Mushroom Cave terrain

Bioluminescent fungus lines the walls and floor here, casting a faint, shifting glow. Spores drift through the damp air as the party traverses this layer of the Underdark.

The location’s inhabitants

Fungal and cave-dwelling creatures thrive in the moist, glowing dark here. Entering their territory uninvited may provoke them to attack, otherwise they’ll flee or investigate players that seem non-threatening.

  • Common: Myoconids, Flumphs, Giant Lizards, Spiders
  • Uncommon: Basilisks, Shriekers
  • Dangerous: Trolls, Shadows

The Location’s possible encounters

The mushroom caves are often traversable, though spongy fungal growth and spore clouds can slow the party down.

Roll a 1d4 to determine which encounter that follows:

  • 1 - E1
  • 2 - E2
  • 3 - E3
  • 4 - E4

E1. Difficult Terrain

Difficult terrain hinders the party, one may traverse it by overcoming a skill check. Simply going around is also an option by spending more time.

ObstacleSkill check
Spongy fungal floorDC 10 Strength Check
Spore cloudDC 12 Constitution Check
Slippery mold patchesDC 10 Dexterity Check

E2. Common Encounter

Fungal folk and cave beasts inhabit this stretch of mushroom cavern.

Roll a 1d4 to determine the creature encountered and a 1d4 to determine what the creatures are currently doing:

  • 1 - on alert
  • 2 - wandering
  • 3 - working
  • 4 - resting
Common CreatureNumber of creatures
1. Myoconids2d4 (2–8)
2. Flumphs2d4 (2–8)
3. Giant Lizards1d4+1 (2–5)
4. Spiders1d4+1 (2–5)

E3. Uncommon Encounter

Stonier or stranger things nest deeper among the mushrooms. They pose a bigger challenge.

Roll a 1d2 to determine the creature encountered and a 1d4 to determine what the creatures are currently doing:

  • 1 - on alert
  • 2 - wandering
  • 3 - working
  • 4 - resting
Uncommon creatureNumber of creatures
1. Basilisk1d2 (1–2)
2. Shrieker1d3 (1–3)

E4. Dangerous Encounter

These creatures are drawn to the caves’ seclusion or lurk unnoticed until it’s too late.

Roll a 1d2 to determine the creature encountered and a 1d4 to determine what the creatures are currently doing:

  • 1 - on alert
  • 2 - wandering
  • 3 - working
  • 4 - resting
Dangerous creatureNumber of Creatures
1. Troll1
2. Shadow1d4+1 (2–5)

Aftermath

The party may loot the creature’s belongings if they have any. Parts of the creatures may be claimed as a trophy or collected as material for artisans.

After overcoming the encounter the party may continue on deciding their next move.