Ramblerbane

Ramblerbane is ironically named due to its aggressive effect when combined with alcohol. The fruiting body of a fungus, Ramblerbane is relatively harmless when ingested normally. Its inherent toxins react negatively to alcohol in the consumer's system, causing full-scale numbness of the victim's limbs, face, and voluntary nervous system. The effects come on slowly, and become more severe the more alcohol that is consumed. Death, while rare, is a potential result.
This fungus is often used as a form of torture and/or interrogation. Virtually flavourless, it can easily be hidden in a greater meal, to disastrous and almost untraceable effects. If the victim does not consume a large amount of alcohol, the effects wear off on their own within several hours. If more than a pint or so of alcohol is consumed, however, the victim can fall into a paralyzed fugue state. In this state they are generally very suggestible and are fully aware, though the paralysis makes torture limitedly effective due to the victim not being able to feel their limbs.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Bell-shaped cap, gills free from stalk. Stalk is brittle and hollow. Cap varies from 2.5 - 8 cm across, is sharply pointed when young but flattens out with age. Stipe is very long, usually 2-4 times the length of the cap diameter, and completely devoid of rings or volvas. Gills are dark black, turning grey in old age. Spore print is pale brown.

Genetics and Reproduction

Spores are released, entirely unremarkably.

Growth Rate & Stages

Standard Coprinopsis growth cycle. The mycelium sprouts fruiting bodies when the appropriate heat/humidity is met.

Ecology and Habitats

Habitat is coastal temperate, growing from rotting wood. It never grows from dirt, but may appear to do so if the rotting wood substrate is buried beneath the surface. Tends to grow around hardwoods and gardens.

Biological Cycle

Fruiting bodies tend to appear in early autumn.

Scientific Name

Coprinopsis mycotonium

Origin/Ancestry

Fungoid

Conservation Status

This species is not common, but prolific where it is found. It inhabits damp substrates of organic matter, and never grows from pure dirt. Usually found in early autumn in coastal environments, but can be found earlier at higher elevations.