FRIC — Viewing Species: Fungusmonger

This squishy mass has mushrooms growing on it, along with two writhing tentacles. Deep blue stripes decorate its shiny surface. It’s best kept either in shallow water or a humid environment, otherwise it might dry out and die.

Over time, the mass has formed into a slug-like creature. Its body is still fairly delicate, only able to be outside of water for a few hours at a time. While friendly, it has a habit of nudging people with its spiky head to get their attention. Mushrooms continuously grow on its back, eventually falling off the creature once they’ve grown very large. Its already slow movement is hindered further when there are too many large mushrooms growing on it at once, but severing them is an easy task.

Fungusmongers are most commonly found lounging in underground lakes and ponds, but occasionally come out of the water, usually in search of food. They rely on an easily accessible body of water or a very humid environment in order to survive, as their bodies will dry out within a matter of days. They’re very passive, and generally won’t do more than observe unless they feel threatened. The spikes on their heads are sharp, and they won’t hesitate to fend off a threat by either headbutting or spraying water.

The mushrooms that grow on their backs are edible and highly nutritious. This in combination with how quickly they grow back and the ease of harvesting them make these Mongershrooms, as they’re commonly referred to, a popular and sustainable food source. Wild Fungusmongers won’t put up with someone trying to harvest their mushrooms, but ones raised in captivity usually don’t mind the process. If a Fungusmonger happens to particularly enjoy the company of their handler, they will pluck a mushroom off of themselves and offer it as a gift.