The Daoles Fungus ("Cursed Lantern")

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[Exmortis]

Name: Daoles (D_ow_les)

Category: Fungus

Overview:  The fungus known as Daoles, Named Ghun Daoles by mist hunters which roughly translates to 'The Cursed Lantern'; has only been recorded south of the Deep Winds Portal or along the southern fringes of the Mists of Osthemangar. For example, the Daoles produces an eerie, turquoise glow which encourages small insects to land on it's bulbous head. A couple of minutes after an insect, usually the Lightshard fly, lands on a Daoles, it dies. Although the method through which this is done is not fully understood, alchemists think that the peculiar phenomena is the plants "hunting system". Whenever a prey item is lured towards the Daoles it begins to release this weak poison into the air.


Appearance: The Daoles are remarkable long stalked mushrooms with small heads. Starting off as a fungi growth the Daoles begins to develop on a cave wall or floor, or anywhere else where moisture pools. The exterior skin of the stem has rubbery properties making it quite flexible. moderately sized holes can be noticed around the circumference of the mushroom head, the purpose of these are not fully understood; however, whenever a insect moves near or lands on the plant the flaps that cover these holes open and the holes start contracting rapidly. A couple moments after this occurs the insect drops dead.

The Daoles is not a pretty plant. Infact this fungi seems fairly colourless, almost transparent. However, when darkness falls the Daoles will release a luminous aura, this gives the Daoles fungus a kind of eerie beauty.
After examination of the interior of this fungus, Eleanna Kalrinwenens, a gnomish alchemist, discovered that the Daoles was composed with a liquid possessing many of the characteristics of water. However there are a number of properties that are quite unique, one such property is the moderately acidic nature of this substance. It is believed that this dangerous property reacts with another similar property, this is believed to be the method the Daoles uses to generates it's luminous display.

The gnomish alchemist, Eleanna Kalrinwenens, discovered that the Daoles is also able to release a minor toxin from the small holes on the circumference of it's hat, this poison is harmless to animals as large as humans, but highly dangerous to smaller animals; at least that is Eleanna's theory. The Daoles thrives in moist, dark conditions to increase the efficiency of it's luminous display. Another interesting thing about the Daoles is that it isn't edible, it has been concluded that it is made up of an acidic substance rather then normal water, so eating it would be result in a painful demise.

Territory: This strange form of plantlife is usually found growing around a newly discovered series of deep caverns located a few leagues away from the Deep Winds Portal in large concentrations. Besides the Daoles, the xaul hive and bulk swarms of Lightshard flies is also believed to exist in this region.
The Daoles are also found growing in small bunches in the ruins near the edges of the mist, it is speculated that the Ghostling Brownies that live in that region are growing gardens of them, however there is no confirmation of this.

Usages: The Daoles plant produces two chemicals, which has not been identified as of yet, however, when these specific chemicals come into close contact they produce light, but only as long as the plant is alive. Making this fungi lanterns quite popular with miners, who need a reliable light source not only to find their way safely through complex tunnel systems but to be used as a trail to help lost miners find their way back to the surface, the applications of the Daoles in Caelereth are infinite. But the Daoles are also used by  adventurers, wanderersor journeymen who are brave, or foolhardy, enough to enter the Mists in search of them.
Eleanna, the discoverer of the Daoles warns others not to seek these plants out due to the xaul creatures found deep within the Mist seem to have developed a close relationship with the Daoles. By ingesting the fungus they are able to use the chemical cocktail it produces to heat their bodies. However, the chance of running into a xaul adds to the initial danger of havesting Daoles and deters many from seeking them.

Reproduction: The Daoles have no gender, and therefore do not need to pollinate other Daoles. Instead they mate with themselves, when a seed grows into a new plant that plant is categorized in the same family as the Daoles that spawned it.
A family of Daoles aren't normally found in the same area as other members but are occasionally found in close proximity of a mother plant.
Families can be identified by the dark grooves on the top of the mushroom cap. Each member of a family has a individual marking exclusive to that plant, but has the main features of their marking occur in all of their family's markings, this phenomena is known as a family fingerprint. A family's fingerprint is totally unique.

The Daoles have two methods of transporting their seeds, each method is designed to be used a certain number of times and transport the seed a certain distance.
The first method is referred to as 'pod dropping'. Which is more of a growth method then a reproduction method really, but because it involves seeds, I will place it here.
Pod dropping happens when a Daoles grows in ideal conditions. In a nutshell, several small, papery pods drop away from underneath the mushroom hat, each of these pods are filled with around a hundred seeds. From the pod a Daoles expansion plant grows, once it reaches the main Daoles, it literally merges with it becoming part of the main plant.

The second method is a full fledged seed transportation method and involves the Daoles' relationship with the Xaul, A fearsome meat eating reptile that is around the high of an adult human, these beasts co-exist with a large number of other Xaul creeds in a massive hive structure, they are aggressive and should be considered highly dangerous.
The Xaul needs a property found only in the Daoles in order to insulate themself. But in exchange the Daoles use the Xaul to carry their seeds. When a Xaul eats a Daoles, it will eat the mushroom cap as well, this is were the seeds are located. The Daoles seedlings are coated special gel that protects the seeds from the Xaul saliva or stomach acids, Then when nature calls, the seeds will have something nice and fertile to grow in.

Myth/Lore/Origins: During the time these peculiar plants surfaced, a great many theories have been formulated. Some scientists say that the gods, namely Foiros and Queprur, attributed to this mysterious mold and it's mesmerizing moonlight. While others say that the plant originated from the netherworld or was mutated by the dark energies of the Netherworld and Deep Winds Tower.
But, others still, believe that this plant, like the newly discovered xaul and lightshard fly, originate from a subterranean realm deep below that was opened to the world by a massive earthquake during the War of the Chosen. This last theory has intrigued many who have researched the Daoles, xaul and lightshard flies because this theory answers a number of questions, like 'why have their been no records of these lifeforms until after the War of the Chosen' or 'why these lifeform co-exist so perfectly'.
However these are just theories, the only field work accomplished successfully on the Daoles was done by one Eleanna Kalrinwenens, who managed to infiltrate the cavernous region, intending to gather information on the xaul queen. Eleanna didn't achieve that goal, only managing to record small amounts of data on xaul runners, drones and warriors. However, she did figure out the Daoles' relationship with the xaul, and by the end of her examination Eleanna got more information on the Daoles then the xaul.

[Seeker]

I say go for it.  I can already picture in my head what this could look like, and it looks cool.  I will not comment on the location for the fungus.  Someone else will need to approve that.  But that would be a minor change. 

[Miraran Tehuriden]

I think you mean Osthemangar

And perhaps i copuld persuade you to do a slightly different version for the Black Lakes of Trumatyreon as well?

[Azhira Styralias]

Another fungus for the Mists! Yay!  

You have an approval from me, of course. Just remember...its ok to make lore and theories as to how the fungus feeds. An explanation of "unknown" is ok as long as there are at least some stories and thoughts as to how its done. Surely some researcher proposed what happens, even if it is not entirely accurate.

Also, remember the Mists are a place that do not necessarily conform to known physical and biological laws. So don't get too caught up in "realism" for this fungus. The Mists are a twisted and strange place. The Daoles could easily have been a normal, typical fungus but the Mists twisted its normal physiology (the green glow could be a result of this occurrance.)

Also, I would imagine this fungs to live in a cave or cavern of some kind. So feel free to invent such a place if you need to. The landscape can be quite varied, just don't expect to find lush green fields of trees and forests!

Lastly, you could also invent some insects that live in the Mists. With no flowers growing in the region, you won't find typical flying bugs like butterflies and bees. You can simply make another kind of odd little bug that fits in with this fungus.

I'm looking forward to this! Have fun! Be sure to look over Mira's area, too. I am sure  your fungus could be made to thrive most anywhere.  

Here is Rookie's sweet little fungus for inspiration!

[Exmortis]

Thanks guys, this fungus was actually made for my Xaul entry. Someone suggested I make a plant that allow the Xaul to insulate themselves chemically, so here I am.

I like making insects and hive animals, they usually aren't intelligent as an individual creature but can pool their minds to create a kind of collective intelligence. Which I think is brilliant.

Sounds great Mira, but how 'bout we take this one step at a time, okay. 

Okay lets get to it!

[seth ghibta]

>appears from behind a door you didn't realise was there< did someone say "collective intelligence"?
 
this is a nice idea, and i was especilly struck by the potential for use by sentient races - as both a natural light and an insect repellent. from what you've written, i'm guessing you plan for it to be confined to the mists, but you might want to cconsider allowing it to be taken outside, say, in certain conditions, as it'd be dead useful to a lot of people. just a thought, though, feel free to explore your own ideas, and remind me to come back when you want comments, if'n i'm around.

[Azhira Styralias]

Name : Daoles

Category: Fungus

Overview: A long stalked mushroom with a small head. The Daoles produces an eerie glow in which it attracts small insects. A minute after moth or other insect lands on a Daoles, it dies, although the method through which this is done is unknown. The Daoles thrives in moist, dark conditions and is made up of an acidic substance rather then normal water. Restricted to the area of the Mists of Osthemangar.

(Remember, insects such as moths or other "normal" flying bug won't be able to thrive in the Mists unless its some kind of corrupted, twisted variety. The Mists makes most normal biological life unable to thrive. One possible location for the Daoles would be the outskirts of the Mists, along the borders.)

Appearance: The Daoles starts off as a small fungi growth on a rock face or cave wall. But it quickly develops a long stalk topped with a relatively large bulbous mushroom. The exterior skin of the stem has rubbery properties making it quite flexible. moderately sized holes can be noticed around the circumference of the mushroom head, the purpose of these are not fully understood; however, whenever a insect moves near or lands on the plant these a flap that covers these holes contract rapidly. A couple moments after this occurs the insect drops dead.

The Daoles is not a pretty plant. Infact this fungi seems fairly colourless, almost transparent. However, when darkness falls the Daoles will release a luminous aura. Giving this fungus a kind of eerie beauty.
The interior is filled with a liquid possessing many of the characteristics of water. However there are a number of properties that are quite alien, one such property is the moderately acidic nature of this substance. It is believed that this dangerous property reacts with another similar property, this is believed to be the method the Daoles uses to generates it's luminous display.

(Another "explanation" of this luminous property is perhaps the Mists made it that way! I would envision that these daoles grew in the area before the Mists came and the Mists twisted their physiology. How exactly is unknown as Santharian compendiumists are not contemporary scientists. You could devise all sorts of theories and lore about it. Perhaps use the gnome botanist Eleanna Kalrinwenens? Anyway, its much more fun to come up with myths as to how the mushroom works rather than say its an unknown.)

Territory: These strange forms of plantlife usually grow in the moist, dark caverns in the Osthemangar region.

(I would be more detailed about some of these caverns. I would say most of the caverns would be located in the southern parts of the Mists. The northern areas would be quite close to the iceland mountains. While the Mists temperature is mostly temperate, the northern areas would have more cold pockets.)

Usages: The Daoles plant produces two chemicals and when these chemicals come into close contact they product a light, but only as long as the plant is alive. Making this fungi lanterns quite popular with miners, who need a reliable light source to find their way through complex tunnel systems. But the Daoles are also used by adventurers, wanders, journeymen and anyone else who are brave, or foolhardy, enough to enter the Mists in search of them.
The Xaul creatures found deep within the Mist seem to have developed a close relationship with the Daoles. By ingesting the fungus they are able to use the chemical cocktail it produces to heat their bodies. However, the chance of running into a Xaul adds to the initial danger of havesting Daoles and deters many from seeking them.

(Remember, not many adventurers or miners venture into the Mists. Not only it is difficult to get there (you have to go through orcs) but the area is quite dangerous. Again, have a few brave botanists or explorers discover it.)

Reproduction: The Daoles have no gender, and therefore do not require to pollenate other Daoles. Instead they mate with themselves, when a seed grows into a new plant that plant is categorized in the same family as the Daoles that spawned it.
A family of Daoles aren't normally found in the same area as other members but are occasionally found in close proximity of a mother plant.
Families can be identified by the dark grooves on the top of the mushroom cap. Each member of a family has a individual marking exclusive to that plant, but has the main features of their marking occur in all of their family's markings, this phenomena is known as a family fingerprint. A family's fingerprint is totally unique.

The Daoles have two methods of transporting their seeds, each method is designed to be used a certain number of times and transport the seed a certain distance.
The first method is referred to as 'pod dropping'. Which is more of a growth method then a reproduction really, but because it involves seeds, so I will place it here.
Pod dropping happens when a Daoles grows in ideal conditions. In a nutshell, several small, papery pods drop away from underneath the mushroom hat, each of these pods are filled with around a hundred seeds. From the pod a Daoles expansion plant grows, once it reaches the main Daoles, it literally merges with it becoming part of the main plant.

The second method is a full fledged seed transportation method and involves the Daoles' relationship with the Xaul.
The Xaul needs a property found only in the Daoles in order to insulate themself. But in exchange the Daoles use the Xaul to carry their seeds. When a Xaul eats a Daoles, it will eat the mushroom cap as well, this is were the seeds are located. The Daoles seedlings are coated special gel that protects the seeds from the Xaul saliva or stomach acids, Then when nature calls, the seeds will have something nice and fertile to grow in.

(Don't forget a Myth/Lore section. Do these mushrooms have any other special abilities or features other than their glow? If you look at my Mists entry WIP, you may be able to use the Cha'morta Oc as a possible gatherers and eaters of these daoles. Anything to make nice cross-references is nice.)

[Exmortis]

Thanks for the help Azhira, you've been great, I have a couple questions though.

What do you mean in your second point. It is rather confusing. Are you suggesting that I place the method under the category of unknown or find a different method?
Also, I might be wrong but, I thought that alchemists knew about acids and acid reactions? So wouldn't they be able to identifly acidic properties in an extracted specimen?

In your fourth point, I feel I have already underlined the threats that exist in close relations with the Daoles as well as the obvious danger of the Mist. Did I misinterpret you or did I miss something?

These are just iinnocent, little queeries, and I am sure you will answer them easily.

Don't get the wrong idea though; I am quite thankful for your comments.

[Valan Nonesuch]

Alchemy isn't quite an exact science. Alchemy at this point is a little bit like a bunch of people with books recording the properties of things based purely on observations. The correct alchemical term (in santharia) for acid is aceed. If it doesn't bubble in a beaker or flask? Alchemist probably don't know about it. (At least that's my understanding.)

[Azhira Styralias]

@Exmortis:

Yes, what I mean is that rather than explain the mushroom's mysterious abilities as an "unknown", try to explain them as a myth or a theory from a famous scientist.

For example, in my entry for the demonologist Waudrin Ghortz, he has no idea what a Watcher's phantasm is or where they come from. He invents theories about them and finds lore related to them.

Rather than say "No one knows what causes the glowing green in a daoles..."

Say instead: "Its theorized by some explorers that the glow is caused by the Mist's netherworld presence reacting to the mushroom's skin. The water and moisture around the mushroom becomes noxious and glows in the dim light..."

Or, even more fanciful:

"Some shamans believe the mushroom to be tainted with dark powers and that the strange ghostly Rat Brownies somehow found a way to grow them and eat them. A small number of stories say that the Brownies grow gardens of the mushrooms deep within the twisted caverns of the Mist's ruins..."

See?

[Exmortis]

I think I understand, I just thought I had already explained the Daoles glow, but I will add a myth\theory section.

I like that brownie theory; connecting this plant with the native lifestyle would make it more three dimentional, right?

Thanks Azhira, and you too Valan, thank you for the help.

[Exmortis]

I need to create a buggy to coexist with the Daoles, so I can make the Daoles so that the Xaul to insulate itself so that I can make the Xaul.

Alright, this is starting to get fun!

I will continue my Daoles entry after I have made a buggy for it to eat.

...{who would have know I would be making an entire food chain}...

[Exmortis]

Do I have to make a CD for an explorer should a explorer discover any of my entries?

[Azhira Styralias]

No Exmortis. You can mention anything you want in an entry and not have another entry for it (yet). For example, in some of my entries, I mention certain explorers, plants and beasts that are not even developed yet. I made them up at the time with the intention of creating them later. So you can finish your Daoles entry without needing to have a separate entry for something else. 

[Artimidor Federkiel]

should a explorer discover any of my entries

Once upon a time the famous sage Artimidor Federkiel surfed the wide Forum depths, coming upon the Daloes, a strange mushroom... The day was the 27th of Sleeping Dreameress, which now accounts as the day of the entry's discovery! Guess I'll have to add the title "explorer" to my name then as well...

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Last 10 Shouts: Seeker Yesterday at 07:41:35 Are Shabby and Dek the same person in my mind.  Strange. Artimidor Federkiel 20 May 2012, 10:38:19 Ah yes, forgot to point out to Shabakuk that Chapter 5 is ready for testing - will do so now! Deklitch Hardin 18 May 2012, 09:35:51 I am pleased it is going well for you though Seeker ... can't wait to try it and die. Deklitch Hardin 18 May 2012, 09:35:13 No, I didn't Seeker. I think it is Master Anfang who is doing the testing Seeker 18 May 2012, 08:30:42 Dek-   shoals is going very well.  Art is starting on chapter 6. A very important chapter.  Did you test chapter 5? Valan Nonesuch 15 May 2012, 05:41:48 *Valan filches some parchments from around the corners of the pile before sauntering off attempting to look casual and tripping over the hem of his robes.* Bard Judith 14 May 2012, 07:33:29 Waiiiiiit!   (Bard staggers back with a pile of Unfinished Projects so high her arms are trembling)  Let me stuff mine in there before you lock the room!  *looks guiltily around and snatches the Quenyss parchment off the top of the stack* Deklitch Hardin 13 May 2012, 08:12:31 and throw the key into the deepest river we can find, or the midst of one of the volcanoes Altario Shialt-eck-Gorrin 13 May 2012, 03:19:29 Then I say we lock the Unfinished Projects room.  If Arti ever gets in there.... big trouble. Deklitch Hardin 13 May 2012, 02:54:30 I'm amazed you can see the Altario projects pile considering it is dwarfed by my unfinished projects. For which I apologise.

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