Fungal Hunter

Fungal Mutt Characteristics

The Fungal Mutt resembles an ordinary dog, except it has been infected with a parasitic spore that controls its actions. Over half of the body is covered in a coat of green to yellow-brown bubbling spores that grow from underneath its skin, along with a set of whipping, grabbing fungal tendrils that constantly move of their own accord, searching for prey. The fungus keeps the host alive as a source of transportation and attack, being unable to fight on its own without organic material to grow from. This parasitic creature needs meat to survive and therefore adapted a means of acquiring it. The dog itself, however, has a very short life span under these conditions, and is often traded off for another host, after the original has been consumed of course.

Culture

The Fungal Mutt is a victim of a deadly parasitic spore with a predatory will that has no culture. In fact, when an infected animal approaches another of its kind, it is immediately recognized as alien, provoking most other dogs to attack on sight. If this happens, it is extremely easy for the parasite to spread its spores into the biting creatures, infecting a new carrier when consumed.

History

Not much is known about how these beasts came to exist and why the fungus specifically seems to favor canines. Rangers and Barbarians suspect that it is due to their loyal and tireless nature that these dogs make good hosts. Such an animal could easily respond favorably to the impulses of such a creature, generally being unable to recognize a bad master from a good one. Particularly insidious Fungal Mutts have been known to find their way into civilized societies, with kennels. Once infiltrated, the animal will simply limp into a pen of puppies before the parasite kills it off. After that, the volatile vegetation chooses a new host and gains further opportunities to easily spread its infection.