Fungal Leather
Fungal leather is made by compressing and laminating layers of Stoneshelf mushrooms. The mushrooms are not uncommon in many underground locations. Some speculate that they were bred and manipulated to be more useful for strong leather. As fungal strains are hard to propagate with consistent results many sages think this is unlikely.
It is most commonly used in place of fiber fabrics for outerwear and bags. It can also be used for armor and saddles for populations deep underground. Belts and baldrics are made sometimes, but less preferred due to less torsional strength. It is more likely the belts are braided strips of fungal leather as that helps prevent issues on long strips.
It is most commonly used in place of fiber fabrics for outerwear and bags. It can also be used for armor and saddles for populations deep underground. Belts and baldrics are made sometimes, but less preferred due to less torsional strength. It is more likely the belts are braided strips of fungal leather as that helps prevent issues on long strips.
Properties
Material Characteristics
Unlike cowhide or similar animal leathers it cannot be tooled in the same way, however it can be compressed and laminated with different thicknesses. Though it will have to be made that way from it's initial creation instead of by a separate craftsman. It is preferred over animal leather in corsetry with laminated and beaded details, except where rich colors are preferred. This is because they can laminate a hardened fungal leather boning to the more supple soft fungal leather, making a single laminated piece that is very durable and comfortable.
Physical & Chemical Properties
It is quite durable, but doesn't last as long as cowhide leather even when conditioned regularly. It can be formed into a soft leather like a suede, and can also be made into more of a stiff rawhide. There is more impact resistance than animal leather, but less torsional strength. Unlike cowhide leather, fungal leather can actually provide some actual decent nutrition if eaten. It also can be burned producing a green flame. It however takes some time and significant heat to begin the burning process.
Geology & Geography
Underground in the dark, in fact the best quality is never exposed to sunlight or red light. So it tends to be cultivated and harvested in pitch black environments. This allows for a clearer more consistant coloration. Once it has been soaked in brine it's color stabilizes and the remainder of the process can be done in lighted areas.
Rarity
uncommon
Odor
slightly musty
Color
pale off white to mottled medium brown
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