CLASS: BOTANICAL

   The visible form of this fungoid monster is technically nothing more than an extremely elaborate spore housing a semisentient protoplasm. After many years of feeding and growing, the spore seeks out a warm-blooded vertebrate, injects its inner body into the host and dies. Within weeks, the parasitic fungus takes total control over the host's motor functions and eventually forces its puppet to climb the highest point it can locate. There, the conscious but helpless victim "takes root" and begins an incredibly slow transformation into a tremendous, brain-like "fruit," essentially a monstrous puffball, which continually develops and releases larval Scumbat.

   Scumbat fly rapidly, but only periodically flap their wings. They emit a low buzzing sound and glow yellow-orange from their interior.