Keen Hearing and Smell. The Algaeocyte has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or smell.
Toxic Aura. Any creature that starts its turn within 5 feet of the creature must succeed a DC 12 Constitution saving throw or take 7 (1d12) poison damage.
Bloated Death. When the Algaeocyte dies, a special organ inside releases a deadly toxic gas that lingers in the air in a 30 foot radius for 24 hours. This gas can be gotten rid of through a strong gust of wind. Any spell that dispels magic can neutralize the harmful portion of this gas. A creature that breathes for 1 minute in this radius takes (1d6) poison damage.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (2d4 + 1) piercing damage.
Spit. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (3d6) poison damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 12 Constitution saving throw against disease or be poisoned for 1 minute. The creature can repeat this saving throw again at the beginning of all of its turns.
Description
The Algaeocyte takes the form of a normal-sized beast such as a wolf or bobcat with a high enough Constitution. In the presence of a magical toxic gas emitted by the Algaeocyte and other forms of magic, beasts that die from this gas are infected by it. There is a 40 percent chance that the infection is strong enough to "revive" the creature.
The gas itself does not contain a pathogen or virus of any sort that infects the mind of the creature, but is instead a compound infused with a necromantic magic, primarily composed of some sort of biological algae and compost mix. It was originally created artificially, and certain machines today can manufacture it with a magical touch. It can be contained, but it is not any more powerful at higher concentrations.
These creatures are most commonly found in swamps and the Underdark, where the gas cannot freely dissipate into the air and has the highest chance to infect something. While the gas can infect creatures other than beasts, they can take much worse and unstable forms that don't live nearly as long.
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