Orvocorpse

An orvocropse is not a sentient creature so much as a vehicle for fungal infection. Host creatures become infected with the fungus and, if not treated, the fungus takes over the motor function of the creature. Often a hard wood-like protrusion forms around and past the head, and its hands and feet become enlarged and knotted with bark-like protrusions. It is unknown if the host maintains consciousness, but it seems certain its higher mental functions are likely destroyed, as the fungus controls the creature, whose only focus seems to be the spread of the spores it carries, either through contact with other creatures, or upon its death, which often results in an explosion that scatters the spores all around it

These creatures seem to have some sort of intelligence, as they migrate to populous areas. Stories of the orvocorpse are most prevalent in the old kingdom of Uthgard, and anyone who sees a creature of this description will avoid it at all costs. Every city has orders to shoot anything with any symptom with flaming arrows, as fire seems the only sure way to stop the spread of the spores.

—Creaturi Obscuria

Orvocorpse

CharacteristicsCV3
StatScore%Speed10’
STR1470HP30
CON1680Dmg Mod+1d4
SIZ1470AV9
INT315ClassMonster
ACU840TypePlant
DEX630Horror2/1d8+1
SOC210TreasureHarvestables
  • Attack: (2) Claw 70% 1d6+4+dm+Zombie Spores
  • Skills: Dodge 45%, Grapple 70%, Hide 45%, Listen 60%, Spot 60%, Stealth 45%
  • Special: Blind Fight, Plant Qualities, Zombie Spores, Death Throes
  • Weaknesses: Vulnerable to Fire (double damage)
  • Habitat: Any
  • Encounter: Solitary, Pair, or Swarm

Plant Qualities

An orvocorpse is a dead or dying host animated by a parasitic fungus. It does not need to eat, drink, sleep, or breathe and is immune to poison and disease. It is also immune to fear effects.

Orvorus Spores

An orvocorpse carries a virulent fungal infection that spreads through wounds caused by its claws. 

DiseaseTypePOTOnsetEffectSecondary EffectCure
Zombie SporesInjury181d3 days-1 DEX and -2 CON per dayOrvocorpse Transformation2 consecutive saves

Orvocorpse Transformation: After one week without a cure, the victim develops hardened patches of fungal growth across the face and extremities. During the second week, the victim must make a CON check each day. On a failure, they become increasingly vacant and unresponsive as the fungus begins taking control. After 30 days without a cure, the victim completely succumbs to the fungus and transforms into an orvocorpse.

Death Throes

When an orvocorpse is reduced to 0 HP, its fungal growths rupture in an explosive cloud of spores. All creatures within 10’ must succeed at a Dodge check or be exposed to Orvorus Spores.

The airborne spores remain infectious for 1 round, after which exposure to the air renders them harmless. 

Blind Fight

Orvocorpses do not rely entirely on sight to locate nearby living creatures and suffer reduced penalties when fighting creatures they cannot clearly see.

Reagents & Remnants

Orvocorpse Spore Sac (Reagent)

A swollen fungal growth filled with dormant Zombie Spores. Alchemists and healers sometimes collect intact sacs to research treatments for fungal diseases, though harvesting one is extremely dangerous.

Value: 100 gp
Harvesting Difficulty: Difficult

Orvocorpse Bark (Remnant)

The dense, bark-like fungal armor that forms around an advanced orvocorpse. Once rendered inert, it can be used in alchemical preparations and experiments involving fungal growth and decay.

Value: 25 gp
Harvesting Difficulty: Average