“I never liked the idea of pullin’ fur out of a poor bloodhound to find another animal. Like, what if I wanted to find a bloodhound? Also I wouldn’t want anyone pullin’ on my hair, just seems mean.” — Thistle Treetrot

Type: Flowerless bryophyte

Where to Find: Tree branches, sharp rocks, humid & wet areas. Comfortable range: -22° - 104° F

Distinguishing Features: Speckled tricolor (brown, white, black) clumps

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It’s the Fuzz

Basset-Fur Moss may look rather drab and unnatural when found in the wild, but really it is quite innocuous. The moss holds an impressive amount of water in non-vascular clumps. The strange coloration of the moss causes these clumps to look like matted down fur. This, combined with the pungent odor the wet moss gives off, gives the Basset-Fur Moss its name.

While unimpressive in the wild, the moss is beloved by animals and rangers. When carefully scraped off whatever it is clinging to, the moss can be dried over a period of hours. As the water evaporates and leaves the Basset-Fur Moss, the clumps puff up and expand into a plush downy material. The lush softness of the moss carries warmth and makes it a fantastic insulator. It is not uncommon to meet rangers who have decorated their armor in the moss. Animals prize the moss and it has been seen anywhere from rabbit’s dens to roc’s nests.

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Gameplay Effects

Bassett-Fur Moss may be extracted by succeeding a DC 10 Nature check.

False Spell Component. Basset-Fur Moss may be used as a substitute for any “Bloodhound Fur” spell component.

Insulating. By using 5 lbs. of Basset-Fur Moss to decorate armor, the armor can be considered cold-weather clothing.

Potion Ingredient. Basset-Fur Moss may be used with an Herbalism Kit to make a Potion of Animal Friendship. Follow the magic-item crafting rules on pages 128 + 129 of the DMG.