Dungeons & Dragons Fungal Cow Miniature

This is a highly detailed miniature of a Fungal Cow.

This model was created by MZ4250 who makes amazingly accurate models of the Monster Manual creatures and provided by Commercial License.

In Dungeons & Dragons, a Fungal Cow is an unusual creature that merges the traits of a mundane bovine with the bizarre, eerie qualities of fungal life. This peculiar entity often resides in subterranean realms, such as the Underdark, where fungi thrive and strange forms of life evolve under the influence of magic or otherworldly energies. Its appearance combines the recognizable bulk and gait of a cow with fungal features, such as a body overgrown with bioluminescent mushrooms, spore-emitting growths, and a hide textured with moss-like patches or fungal filaments. The creature's eyes may glow faintly, and its breath carries a distinct, earthy odor of decay.

Fungal Cows are typically docile, much like their mundane counterparts, but their fungal nature gives them unique abilities. They might release clouds of spores as a defense mechanism, creating hallucinogenic or toxic effects on nearby creatures. In some settings, their milk is imbued with strange properties, ranging from curative effects to mild hallucinogenic experiences, making them valuable to adventurers and underground communities. However, such benefits come with risks, as prolonged exposure to the cow or its environment might cause fungal infections or other side effects.

These creatures are often seen as a natural part of the Underdark ecosystem or as the result of magical experimentation by wizards, druids, or even malevolent beings like mind flayers. Despite their eerie appearance, they are not inherently malevolent and can be domesticated or coexisted with under the right circumstances. Some adventurers encounter Fungal Cows while exploring the Underdark, their otherworldly presence serving as a reminder of the strange and wondrous diversity found in the depths of the world. Their presence offers a blend of danger, utility, and curiosity, contributing to the rich tapestry of creatures that populate the world of Dungeons & Dragons.