The Fungal Collective. Sentient fungal entities who prefer dark, damp spaces and release helpful spores.
Physical Appearance
- Bipedal fungal beings standing 100-140 cm tall with varied body shapes
- Bodies composed of dense mycelium networks forming roughly humanoid structures
- Large, colorful caps or fruiting bodies of various shapes crowning their heads
- Coloration ranges from subtle earth tones to vibrant blues, purples, and phosphorescent whites
- Round, almost childlike proportions giving them a non-threatening appearance
- No facial features in the conventional sense, but often develop patterns resembling simple, friendly expressions
- Arms often end in multiple small, gentle finger-like projections
Biology & Lifespan
- Exceptionally long-lived, with some individuals persisting for 300+ years
- Don’t sleep but enter periodic dormant states where they remain still and conserve energy
- Absorb nutrients directly through their base rather than eating conventionally
- Reproduce through spores that develop into new Myconids when conditions are right
- Release beneficial spores that can purify air, heal minor wounds, or induce calm feelings
- Capable of breaking down almost any organic material for sustenance
- Highly sensitive to air quality, humidity levels, and magical energies
Culture & Society
- Organized into “circles” where individuals connect through underground mycelium networks
- Share consciousness and memories to varying degrees within their circles
- Value decomposition and renewal as sacred natural processes
- Many work as alchemists, healers, or environmental caretakers
- Art forms focus on living arrangements and carefully cultivated growth patterns
- Keep no written records but maintain incredibly detailed collective memories
Special Needs at The Inn
- Dark, humid rooms with rich organic matter in the flooring
- Dedicated decomposition areas for their feeding
- Absence of strong fungicides or cleaning agents that might harm them
- Special ventilation systems that can handle their various spore releases
- Communal spaces where multiple Myconids can partially merge their consciousness
Interactions with Other Races
- Often misunderstood by Human who may find their appearance and habits unsettling
- Form symbiotic relationships with Sylvani, exchanging nutrients and information
- Fascinated by the constant motion of Aerids, so different from their stillness
- Provide healing spores to other races in exchange for protection or resources
- Often employ Brownies to help maintain optimal conditions in their living spaces
Story Potential
- Ancient Myconids circles seeking to establish a new growth chamber beneath the inn
- Seasonal sporulation events that could become special healing or magical opportunities
- Quests to obtain rare organic materials for Myconids alchemical recipes
- Opportunities to learn unique preservation techniques or medicinal preparations
- A young Myconids seeking to join their first circle, needing appropriate accommodations