Entu Symbiote
The Entu are a sapient and mobile fungal species that begins their life cycle as tiny spores that gradually fuse together to form amorphous pools of opalescent slime. These colonies generate conscious thought and obtain sensory information about their environment through mycelia that function similarly to neurons. They communicate telepathically with other creatures using a lexicon of sensory and emotional concepts.
The Entu colonies feed on emotion and thought, and their mycelia intertwine with the central nervous system of their host, creating new synapses and enhancing sections of the host's brain. This results in a symbiotic life-form, called an Entu symbiote, which attains self-awareness, complex thought, and even linguistic ability. The Entu fungi seek constant exposure to emotion and thought to thrive and prefer to enter symbiotic relationships with creatures who can benefit from their cellular mimicry.
The Nelentu, a successful symbiosis spanning generations, is a prominent example of Entu symbiosis. Originally a species of fruit-eating neleks, they encountered Entu spores early in their evolution and willingly became hosts. Today, they inhabit tiered jungle-cities built around green spaces known as Gardens of Thought, where they cultivate Entu spores for future generations.
The Entu colonies can survive for up to 300 years, while Entu symbiotes live as long as their host creatures do. However, some Entu fungi have developed a dangerous strain known as the Ophi-Entu , which actively seek out and attack other creatures to feed on their emotions and thoughts. These Ends are feared and avoided by many sentient species.
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