Rhodotus Forest

"Our waders squelched as we sloshed through the swamp. It was a bit of a difficult trek, but the public's health depends on these trips we make. After a few hours the tops of the looming mushrooms finally came into view. With collection units on our backs, we set to work." - A portion of an article detailing how local scientists collect the material for the Fungal Fever vaccine.
  Hidden away in the Scarlet Marsh is a forest of towering rhodotus mushrooms. It is the only forest of its kind and is heavily protected, not only due to rarity, but for its importance to the health field as well. Researchers are not 100% sure on how the mushrooms grew so big. The top two theories are either a mutation paired with lack of foragers and nutrient dense soil, or a bored arch fey plopping down a ridiculous sight for the hell of it.    

Healing Bubbles

The rhodotus mushroom produces fluid filled sacks on the surface of their stalks. This only happens for a brief window of time twice a year. These bubbles are fragile and require care when harvesting and transporting. The outer membrane is translucent revealing the important fluid inside. Color ranges from a pale pinkish orange to a deep crimson. This does not seem to affect the quality or effectiveness. Scientists based in the nearby village Myoserin, take the twice a year trek to collect as many of these sacs as possible. They transport them back to their lab where they produce vaccines for the devastating Fungal Fever. Any leftover material is used for furthering research on treating fungal diseases and producing other medicines.

Conservation Efforts

Doctors aren't the only ones who want access to the rare sacs of liquid. Shady people got a hold of the substance, and mushrooms themselves, and discovered a handful of illicit drugs could be manufactured from them if combined with the right components. Agi's Scales were posted on site in response with the hope to deter thieves. The main collection group has been attacked several times over the years, but always push through and return. The end product is too valuable to let criminals ruin.
Type
Forest
Average Mushroom Height: 48ft   Average Mushroom Lifespan: 12 years    

A Mushroom's End

These large mushrooms only thrive for 8 to 16 years. Upon death, their caps dull and holes form along the stalk. A designated scientist makes routine visits to keep an eye on the forest's general health. When they notice a death, a team is called to cut it down. A stump is left to return to the earth and provide fertilizer for the others. Any unusable pieces are scattered through the area for the same purpose. The remaining sections are carted off to Myoserin where they are processed into other products. The caps are often cut and dried and stalks are powdered. These are then sold to apothecaries. A small portion of super fresh caps are sold to local grocery stores.


Cover image: by Krzysiek

Comments

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Dec 12, 2020 20:58 by Michael Chandra

I love the idea and the origin suspicions! A few minor spelling errors, an excellent read.


Too low they build who build beneath the stars - Edward Young
Dec 12, 2020 21:04 by Ezra Aldrich

Thanks! The mushroom I based it off of is one of my favorites. After seeing the weird little droplet looking things they produce it gave me ideas. Ah, sometimes I type too fast (and I always struggle with spelling) or miss things, but will take another look and see what I can fix.

Dec 12, 2020 23:50 by Dr Emily Vair-Turnbull

You had me at mushroom forest. o.o   I love the two different theories for how the mushrooms grew so big, and I really like the description of their healing bubbles. Of course criminals had to get involved. ¬.¬

Emy x
Explore Etrea | Reading Challenge 2025
Dec 12, 2020 23:53 by Ezra Aldrich

Thanks~ Mushrooms are super funky and I love them.   When possible I try adding both "practical" reasons and myths/rumors for why things are. My players actually ran into some baddies early on in our campaign who were up to no good there. It ended well. c :