[I changed the name because a “straw mound” is a real object. I want to avoid the Gazebo problem whenever possible.]
Haystack Horror What appeared to be a pile of straw opens its eyes and begins to move.
Haystack horrors are the bane of farmers and ranchers everywhere. They are created when a particular fungus infects hay or straw, turning it into a body capable of movement and hunger. A haystack horror hunts by ambush, masquerading as a mundane pile of grass and grain before pouncing upon and engulfing a victim. They produce a mildly acidic enzyme within their depths, capable of even breaking down bone. Metal and stone are indigestible, however, and a haystack horror may accrue a small hoard of discarded coins, weapons and armor if it feeds on humanoids. They are implacable when riled—the only thing a haystack horror fears is fire.
Ergotic Horror Some haystack horrors are infected with other fungi besides the one that animates their bodies. An ergotic horror carries a potent strain of ergot, allowing it to spread disease with a touch. An ergotic horror is a haystack horror with the advanced simple template and the following disease applied to its slam attack: Disease (Ex) Ergotism—injury or ingested; save Fort DC 21; onset 1 minute; damage 1d4 Dex and 1d4 Wis; frequency 1/day; cure 2 saves. The save DC is Constitution based.
Haystack horrors were originally found in Waster, but have somehow spread throughout Gladia as llamas became more commonly used in agriculture. They are now found in Reb’ka and southern Munab as well.
Shores of Swords 