Moss Skeletons
I want your skull, I need your skull
— The Misfits
Typically native to marshlands and lowland wooded areas the Bonescraw are in fact a single, semi-sentient bryophyte which fell to Earth on an ancient meteorite. Once it has contaminated an area it will spread as a deep, dense network of carnivorous, acidic moss and lichen that blights the land. Any creature unfortunate enough to enter the moss falls prey to the sedative pollen that it releases and is slowly dissolved and digested, leaving only their bones behind.
The Bonescraw becomes highly active in the moonlight and during a full moon will make use of the remaining skeletal remains in order to hunt for larger prey, binding the bones together with its own organic mass and animating them. Nearby villagers dare not venture to the woods at night, fearing the sight of skeletal creatures filled with mud and moss, stalking the edges of the forest.
As the Bonescraw grows in size its skeletal agents grow bolder, eventually venturing into nearby townships at night to snatch unwary souls before carrying them back to the forest or marsh to be devoured fully, their bones to be used to create another shambling horror.
SPECIAL POWERS
Sedative Scent – The lichen of the Bonescraw emits a sedative pollen that will cause a living creature to fall asleep. Anyone within a 3 meter radius of the creature must make a successful CON roll in order to stay awake or else will fall asleep for 1-2 hours.
Acid Touch: The lichen of the Bonescraw contains a corrosive enzyme that will dissolve the flesh of any living creature. The creature will lose 1D3 HP per round as long as it remains in contact with the lichen.
BONESCRAW, shuffling moss-filled skeleton
STR: 50-70
CON: 60-80
SIZ: 50-80
DEX: 35
INT: 30
POW: 20
HP: 12
Damage Bonus: 0 / 1D4
Build: 0 / 1
Magic Points: 0
Move: 5
ATTACKS
Attacks per round: 1
Fighting attacks: Brawl (50% (25/10), damage 1D4 or 1D6 if using bone spike appendages.
Dodge: 15% (7/2)
Armor: Attacks only cause damage if bones are damaged or smashed by blunt force, or if the animating lichen/moss is destroyed. Stabbing or piercing weapons, including firearms, have minimal effect. Vulnerable to fire.
Skills: Sense Life 80% (40/16)
Sanity Loss: 2/1D6 to see a Bonescraw creature
Pete is a video producer and is the visual lead at the Miskatonic Playhouse podcast.
