Tirawen

A scattered family of lightless, root-eating growths that thrive in damp cellars, caves, and rotted timber. None can see or give chase, yet several have evolved nasty defences. Squat purple-capped stalks lash out with rubbery feeler-arms that wither and weaken whatever they touch; bloated puffball-bodies rupture to spit clouds of choking, burning spores; and warty molds weep acidic sap that festers into a lingering sickness. Most simply spread, ruining stores and clothing if left unchecked, but a thick cluster blocking a tunnel can prove as deadly as any beast. Foragers still prize the harmless kinds for food, drink, and medicine, and learn by hard lessons which caps to leave well alone.

Behavior

Roots in darkness and cannot pursue, relying on prey blundering within reach
Lashing feeler-fronds strike anything that brushes against them
Ruptures or jets spores when struck or trampled, fouling the surrounding air
Spreads aggressively across damp surfaces, spoiling food, leather, and cloth
Some forms quietly poison or sicken through touch or inhaled spore

Abilities

Withering Touch. flailing fronds sap the strength of exposed flesh (a temporary weakening) and wear at gear durability, briefly weakening armour on contact.
Spore Burst. a struck or trampled body bursts, spraying caustic, choking spores in a cloud that poisons those caught in it.
Creeping Infection. untreated wounds fester into a lingering but curable sickness.

Drops & Crafting

Edible mushroom flesh (some kinds toxic)
Dried spore powder (alchemy, smoke bombs)
Tough fungal fibre for cordage and wadding
Medicinal green mold for treating wound-rot
Puffball flesh as tinder
Live yeast cultures for brewing and bread