Geographic Distribution
All species of brightgills have been documented in caves and subterranean environments across the diverse landscapes of
Azlov, thriving wherever conditions allow, except in waterlogged or fully aquatic caverns.
The most prominent known location for these intriguing fungi is the vast
Ebonhollow Expanse, an enormous cavern rich in biodiversity. This expanse is home to all recognized species of brightgills, along with a myriad of other fungal organisms.
It is hypothesized that brightgills have colonized other cave systems either via air currents or by spores adhering to small animals such as insects and bats. However, they have not been observed growing on the surface and have also been found in caves far from the caverns where they were thought to originate, which renders the air currents hypothesis less credible in explaining their extensive underground dispersal. Insects are known to feed on fungi and play a crucial role in dispersing spores, while bats have frequently been observed roosting among the lamellae of large brightgills. Furthermore, the spores have been studied under microscopes and have hooked barbs on the outer surface of the spore, allowing it to stick to the fur of bats like a burr.
While unproven, there is a prevailing theory that these remarkable fungi may have originated in the Ebonhollow Expanse itself, as evidenced by the presence of some specimens that are considered the largest mushrooms ever recorded.
Anatomy & Morphology
Brightgills exhibit a consistent structural framework and overall shape; however, they show significant differences in coloration and morphological characteristics of the gills on their undersides. Classified as shelf fungi, brightgills typically develop on the vertical surfaces of cave walls and decaying wooden logs, forming a distinctive horizontal platform reminiscent of a shelf. As with other forms of fungi, the root structure comprises of mycelia, while the mushroom is its fruiting body.
These mushrooms feature a circular, bracket-like form, with a dense core positioned at the edge attached to the supporting surface. Brightgills possess gill-like structures, termed lamellae, adorning the underside of the mushroom, rather than a honeycomb-like composition of fused, individual tubes, which are commonly found on most shelf mushrooms.
Morphology & Bioluminenscene
Each species of brightgill presents unique characteristics in the arrangement and attachment of the lamellae, as well as variations in their luminous properties. The bioluminescence displayed by these mushrooms surpasses that of most other fungi, likely serving to attract insects and other small animals that contribute to the dispersal of their spores. The bioluminescence is visible to the naked eye, but only while the mushroom remains attached to its mycelial roots.
Common Cave Brightgill
The Common Cave Brightgill, recognized as the largest among the species, showcases sinuate (notched) gills with spaced distances
[1] that provide ideal hiding spots for bats.
Generally, the fruiting body of this species has a pale light grey coloration, closely resembling that of an oyster mushroom when viewed outside a cave. However, in underground or dark environments, it radiates a soft, ethereal light blue hue, with the gills shining the brightest. This brilliant glow effectively overshadows its base color. Conversely, if the mushroom is harvested or damaged, detaching it from its mycelium, the vibrant glow will gradually fade, revealing its true light grey color.
Rime-Edged Brightgill
The Rime-Edged Brightgill is characterized by a notched gill attachment coupled with a commonly subdistant spacing arrangement.
[1] This species is medium-sized compared to the other brightgill species. Though it is the dimmest among the brightgills, its bioluminescent quality remains impressively bright overall, with the gills standing out as the most radiant part of the mushroom. The top of the mushroom, called the context
[2], displays a darker grey shade, accented by a rusty-brown ring along the outer edge. Its more substantial context and darker pigmentation impede the passage of light to a greater extent than seen in other species.
Notably, some larger specimens reflect a secondary ring encircling the central portion of their context, suggesting a pattern in which these rings form at regular intervals. Thought of as a way to date the mushrooms, however, the duration of these intervals remains a mystery, though it is speculated that they span many years. Specimens that are thought to be very old have only been observed to have no more than two rings, one inner ring, and the outer edge.
Emerald Brightgill
The Emerald Brightgill stands as the smallest among the brightgill species, featuring a subdecurrent gill attachment with crowded lamellae spacing.
[1] These mushrooms grow closer to the substrate, making them particularly attractive to insects. This species is considered rare and is found exclusively in a limited number of caves.
The top of the mushroom, called the context
[2], displays a dirty-white coloration, while, true to its name, it is distinguished by a striking bright green glow that entices various insects, including crickets and a cave-dwelling grasshopper-like insect known as
mushroomhoppers. The luminous green glow of the emerald brightgill is believed to result from its lower metabolic rate relative to other brightgill species.
Trivia
Brightgills were inspired by the classic "glowshroom" / glowing mushrooms in fantasy settings.
The Common Cave Brightgill was inspired by the Glowing Mushroom from Skyrim.[3]
References
1.
"Glossary" — on
MushroomExpert.com; Retrieved December 9, 2025.
2.
"Polypore" — on
Wikipedia; December 1, 2025.
3.
"Skyrim:Glowing Mushroom" — on
UESP wiki; February 4, 2024.
I'm a huge sucker for a good glowing mushroom, and I approve!
<3 They're fun!
> Root Directory is my hub world <
Legends of the Dragonguard • /dev/null
WorldEmber 2025