Glumi
"The forest floor seemed to move in a little ball on its own. Leaves and sticks stuck to its surface as it became a mishapen sphere of loose dirt and dead leaves. The tiny mound seemed to shake and buldge to adjust its overcoat. When it thought itself well and camouflaged, the dirty globule sat silently until we moved on, constantly watching with dark, beady eyes from beneath its cloak of foliage."
Glumi, otherwise known as "Amorpho Gumu" are a specialized variety of Ooze that spend most of their time clinging to horizontal or vertical surfaces. It has developed a stickier adhesive and ridged flaps to stick to any floor or ceiling.
The Glumi appears as a light purple or dark brown Slime, except it ruffles at the bottom, forming a suction cup at the base of the Glumi. It feeds through this specialized suction cup smeared in adhesive, digestive fluids. However, a Glumi is a notoriously shy Amorpho, reclusive even for most Ooze.
The Glumi is about 1.5-2.5ft. tall and round, slightly smaller than their Slime cousins. The flaps of a Glumi are chewy and are used in the processing of special types of gums and adhesives. Of the Ooze, those of the Gumu species are extra sticky, creating the best industrial strength glues.
Basic Information
Anatomy
A Glumi appears in every way similar to a Slime, except that it tends to favor a different spectrum of earth toned colors. Though white variants appear sometimes, the Glumi is adapted at feeding on the forest floor as much as subterranean caves. Their diet consists entirely of wooden and plant material, such as lichen and fungus. Glumi become pests in villages and cities near forests, as a Glumi infestation can destroy local crops and trees.
Glumi have 2 eyes which they protect with layers of the viscous membrane coating their exteriors. Glumi may also adapt natural camouflage, giving it the nickname, "Baghead Slime".
The Glumi has a special base which it uses to climb sheer surfaces. The shape of the base is like a suction cup, allowing the Glumi to conform to surfaces easier than other Slime. The ruffles of the base are able to stick to almost any surface.
Biological Traits
When the Glumi is in danger of thirst or starvation, it can enter a torpor to feed on sunlight and moisture in the air. This plant-like quality has led researchers to believe that the Glumi is the descendant of the "Amorpho" plant species.
Genetics and Reproduction
Glumi reproduce in a similar manner to Slimes; they seek other Slime. The difference is a Glumi assimilates other Glumi into its form. The dominant Glumi is the one to assimilate the other. Once the Glumi have combined multiple times, they transition into their next life cycle- as a Mould. The "Amorpho Mudl" is a colony of 5 or more Glumi that have formed together, increasing their collective size to 6-8ft in diameter. From there, a colony exists for 3-7 years before it seeks another Mould. When one is found, the same process occurs, with the dominant colony invading the other to form a "Mushbox" or "Amorpho Mossu". One half of the colony becomes the base "box" while the top half forms a fibrous knot made of the colony. When a Mushbox reaches the end of its lifespan (usually 1-3 years later) it releases Spores, which can form new Glumi in or on organic or inorganic material. One must be careful about breathing in these spores as the allergenic reaction is severe.
Growth Rate & Stages
Glumi expand from a Small to a Medium size once they have accumulated a Mould, which usually takes 3-5 years. The colony continues to grow for 3-7 yrs before it seeks another Mould through use of pheromones. At this point, the Mould has doubled in size, to 6-7ft in diameter. A Mushbox is formed and lives for another 1-3 yrs before expiring at the size of 10ft. tall and 6-8ft. wide at the base.
Ecology and Habitats
Glumi are more likely to make their homes in forests near mountains or caves than other Amorpho that are sensitive to light. They make dense nests of forest material.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Glumi mainly subsist on water and plant material, rotting or otherwise. They are able to scavenge when necessary, but they prefer fresh vegetation.
Biological Cycle
As a Glumi comes closer to becoming a Mould, it may bud new Glumi in the absence of other Glumi in the environment. These Glumi are genetically similar to the original Glumi. Once more, Glumi are able to regenerate lost portions of their bodies over a length of time.
Behaviour
A Glumi is incredibly shy and timid at all stages of its life. It will attempt to spread poisonous spored and escape before staying for conflict. Of the three species, the Mould is more aggressive until it becomes a Mushbox.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Unlike other Amorpho, the Glumi benefits from socializing with other Glumi. It is believed that the Glumi are able to communicate to each other through pheromones released through their spores. The pairing or bonding of a group of Glumi makes it easier for them to become Mould, but competition over resources may increase the likelihood that one Glumi will dominate the rest when it comes time to become a Mould.
Domestication
If a Glumi can surpass its own timid nature, it can make an excellent, low- maintenance pet that is always ready to eat the leafy leftovers!
Uses, Products & Exploitation
A Glumi produces a potent adhesive agent used in glues. The product is called "Gluem Paste" and is a product found from Moulds and Mushbox as well. This glue creates powerful industrial adhesives that can be used in unusual productions.
In addition, if the flaps of the Glumi, where the Amorpho is the thickest, is de-scaled, they make a bland survival meal but given butter and flavor and the flaps are considered a delicacy. "Glumi Flaps" are bought and sold at market prices.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Glumi are able to process light better than their Slime thanks to an amazing adaptation; photosynthesis. They are able to process sunlight and water for sustenance in times of duress. This ability makes the Glumi well adapted to high light environments. Just like other Slime and Ooze, the Glumi can sense creatures touching the ground within 20ft. by sensing the vibrations.
Civilization and Culture
History
Glumi are the closest descendants to the Amorpho Glob, the Slime, original species of the Amorpho genus. It is believed that they evolved over a course of centuries as an adaptation to the new, oxygen rich biomes. These adaptations to survive have helped it thrive despite the competition within its genus. As an alternative food source, Glumi adapting to favor vegetation led to many of its plant-like qualities. The ability for the Glumi to become a Mould is believed to have been a result of local colonies of Glumi forming communities. As the ages passed, and competition for resources became more violent, the formation of the Mould was to preserve the species.
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