like eyes, and several tentacle arms (which even have suckers!). Although the tentacles appear to be close in with the body, the creature can lash out up to ten feet.

The fungus starts out as a hand-shaped growth, found in wherever there are copious amounts of decaying matter and moisture – typically lots of rotting leaves or other vegetable matter, although it can also be found where there are corpses.  The hand grows slowly over a period of a few days, the ‘fingers’ elongating and eventually turning a deep red in color until they finally split apart. The typical fungal growth has between three to seven tentacles (2d3+1).

When potential prey arrives, the fungus has two attacks. First, it will wait until a target comes within five feet, it will lash out with a tentacle hand. If the ‘hand’ critically strikes, it releases a powerful digestive enzyme. This will begin to break down the flesh of the target, causing 1d8 points of damage. This acid is extremely powerful, and will continue to burn for 1d4 rounds, inflicting damage every round. Oddly enough, it will only harm flesh or those wearing armor made from organic materials. If the victim is wearing full armor, they will not suffer from the effects of the acid. Also, water or any liquid will wash the enzyme, rendering it harmless. It requires one round to wash away the substance.

Once prey has been reduced to goo, the creature will dip its digits into the mess and suck up the nutrients released. After this happens, it will then release spoors into the air. Many will hit the remains and take root, growing, while others will float on the air until they land in a suitable location to take seed and grow into a new fungal plant.

The spores require 21 days to mature, and as time progresses, the spores will consume the remains, until nothing, not even bones are left. Only 2d10 in percentages (up to a maximum of 20%) will survive. They will have only 1d4 hit points and no tentacles, and will require 6 months to mature to adult size. They can gain the nutrients they require from soil or rotting matter.

Like most fungus, this creature is unintelligent, and although it can easily move its tentacles, and it can see, the creature lives only to feed and spread its spores. It cannot be reasoned with, it cannot be spoken to, all that can be done is destroy it or leave it be and try to escape.

Lastly, it has been discovered the flesh of these creatures can be consumed, and tastes like a cross between squid and mushroom soup. It is tasty but does not confer any other benefits to anyone consuming the flesh.

Starfinder Creature Index

Chris Van Deelen is the creator and contributor to over half of the Wisdom from the Wastelands series, contributor to the Swords of Kos: Hekaton anthology, and the recently released 'Swords of Kos: The Rite'. He also wrote Creatures of the Tropical Wastelands, and 100 Oddities found in a Car. As prolific as he is, Chris Van Deelen continues to write and produce material which will be in publication soon. Not only is he a prolific content creator, he also has a wide selection of fiction and stories! If you like his work, please follow his personal author page on Facebook and on Twitter to keep up with his latest news and game content.