Sweet Hogmoss
Sweet Hogmoss is a unique species of evergreen moss found growing only upon the back of the Mosshog, a relative of the Common Hedgehog, in a symbiotic relationship. Often referred to simply as Hogmoss, it is considered to be of magical origin, though it does not exhibit any magical properties itself. As Sweet Hogmoss is found growing on Mosshogs, its distribution is entirely dependent on populations of these creatures, though it is generally listed as being found across most of Eirinn and the central and south-western regions of Duraloth.
Sweet Hogmoss is a deep, rich green moss that produces pretty, yellow-tipped sporophytes during the mating and pregnancy seasons of Mosshogs. Upon healthy Mosshogs, it can grow to be extremely thick, soft, and luxurious, and it is considered an extremely beautiful type of moss. However, it cannot survive if removed from its Mosshog host, and the death of the host will result in the decay of the Hogmoss colony upon it. Additionally, while Hogmoss gives off a delicious, sweet scent, it is highly toxic and should not be consumed.
Origins of Sweet Hogmoss
In the early stages of the Age of Renewal, Common Hedgehogs were introduced to A'arde. However, contact with an unknown bacteria caused some of the population to develop a disease that resulted in 98% of their spines falling out, and a sweet ichor to be excreted from their now-naked backs. This ichor attracted a lot of attention from predators, but it also allowed moss spores to embed themselves into the backs of the infected creatures.
Over time these spores were introduced to Sylvan magic, likely in the form of exposed Convergences (the Sylvan equivalent of a Weave Well), which fundamentally changed the biology of the spores and encouraged them to grow upon the backs of the infected hedgehogs. These hedgehogs eventually became Mosshogs, and the moss that grew upon their backs was given the name "Sweet Hogmoss", due to the sweet scent given off by it.
Basic Information
Genetics and Reproduction
Sweet Hogmoss spreads from Mosshogs to others of their species through spores, which are released from sporophytes that develop during mating season and pregnancy. Sporophytes develop on both male and female Mosshogs, though the spores released by those on male Mosshogs rarely make their way to any young during this time. These spores can lay dormant in the habitat they are released until another Mosshog passes by, allowing the spores to latch on to its back.
Female Mosshogs will rub their backs around their nests to coat the entire interior with spores. These spores then attach to young Mosshogs when they start secreting their ichor, and begin to develop into new moss colonies as the hoglets grow.
Growth Rate & Stages
The growth rate of Sweet Hogmoss is comparably faster than other types of moss, growing upon the backs of Mosshog hoglets by the time they are ready to leave their mothers. As an evergreen moss, it survives year-round in its lush state, though it changes colour to a brassy brown during hibernation periods. Additionally, during the Mosshog's mating season, sporophytes develop with beautiful, yellow heads. These developments are instigated through hormonal changes in the Mosshog that slightly alter the makeup of the ichor it secretes, and therefore trigger changes in the moss.
Ecology and Habitats
Sweet Hogmoss exists in a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship with Mosshogs, but cannot survive without their host species. They are entirely reliant on the sweet ichor secreted by Mosshogs, their only viable source of food, and in exchange provide the Mosshogs with camouflage and protection through the production of the potent Hogmoss Toxin.
Attempts have been made to cultivate Sweet Hogmoss in locations other than the backs of Mosshogs, but these have proven unsuccessful. The remains of studies from the Age of Arcana suggest that the Hogmoss is so unique in its makeup that its food source simply cannot be replicated or altered. For this reason, those who wish to cultivate Hogmoss must also care for Mosshogs.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Sweet Hogmoss only grows on the backs of Mosshogs, where it feeds on the ichor they secrete as a result of disease that fundamentally changed species' biology. The Hogmoss cannot gain nutrition from any other sources, and is therefore wholly reliant on the Mosshog for sustenance.
Additional Information
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Hogmoss Toxin is a type of hemotoxic poison excreted by Sweet Hogmoss as part of a defense mechanism developed through its symbiotic relationship with the Mosshog. The toxin tends to collect in the few remaining hollow spines of the Mosshog, moving upward through capillary action and being delivered either by puncture by spine or by ingestion. Injuries from Hogmoss Toxin cause a great deal of pain, and often induce a state of shock which prevents further assault on the Mosshog. Small predators can die from the introduction of Hogmoss Toxin, and smaller Sapients, such as Halfelins and Gnomes, are more prone to serious injury or death from contact with it. However, Sapients of Dwarf-size or larger rarely die from such contact, though serious injury, including loss of limbs, is still a possibility.
Hogmoss Toxin can be used to create poisons such as Bryocantha (Moss Cup) and Greenbite.
Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms
Sweet Hogmoss has formed a unique symbiotic relationship with Mosshogs, and neither species can survive without each other. It is present on both the Common and Frostspine variants of the Mosshog.
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