Töx Mushrooms
Töx mushrooms1 are the most common kind of bioluminescent fungi found within the vast network of caves under the Vúrakesen Mountains in western Dragonía, and the only one widely farmed by the Jaarels inhabiting the region. While sometimes used to decorate -and illuminate- homes of the aristocracy, the mushrooms are primarily used to make a glowing paste as substitute for Lightstones, both of which are invaluable down in the caves as light-sources that are neither flammable nor emit smoke.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Aside from their bioluminescence, töx mushrooms look fairly mundane compared to many other fungi found in the caves, with their most notable feature being their large caps, adorned with alternating white and glowing bluish-green circles. The stalk is white, and the gills on the underside of the cap are light grey.
Additional Information
Uses, Products & Exploitation
The paste made from töx mushrooms is widely used by Jaarels for various purposes, most commonly to illuminate streets, homes and tunnels, traditionally by pressing it into holes and grooves carved into the walls or -more rarely- ceilings, much like lightstones, or by simply smearing it on any convenient surface there is. The töx paste gradually dims and has to be replaced after a few days.
The paste is also used as face- and body paint by Jaarels for certain ceremonies or by warriors on the march, and while the mushrooms themselves have a rather bland taste, the bioluminescent parts are sometimes added into food or drinks for aesthetic purposes. In the city-states of Valún and Beknal, the paste is used to make a glowing sauce during festivals.
The paste is also used as face- and body paint by Jaarels for certain ceremonies or by warriors on the march, and while the mushrooms themselves have a rather bland taste, the bioluminescent parts are sometimes added into food or drinks for aesthetic purposes. In the city-states of Valún and Beknal, the paste is used to make a glowing sauce during festivals.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Töx mushrooms originated in the northwestern part of the cave-system, but have since then been spread both deliberately and indirectly by the Jaarels throughout their subterranean home, sometimes supplanting native fungi in the process. They grow wild near settlements, and are thus one of the first indications for travelers whether they're close to a town, city or even just a mining village, the other clue being the sound of wind chimes.
1Original icelandic: töx-sveppir, singular: töx-sveppur.
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