FREQUENCY: Very rare
FREQUENCY: Very rare ([Dungeon Level IV])
NO. APPEARING: 1 patch
ARMOR CLASS: 9
MOVE: 0"
HIT DICE: 12-16 hp / 10 square feet
% IN LAIR: Nil
TREASURE TYPE: [Nil] <assumed: left out of statblock>
NO. OF ATTACKS: 0
DAMAGE/ATTACK: 0
SPECIAL ATTACKS: Spores
SPECIAL DEFENSES: Nil
MAGIC RESISTANCE: Standard
INTELLIGENCE: Non-
ALIGNMENT: Neutral
SIZE: S to L
PSIONIC ABILITY: Nil
    Attack/Defense Modes: Nil
LEVEL/X.P. VALUE: Not ratable

Found only in damp areas underground, this mold isoften mistaken for
rust at distances greater than 30 feet (70% chance). It is immune to all
attacks involving weapons, fire, and cold but is vulnerable to applications
of alcohol, acid, and compounds harmful to plants (such as salt). It
can be killed instantly by casting a cure diseaseor a continual light upon
it.

Russet mold makes no physical attacks but emits a barely visible cloud of
spores within a 3-foot radius; beyond this radius the spores settle to the
floor, inert. Also, if the mold is touched it will inject these spores. All
creatures passing within 3 feet or touching it will take 5-20 points of
damage from the toxicity and must save vs. poison. Failure to save
results in a sickness that will kill in 2-5 turns unless a cure disease is
cast.

Any character who dies from touching russet mold will undergo a
transformation. The body will first start to sprout new growths of mold
from the spores left at contact. Then, when entirely encased in mold, a
vegepygmy(q.v.)will rise from the remains. The entire process will take
21-24 hours(1d4+20). A hold plant spell will halt the growth of the mold
for the duration of the spell. If the mold grows for more than 1 hour, the
victim cannot be recovered except by a wish spell.

Russet mold is golden-brown to rust-red in color. Its lumpy texture is
similar to cold porridge, and it is covered by short, hair-like growths.
These stand upright and constantly waver as if in a gentle breeze.