Spore Tree
A spore tree is a rare mutation of a standard Bloodsap Tree. The sap of a bloodsap tree is especially dangerous. Consuming it, or consuming another animal that as recently consumed it, has a small chance of infecting someone. Once infected, the victim experiences physical mutation as well as the emergence of a deep and powerful instinct to protect the trees and help further their spread.
Pollen Mutation
In rare cases, a mutation occurs in which the mind-altering and mutative properties of the sap are carried into the pollen as well. These trees grow larger than standard bloodsap trees, and the pollen they give off is denser and more visible in the air. However, because the pollen is heavier than usual, it cannot travel far and is generally only dangerous within a 50 foot radius of the tree - although this radius can be extended much further in exceptionally strong wind. Breathing in the pollen is even more effective at infecting animals than eating it, presumably because none of it gets digested in the stomach Humans call these spore trees, although that is botanically inaccurate as the true cause is pollen. The trees produce pollen throughout spring and summer, although they are avoided even in fall and winter in case any of it is still in the area, just in case.Human Interaction
Spore trees are very rare, but are a national emergency if one is able to grow near a human settlement. People who live close to the mainland are in danger of being infected if a spore tree happens to take root within 50 feet of the shore. As with all bloodsap trees, the only effective way to destroy one is to use fire. However, burning a spore tree causes it to release huge clouds of pollen, on top of the ordinary difficulty of getting ride of a tree without being attacked by something in the Forest. After a few tragic disasters in the early years of rebuilding society in the lake system, the kingdoms of Veiama came to a unanimous decision: the presence of any spore tree demands the immediate quarantine of the area. All residents who could even potentially have been exposed must be relocated after a one month quarantine to ensure they were not infected. All governments will share any information about the presence of spore trees around their territory with others, to try to keep an international map of danger areas.
Genetic Ancestor(s)