The Dream Bonded Vailwyn

The Vailwyn are a semi-humanoid, spaient species known for their symbiotic feeding through a unique bond with a mushroom colony known as "The Mirth." The Mirth and it's roots are a sentient plant colony that dominates a large part of the underdark beneath Aliria's main northern continent. Partly because of the work the Vailwyn put in to spread its spores in return for nourishment.   Vailwyn do not eat in the traditional sense. They instead form a life-long connection with the Mirth colony by fusing their body in subtle ways. Be it small tendrils of Mirth, bark patches on their skin, or growths that glow in the moonlight. Through this bond, the Mirth absorb nutrients via photosynthesis and minerals from the Vailwyn's blood. The Vailwyn receives nourishment through the fungi's stored sugars and mana transfered via the connection points in their body. Mirthroots reach deep into the physical ground and the mystical realm, feeding from the leylines of Aliria as well as the soil. In exchange for access to the stores of energy, the Vailwyn protect and tend to the Mirth as well as spread spores to new potential lands.   The Vailwyn are respected and often feared for their deep connection to natural magic. Many are wandering gardeners, sages, hermits, or druids who travel planting Mirth spores in an attempt to stabilize ecosystems, or tap into leylines. There are citizens of Aliria who think their intentions harmful, but no evidence has surfaced regarding that.   Physical Appearance of The Vailwyn   Generally slender and tall with elongated and soft features with softly glowing eyes. Their skin is marked with vine patterns or actual growths depending on the maturity of their connection to the Mirth. This can manifest as flowers, moss, or bark plates coating large portions of their skin. They typically are bald, but some who have hair have thin silken fibers that grow uncontrollably. Their natural lifespan is unknown, but longer lived Vailwyn have been documented to have shown bark armor plating on their entire body, making them look like moving trees or ents.   Their body's metabolism is fully tied to the Mirth's health across their body. They need regular sunlight exposure, rain, or magic rich areas for their Mirth sub colony to thrive. If a Vailwyn is seperated from their Mirth or kept away from natural sources of nourishment for too long, they will weaken rapidly and can die.   Symbiosis for the Vailwyn   Vailwyn exhibit heightened senses being attunded to the ecosystems around them. It is unknown if they posses inherint magical capabilities or if the Mirth gives it to them, but Vailwyn who are Dream Bonded can use limited nature magics and are resistant to toxins. However their connection renders them vulnerable to parasites that feast on fungus, various harsh plant diseases, and dark magic corruption on their Mirth or the source of their Mirth.