Beastroot

The Beastroot is a moss species present almost everywhere in the known world. Considering the way they propagate and empower other species, it is certainly correct to call this a symbiotic species. This moss, is a variant of Wyrdmoss and a great protein source for most omnivores and even some carnivores. After the incident when the wild growth of moss toppled most ecosystems, large populations of critters and other animals have been almost eliminated. For species to survive they needed to adapt - and Beastroot was a useful source of nourishment for them.  

Symbiotic Effects

Animals eating the moss are granted mostly temporary hightend physical abilities as well as a reduced hunting urge. While the moss is digested, it can enhance the speed, strength, agility and other abilities of the animal. The spores however are not digestable and the animals are a perfect carrier and spreader all over the region.  

Beast Surge and Beast Season

It has been observed that too much consumption of the Beastroot can lead to permant drawbacks for the animals. When nearing a symbiotic overload, the animal experiences the Beast Surge: Its abilities are improved exponentially but also require much more sustenance to survive - more than the roots itself can provide. As a result, the animal becomes much more aggressive and can starve even when apparently overeating. When reaching the point of symbiotic overload, the animals usual instincts seem to be compoletely overwritten and it goe sinto a frenzy- dangerous for everything around it as well as itself.   During the year, the supply of Beastroot varies as well. In a time, where the plant is in bloom and growing quickly, many animals will tend to overeat, getting stronger and are in danger of achieving a Beast Surge. When the fertile seasons wane, the animals find less supply and enter into a withdrawel. During this time, their aggression is dangerous and the wild zones should be avoided as much as possible. This time of year is called the Beast season - usually around the time the last harvest of the year is celebrated.   One of the duties of the Pathkeeper is to gather the overly abundant moss during the spring and summer time to prevent the symbiotic overloads in the area - or at least reduce it.   This root is one of the possible ingredients used in the burning effigies during the Emberlight Festival.