[WB-FLORAL] FUNGUSSS!!!!

electric fungi/the lightning rod mushroom

This mushroom can only be found in below zero temperatures and on high ground. It harbors the cold and uses it to turn into electricity. This fungi is found on top of mountains, where it can easily be struck by lightning if storms occur. Electric fungi are extremely powerful and dangerous to any species of animal, including tatsukoi. Those with high magical abilities can withstand being around one, but not for long. Their defense mechanisms are very complicated and difficult to maneuver around and so it’s usually recommended to stay far away from them. Their high electric density and static energy levels causes anything around them to be shocked with a high voltage of electricity, possibly killing or paralyzing them depending on the growth of the fungus.

Youngster (far right) - youngsters are usually harmless, emitting a short and harmless static shock upon contact, these mushrooms are safe to pluck and be used for brews and potions, and can even be added to stews for extra protein and magic energy regain.

Juvenile (middle) - juveniles are semi-dangerous and not fun to be around. Harboring enough electric energy to shock and kill small animals, it’s advised to handle these fungi with care and caution. While non-lethal to tatsukoi in this stage, it can still shock and temporarily paralyze them, and the smell it gives off is similar to that of rusty metal, so if harvested it is recommended that more than 1 tatsukoi be present. This stage is no longer edible, having sprouted its cap, which is highly poisonous, but can still be used for other things like magic or to ward off big predators with its sharp smell. At this stage, it is also able to already sprout spores despite not being fully grown. When the spores are inhaled, they can cause temporary paralysis and difficulty breathing, but aren’t necessarily very dangerous. Lots of rest is recommended to make sure the body deals with the spores.

Adult/fully grown (left) - DANGEROUS. DO NOT APPROACH. fully grown electric fungi are NOT something to be messed with and can give off lightning shocks from as far as 15 feet. Once fully grown, these fungi can cause severe damage crops, living places and to people and animals, such as electricity burns, permanent paralysis and in some cases even death. High on snowy mountains, these fungi act as a lightning rod and take electricity from thunderstorms that it uses to defend itself, make energy to sprout spores and grow stronger and taller. The spores have now become dangerous to inhale. When treading on high mountains/areas, it is recommended to wear a mask, or use something to cover the mouth, ears and eyes. cover up any open wounds as well, in rare cases it’s been recorded to enter into the bloodstream through injuries. The spores have become quite larger than in the juvenile stage, and are able to be spotted with the naked eye. If the spores are inhaled at any time, it is recommended to see a healer. Sometimes the injuries heal on their own, but at excessive inhalation it can become dangerous. The spores can cause temporary or permanent paralysis, and shock the lungs from the inside, making it extremely painful and difficult to breathe. The spores cannot sprout within flesh, so there’s no danger of a fungi growing inside you, but the spores have nowhere to go, and so start emitting toxins and shocks in hopes of finding an opening. The inhalant will become poisoned and be in a lot of pain. if not treated immediately upon discovery, the victim can be left temporary disabled, or can even die from high exposure, or from lack of treatment. The only GOOD reason to approach an electric fungi that big is to take its energy from it through magic. All that energy can be harvested and be used for magic, but the fungus will die without it. However, when threatening wildlife or villages, some species must be dealt with accordingly, being so dangerous, fungi this big are only able to be found in places where tatsukoi are unable to live, having been removed or plucked anywhere near civilizations. A rare and dangerous find.