Climbing Stag Hericium

Climbing Stag is a fungus that is found on the trunks of dead and dying trees. Of the organisms that are found in the Calecolin TImberlands, Climing Stag is argueably the most useful ones to find while lost, or exploring the Timberlands. Climbing Stag is one of the few fungus that is not only edible, but also fairly tasty, this feature alone makes it an incredible find for lost explorers or foresters trying to find their way out of the Timberlands. It is also bio-luminescent, when paired with its specific antler like growth pattern makes it a becon in the dark forest. The benifits of this fungus are not limited to the waylaid explored, once harvested and brought back to the village, Climbing Stag Hericium can be steeped in hot water or mixed into poultices to infuse the concoction with mild pain relieving properties.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Climbing Stag, as the name implies, antler like growth on the trunks of trees within the Calecolin Timberlands. The fungus looks to be a collection of icicle like spines that appear to grow downwards along the trunk. From the same point where the fungus began to grow downwards, it also begins to climb, creating antler like growth patterns above the rest of the fungus.

Genetics and Reproduction

Like most fungus, the Climbing Stag Hericium reproduces via spores that it releases in its adult stage. The spores themselves are released from the terminus of each of the antler like formations that give Climbing Stag its namesake. These spore will then infest other trees, or other parts of the same tree, where they go through their life cycle. If two Climbing Stags Grow together, they can undergo sexual reproduction to give rise to a new organism, otherwise the offspring are clones of the parent.

Growth Rate & Stages

Climbign stag usually grows from spore to adult over the course of five years. Most of that time is the maturation process, where the fungus grows within the tree. only in the last three or four months of its life, will the Climbing stag emerge from the tree, send it's spores out and then die. Once it dies, the fungus falls from the tree and is broken down, or eaten by the other organisms in the Timberlands.

Ecology and Habitats

As far as scholars know, Climbing Stag Hericium is only found within the Calecolin Timberlands. The fungus gathers all its nutrients from the tree that it has infested. Once the adult has fallen off the tree and been recycled, a hole is left that can be used as a nest for cavity dwelling birds, mammals or insects.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Explorers and others seeking to eat Climbing stag should be sure to check if the fungus has already sent out its spores or not. If it has not and the spores are still intact, DO NOT EAT the antlers of the Climbing Stag. The spores will take hold within the body and complete its life cycle within you. The Icicle like region of Climbing Stag is safe to consume regardless of its spore status.

Biological Cycle

According to research, the adult Climbing Stag emerges in late spring, and has fallen off the tree by late autumn. It appears to be dormant within the infested tree until it reaches reproductive maturity and sprouts from the tree to reproduce and then fall within the last few months of its lifespan.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Climbing Stag is bio-luminescent during its adult life-stage.

Scientific Name

Scandere Cervo Hericium

Origin/Ancestry

Calecolin Timberlands

Conservation Status

Uncommon, no protections.