Hyphae Tyrant
Level 4Attacks
Abilities
A hyphae tyrant intuitively senses and tracks all nearby fungi. The sense can distinguish between fungus creatures, features made of fungus, and creatures covered in spores.
When a hyphae tyrant dies, a burst of primal energy explodes from its body in a 30-foot area, restoring 3d8 to each fungus creature and dealing 3d8 void damage (DC 20 fortitude save) to each non-fungus creature in the area. This area is filled with fungus, becoming difficult terrain.
The hyphae tyrant transforms into a Small fungus. This ability otherwise uses the effects of One with Plants.
A hyphae tyrant unleashes a cloud of spores in a 20-foot area. Each non-fungi creature in this area must succeed at a DC 20 fortitude save or take 2[persistent,poison|options:area-damage] damage. A creature has its vision reduced as long as the persistent damage continues and can see only within 20 feet (or 10 feet on a critical failure).
A creature that takes damage from a hyphae tyrant's spore pod Strike must attempt a saving throw with the same DC and effect as its Spore Cloud ability.
Leshy creations sometimes fall prey to herbivores and foragers. Whereas most take the loss in stride, fungus leshies sometimes grow bitter and explore the grimmer elements of fungi: decomposition and possession. Combining unethical experiments, mind-altering cordyceps spores, and occult magic fueled by their own victim narrative, a fungus leshy can transform into a hyphae tyrant, who in turn transforms corpses into sporeborn puppets to torment local fauna. These leshies' greatest tragedy is perhaps their own impermanence. As their agendas increasingly celebrate decay, a hyphae tyrant's spite and occult narrative slowly drain their life force, ultimately ending in a final burst of destructive energy.
Troubled Reincarnation
Typically, a leshy's spirit wanders the natural world after death, eventually inhabiting a new leshy body. It's unclear whether a hyphae tyrant's spirit can ever become a new leshy. It's speculated that they eventually become natural haunts, transform into oni, or even fade forever unless found and redeemed.