Black Mold
BLACK MOLD (or Metallic Mold) by Reagren Wright
Black Mold is completely unrelated to alchemy created Green Mold. Elves and dwarves have
been aware of its existence since the Age of Elves; however, it has only been in the last
millennium that scholars and alchemist have discovered its origins. For whatever reason the
more “primitive” underground races (troglodytes, goblins, hobgoblins, and most recently the
Baalizad) appear to be the source of the mold. It is not known how these races come in
contact with the mold spores, but for whatever reason all underground dwellings of dwarves,
gnomes, rattlings, and kobolds remains black mold free. The spores remain in the underground
dwellings of those mentioned indefinitely and are able to survive extreme temperatures and
pressure. The spores are not detectable to the naked eye nor can they be identified by smell
or taste. In fact, it’s only when a mold colony begins to grow can the mold be seen. However,
three factors must be present in order for the spores to begin to grow; warmth, blood, and
metal. The spores live harmlessly on the outer layer skin of the carrier. They cannot invade
living tissue nor do they go into subcutaneous tissue. Once a person becomes a carrier of the
spores, he or she will remain as one unless they bathe themselves with an acidic solvent. The
spores can remain dormant indefinitely, yet the moment blood (human, humanoid, or animal)
encounters the spores, they temporarily awaken looking for the nearest metal to bond with
(usually the weapon that caused the bleeding wound). The spores remain awake in the blood
for the next 15 minute. If a person touches the blood, he or she can transfer the spores to
any immediate location within the 15-minute window. Once the spores meet any type or kind
of metal (gold, silver, copper, iron, steel, bronze, nickel, tin, etc), the immediately bond to it
on a molecular level. The metal is now infected. Unless an acidic solvent is used to wipe the
metal clean within 10 minutes, the binding is permanent, only metals imbued with magical
properties or possess an almost indestructible nature (adamant or kisentite for example) are
immune to the spores. After the binding takes place, within 24 hours the mold colony begins
to grow, appear as a black fuzzy coat (similar to some molds found on fruit). The structural
integrity of the metal begins to deteriorate by 33% twenty-four hours after the initial binding.
The damage accumulates until the metal simply crumbles into dust. Only a powerful organic
cleanser (acid) can kill the Black Mold. Anyone foolish enough to expose black mold to flame
risks not only his or her life, but that of anyone within twenty feet (6 m) of the infected
metal. Black Mold produces a flammable gaseous compound that in large enough quantities
can function as a chemical explosive. Many dwarf and kobold blacksmith has unknowing put a
black mold covered item into their furnace and blown his or her shop (and the neighbors) into
bits and pieces.
Black Mold is not dangerous to humanoids but its destructive nature to metal is a major
concern. It can infect and ruin a gold and/or silver inventory like a fungi infection in a
vegetable garden. It will destroy an entire armory leaving a castle defenseless. An adventure
can find himself without a weapon, armor, or buckles to hold up his pants if happens to kill an
infected goblin and wipes the blood from his hand using his glove then proceeds to touch his
meal supply. Black Mold is a major nuisance for elves, humans, dwarves, wolfen, and kobolds,
but is slowly becoming a bio-weapon for underground dwelling goblins and hobgoblins who
seek any advantage to use against surface dwellers. There are a number of Rattlings in the
Western Empire seeking out the source of the black mold spores hoping they can produce it
on their own and use it to bring the Empire to its knees.
Type.: Unknown, possibly a supernatural fungi
Alignments: Not applicable
The Eight Attributes: Not applicable
Natural A.R.: 6
Hit Points/S.D.C. Combined: 1D4 per 3 lbs (.91 kg) of metal
Horror Factor/Awe: 8 or 14 when come across a huge colony.
P.P.E.: None
Natural Abilities: Metal parasite. 24 hours after binding, the S.D.C. of any metal is reduced by 33% and A.R. is reduce by 3. The damage is accumulative (doubles every 24 hours), until it’s destroyed within 72 hours. Exposing Black Mold to fire causes a fiery explosion (3D6 points of damage per 3 lbs (1.35 kg) of metal to a 20 foot (6 m) blast radius. The mold is impervious to conventional damage, cold, and organic toxins. It cannot be scrapped off because it is molecular bonded to the metal, removing it only destroys the metal, unless an organic cleanser (acid) is used. One cup full will destroy the mold covering a 12 lbs (5.4 kg) small to medium size metal object. Magic metal items are impervious to Black Mold.
Magic Spells: Not applicable
Psionics: Not applicable
Value: None, no one wants to be near the stuff except for some societies of goblin, hobgoblin, and rattlings who want to use it as a bio-weapon.
Average Life Span: As spores indefinitely, as mold (3 days) but can continue to spread as long as there is metal present.
Habitat: The spores need someplace warm in order to function. Black Mold can exist anywhere. Physical Appearance: A fuzzy, jet-black mold.
