Mutant Monday

Bryophytian

No. Enc.: 6-24 (30-300)
Alignment: Neutral
Movement: 60' (20')
Armor Class: 4
Hit Dice: 1 to 6
Attacks: 1
Damage: 1d4 or weapon type
Save: L1 to L6
Morale: 8
Hoard Class: I, II
XP: 1 HD: 22
        2HD: 56
        3HD: 110
        4HD: 300
        5HD: 800
        6HD: 1320


Bryophytians, also known as mossmen, are short, bipedal moss creatures. They appear as furry or fuzzy humanoids with rounded, often bulging proportions. Coloration is generally greenish, except when the Bryophytian becomes dehydrated, then it turns to a pale whitish green or light blue-green. Mossmen are 1½ feet tall, plus ½-foot per Hit Die. Although they do not have a spoken language, they are capable of vocalized cries. They normally communicate by tapping on their chests and on trees or stones.

Parties of Bryophytians hunt near their lairs. In their home territory, mossmen blend into their surroundings, so opponents receive a -2 penalty to surprise rolls. Bryophytians will attack any form of animal life for food. Timid and cunning, mossmen will not only use their natural camouflage for ambush, they will also use other tricks or traps, preferring snares, pit traps, and deadfalls. Half of the mossmen in a group have 1 HD, while 25% have 2 HD. The rest are 3 or 4 HD (equal chances). For every 50 Bryophytians, there is a subchief with 5 HD and 1d4+1 bodyguards with 3 HD each. Each tribe of mossmen is led by a chief with 6 HD and 2d4 bodyguards with 4 HD each. Half of the Bryophytians encountered carry spears, while the others use clubs or go without weapons (equal chances). About half of all of their hunting parties are accompanied by a pack of Dire Bamboo as well. Mossmen settlements always hold 1-4 packs of Dire Bamboo.

Bryophytians form primitive, settled tribes. Mossmen live by scavenging and hunting. Their lairs are usually found in moist woodlands or marshes. Tribes are territorial. Bryophytians co-exist well with plant and fungus life. They often use Screech Bushes to guard their lairs, and mossmen native to the lair can pass by those Screech Bushes unnoticed.

Mutations: Abnormal Size, Carnivore, Free Movement, Full Senses