Neufleisch

Throughout history, there are discoveries that have changed the course of humanity's development. Neufleisch is the most recent -- and the most dangerous.
Its designation has proven to be difficult to pinpoint; Neufleisch is commonly referred to as a type of fungus, but its strange properties have caused confusion. Visible to the surface is dark red tendrils that spread across the ground, which emerge from a buried flesh-like sac. Mainly saprobic, it also gains sustenance from moisture either from other matter or from the air, making places with high humidity an ideal place for it to grow. Unlike other fungi, Neufleisch has very little ways of propagating itself, and it has to rely on other animals to carry its buds. Historians postulate that, if it weren't for the Houses cultivating it, Neufleisch could have easily gone extinct.
Native to Supplicia, it was first recorded and studied by Cinzaguese explorers in the mid-1000s. Though the uses for it were closely guarded by the various Houses, it wouldn't be long before settlers from the Vestear continent discovered just how valuable the fungus was. Buds were brought over to Vestear during the interim between the two Supplician Wars, and the fungal sac soon became a critical tool to power Fleischkraft.
On the other hand, the increase in its use has been linked to the appearance of Djúpshol vanvítr, shapeshifting monsters that were responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths. The exponential advancement in technology that Neufleisch offered, however, was enough for nations to continue despite this, even going as far as to suppress information of the link.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Medical Usage

The old Houses of Supplicia discovered that one could use a piece from a Neufleisch's sac to heal heinous injuries. The sac meat could mimic any part of the human body, meaning it could take the place of a missing chunk of flesh to a whole body part. With limbs, it can't operate properly without some kind of prosthetic skeleton; it would just limply flop around otherwise. The sac meat links up with the person's nervous system and is able to override the body's natural defenses against foreign substances.
One thing it can't properly replicate without complications is the brain. In fact, if it gets anywhere close to it, it causes significant damage to many of its functions. In extreme cases, the affected individual becomes trapped in a barely-conscious, lethargic state.

Fleischkraft

Machines which utilize Neufleisch meat sacs for locomotion. They are much more convenient than traditional steam-powered engines, due to their ease to produce and to fuel. Depending on the machine in question, many report that they "seem to have a mind of their own", able to perform verbal orders and show basic preservation instincts.
Fleischkraft engines power anything from automobiles to powerful war machines like the Glatz-built Walkers.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Natural to Supplician forests and caves, but are also present in Vestearn cultivation factories.

Lifespan

Unknown; some believe it to be anywhere around 40 to 70 years depending on various conditions.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

A deep red, flesh-like body