Crowned Mushroom

It is an incredibly dangerous fungus, the spores that cling to its red tendrils can easily kill any unlucky traveller who accidentally swallows them. The spores clinging on to the lungs of the victim, slowly suffocating them to death in a gruesome display of bloody coughing fits.
However, if handled properly the mushroom can be harvested and used to treat wounds, having a numbing effect that can slow the stem of bleeding from an open wound.

Basic Information

Anatomy

This mushroom has a hard scaley cap with long red tendrils stemming from it. The cap is rocky and rough feeling, while the tendrils are hair-like and covered in millions of tiny spores.

Genetics and Reproduction

Upon a strong wind, the spores on the mushroom will detach from the tendrils and float away carried on the wind. If it lands in a suitable location it will quickly grow into its own mushroom. The whole process typically on taking a day or two at most.

Ecology and Habitats

The Crowned Mushroom only grows in dense jungles, though they do grow quickly its habitat needs to be humid and hot. It cannot survive in dry or cold locales.

Biological Cycle

The mushrooms only survive for a couple weeks and typically only during the hottest months of the year before shriving up and dying. During periods of prolonged dryness or unseasonably cold weather, the mushroom will die out quickly.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Though the spores are dangerous and cause the deadly Spore Lung disease the tendrils if handled properly can be harvested and used for medicinal purposes. The tendrils, when crushed into a poultice, can be used as a numbing agent or sedative.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Small collections of 2 - 6 are common but in rare circumstances, small fields ranging between 20 - 50 can be found.

Average Intelligence

Non-intelligent

Scientific Name

Fungus

Lifespan

1 - 2 weeks

Average Height

15 - 30 cm

Average Weight

1 - 2 lbs

Average Length

10 - 15 cm

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Scaly tan crown with fine red tendrils protruding from it