The Mycelium Network
The Mycellium Network is a shadowy and radical faction within the broader Green Pact Coalition, dedicated to the protection of natural ecosystems through covert action and direct sabotage. Known for their secrecy and uncompromising tactics, the Mycellium Network operates underground—both figuratively and literally—drawing its name from the fungal networks that connect and sustain vast ecosystems. They are a decentralized group of druids, herbalists, and eco-activists who see themselves as the last line of defense against the unchecked industrialization and environmental destruction sweeping through Deabros.
Origins and Philosophy
The Mycellium Network was founded in the mid-6th century PL, in response to the growing influence of the Merchant Lords Coalition and the industrial expansion that began encroaching on sacred natural sites, particularly in the regions of Sildur and Dawnrest. The Network’s founders, disillusioned with the diplomatic and legal approaches of the more moderate environmental factions, believed that only direct, subversive action could halt the exploitation of the natural world. Their core belief is that nature is sacred and must be preserved at any cost, even if it means breaking the law or using subterfuge. The Mycellium Network holds that industrial expansion, deforestation, and resource extraction are existential threats that cannot be addressed through mere negotiation or reform. Instead, they view themselves as the hidden protectors of the land, willing to do what others cannot or will not.Structure and Organization
The Mycellium Network is a decentralized organization with no single leader. Instead, it operates as a series of independent cells connected by a shared ideology and a loose communication network, often facilitated through druidic magic and natural signs. Each cell functions autonomously, focusing on local threats to the environment and executing operations based on their own strategic priorities. The group’s members are typically druids, rangers, and eco-activists who possess a deep understanding of nature’s interconnectedness. They use druidic spells, natural camouflage, and guerilla tactics to strike at their targets, blending into the wilderness to avoid detection. The network’s decentralized nature makes it difficult for authorities or industrial factions to infiltrate or dismantle, as even members often do not know the full extent of their organization.Notable Tactics and Activities
The Mycellium Network is best known for its acts of sabotage and eco-terrorism. Their activities include:- Sabotage of Industrial Operations: The Network frequently targets logging camps, mining operations, and factories, using sabotage techniques to disrupt production. They might spike trees, destroy machinery, or use druidic magic to create hazardous conditions that halt operations.
- Arcane Eco-Warfare: Many members are skilled in druidic magic, using spells to manipulate weather, animate plants, or call upon forest creatures to assist in their actions. There have been reports of entire supply chains disrupted by sudden overgrowth of roots or wild animals blocking trade routes.
- Dissemination of Fungal Spores: True to their name, the Network employs fungi both as a weapon and a tool for communication. Certain spores can induce hallucinogenic visions, causing industrial workers to abandon their posts in fear. Other spores are used to mark safe meeting places or to send coded messages to other cells.
- Defensive Vigilantism: The Mycellium Network often serves as a protective force for vulnerable communities and sacred sites, guarding them against exploitation. They’ve been known to take in refugees from areas ravaged by industrial expansion, offering them shelter in hidden forest sanctuaries.
Relationship with Other Factions
- Green Pact Coalition: The Network is an unofficial but significant force within the Coalition, representing its radical edge. While the more moderate environmentalists disapprove of their extreme tactics, they often share common goals and cooperate behind the scenes.
- Grahamites and Altruists’ Coalition: Though wary of the Network’s methods, the Grahamites respect their dedication to the protection of the common folk and the land. They often provide covert support or cover for Mycellium activities, especially when industrial encroachment threatens local communities.
- Thalantir Guild: The Thalantir Guild remains ambivalent about the Mycellium Network. While they admire their commitment to preserving the natural balance, the Guild’s leaders disapprove of their lawlessness and involvement in arcane sabotage, which often escalates conflicts unnecessarily.
“We grow unseen, but we shall not be uprooted.”
Type
Druidic Circle
Ruling Organization
Parent Organization
Location
Notable Members
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