Slog

An acid-producing bacteria to keep the fur clean

Written by Barron

I try not to think about the fact that I rub lethal bacteria on my body every other day. Ruins the magic of having a smooth, clean coat.

— Anonymous Ral-Mi

Overview

Slog is a bacterial sludge native to the jungles of the Nege. The Bacteria lives symbiotically with the Nege trees in the same way that bacteria lives in the gut of Sophonts. The Bacteria produces acidic enzymes, which help break down and digestive organic matter, which in turn provides nutrients to the tree. The acidic nature of Slog makes it a threat in the wild, but when refined it can provide substantial hygiene and medical benefit.

In the Wild

Slog in its natural state reproduces in bodies of water to form viscous pools of acid. The green residue of these pools can make them difficult to spot when venturing on the floor of the Nege. While the pH of the acid is not high enough to cause instant damage, the viscous nature of the pools can tire out animals that fall in. Organic matter that dissolves in the bath will leave behind a nutrient-rich soup, which is absorbed by the roots of Nege trees. When a slog pit becomes dense with bacteria, the bacteria will attempt to climb out of the pool and onto nearby fungi. It will use the fungi's own spores to spread, seeking out more bodies of water to convert to a slog pit.

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Usages and Industry

• Body and Fur Wash
• Military Area Denial Device
• Cleaning Agent
• Biowaste Management

Slog usage as a cleaning agent has been practiced since its discovery by the Sazashi. The low but present acidic nature of the slog makes it excellent to clean and smooth out fur.
This knowledge spread, and soon the Slog became an economic export as well as a threat to those harvesting it. Synthetic pools cropped up throughout Jhoutai. Companies worked to refine the slog to make it more potent. Soon, slog-based products were a household amenity just like any toiletry, people bought slog by the gallon.
Slog and its refined subvariants found use in the military as well. Defensive lines often would consist of moats of imported Slog; the viscous acid would slow down invaders as well and cause tremendous pain on open wounds.

Further Reading

Slog is just one of the lifeforms of Ethnis, big or small they all play their part. Why not read about some more of Ethnis' lifeforms?