New Plant Mutations
Derek Holland
Reproduction, Fragmenting
Amazing, Permanent, CON
The plant reproduces by fragmenting. It breaks up into 1 part per .05 Kg of weight. Each part takes 2-3 weeks to alter itself into a seedling. The plant may also reproduce other ways (fragmenting and sexually 75%, fragmenting and seed clones 15%, fragmenting and other cloning 10% - runners, suckers, etc.)
Chitinase Production
Good, Permanent, CON
The plant produces an enzyme that breaks down chitin, the substance that makes up the exoskeleton and digestive track of arthropods (insects, crustaceans,
centipedes, etc.) In game terms, any insect that feeds on the plant will take d3w/Kg eaten. After that, the arthropod must make a WIL check to bite the plant again.
Alternate Bark
Amazing, Permanent, CON
Trees make make use of metals in the soil to enhance the strength of its bark. Each tree species uses only one metal, and some use valuable metals (like silver and iron). The GM must make a decision on how much each metal type will affect the plants movement (if any) and its armor. Some suggested values are:
| Metal | Armor Value | Movement |
| Iron | d6/d4/d4 | 1/2 |
| Lead | d3/d2/d2 | 1/4 |
| Nickle | d6+2/d4+2/d4+2 | 1/2 |
| Aluminum | d3/1/1 | 3/4 |
| Titanium | d6+3/d4+3/d4+3 | 1/2 |
Bark Pockets
Amazing, Permanent, CON
This rare mutation is a form of alternate bark. The tree has very thick bark that holds pockets of metals that are reactive to air (or water). Anytime an aggressor hits the tree, there is a 35% chance that a pocket is struck. A fiery
explosion happens and causes d10w in 2m, d8w in 6m and d4w in 10m. The tree takes d4s damage.
N-fixing
Ordinary, Permanent, CON
The plant can alter atmospheric Nitrogen to a useable form on its own (no bacteria). This allows it to set root in almost any dry soil and get enough sustenance to survive.
Keromone Production
Good, Activated, WIL
The plant produces odors that affect the behavior of other species. Usually it just drives away herbivores (which must be of the same taxonomic class). Or it may be used to attract prey for carnivorous plants. In game terms, a affected creature must make a WIL check at a 1 step penalty to either eat the plant or to not be drawn in.
Chemical Sniffer
Good, Activated, WIL
The plant can detect the odors (keromones and pheromones) of other species (plants and animals). It can thus detect predators and other dangers- it may not be able to completely understand the messages, but it can get the gist. This mutation only works for the plant in its biome.
Toxic Sap
Ordinary, Permanent, CON
This very common "mutation" evolved from the chemical defenses most plants have. Any creature that bites the plant must make a CON feat check vs the specific toxin. Here are some examples- suggested penalties and
bonuses are in ( ) :
Cardiac Glycosides
These toxins are found in such plants as foxglove and dogbane. Damage as a hemotoxin (+2 step penalty).
Cyanogenic Glycosides
These toxins are found in cherry leaves and apple seeds. Damage as a necrotoxin (+1 step penalty).
Oxalates
These toxins are one of many found in Dieffenbachia (Dumbcane). Damage as a irritant (+3 step penalty).
Proteins
Mushrooms and the castor plant have protein toxins. Damage variable.
Amines
Mistletoe and sweetpeas have nitrogenous toxins. Damage as a hemotoxin (+1 penalty).
Resinoids
These toxins are external and act as an irritant (-1 step bonus). Poison ivy, poisonoak, and poison sumac are the best known to have resinoid toxins.
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