Kinoko Hitake: The mushroom fields of Kirishai

Author Unknown

The mushroom field is a source of life and death for the citizens of Kirishai. The mushrooms produce the protein and nutrients needed to survive, and yet the fields exact a price for their services. A number of varieties of dangerous mushrooms grow in the fields and inexperienced dark elves often find themselves suffering the mushrooms ill effects. For example, in isolated regions, far from prying eyes, Berserk mushrooms wait to be harvested by intrepid alchemists.

Gaping Maw mushrooms are said to have a bite of their own. Developed during Jared's rein, the Gaping Maws look so much like ordinary mushrooms that most dark elves have a difficult time distinguishing between the two. The deadly plants have been used as assassins' tools for ages. As the mushrooms grow, they develop more animalistic qualities. When fully grown, they only measure about 12" in diameter, but they are sentient (although not intelligent) and will attack anyone or anything that touches them. They bite the tendons of the lower leg causing the victim to fall over. Then, the venom they secrete paralyzes the prey. The Maws continue to bite until blood flows freely from numerous wounds, especially around regions of dense or prominent blood vessels, like the neck. The hapless victim bleeds to death, nourishing the mushrooms with his blood.

A larger variety of Maws, rarer and more dangerous, can reach three feet in diameter. These Giant Maws are not only sentient, they can control the smaller Maws. The Maws are grown primarily for the city's defense, but occasionally members of rival houses have disappeared, and rumors abound regarding their untimely and silent deaths. Ironically, those who endanger the welfare of a House ultimately ensure the city's survival by feeding the mushrooms; a great insult in death becomes an honor. Animals and enemies both find their way to the Kinoko Hitake, a name which roughly translates into common as "Bloodbath Field."

A few safe ways have been developed to cultivate the Maws. Precautions were developed after several accidents in the fields and one known mass murder. Laike Toda, a misguided mage, forced several servants of a rival house into the area where the Maws are most plentiful. Their screams caused such a stir that the Magistrates thought the city was under attack and called the whole city to arms. Laike was found grinning and muttering to himself, obviously mad, covered in the blood of his victims. When he saw the forces gathered against him, he ran into the Maws himself, ending his dishonor.

Each House must supply servants to cultivate the fields. As a service to the city as a whole, no House is exempt from this duty, and the burden alternates daily. The servant must wear adamantine or mithril boots, since the Maws can eat through anything of lesser quality, including cloth, leather, and even plate mail. The venom of the plants is so acidic that even if the person is not bitten, a juice of a crushed Maw will destroy the soles of boots. Again, as there is death within life and life within death, the Maws' venom has healing properties as well. Alchemists distill the venom to make a powerful analgesic, and a mild form of the paralytic juice can be used in surgery. The Kai Gaku currently oversees all production of the venom, since bad batches can kill the recipient. One alchemist thought it would be funny to distill the venom only enough to paralyze the user but not kill the pain. His joke went awry when his own House Matron used it during a bit of dentistry. The alchemist was quickly given his own brew and had his own teeth pulled while paralyzed; he was killed afterwards for his indirect attack on his House Matron.