Kalopanax Diptera
The genus Kalopanax diptera has developed itself into a broad spectrum of over 100 identified subspecies, which have been distributed into the regional environments found throughout the planar realm of Shar. The species of the genus are highly priced and sought out due to their innate ability to affect the food and plant life within the surrounding environment. Many of these benefits come from ethno-medical, phytochemical, and pharmacological properties that the species of Kalopanax diptera naturally produce with their own biomass. In addition, the review also suggests that the preservation of this species can lead to the reclamation of barren environments in the future. While evidence of their origin becomes a hot topic of debate for their use, it has been shown to great effect with the term "fight fire with fire" when it comes to the demonic nature of the planar realm of Shar.
Introduction
Definition of Kalopanax diptera
Variables of Environmental Factors
Dangers of Kalopanax Diptera
Origins
Layline Busters
Exponential Expansion
Benefits of Kalopanax diptera Natural Corruption: Consumers Environmental Reshapers
Arguments and Defenses of Kalopanax Diptera Demonic Influence vs. Nature Natural Aversion to Planar Decay
Conclusion Redacted Redacted The following information has been censored by the Grand Valorian Visors due to concerns about planar security. If found with this information, please proceed to decommission chambers to have your minds wiped. Introduction While given the task of studying the newly developed plant species Kalopanax diptera, I found myself utterly repulsed by the inherent notion that anything productive can be obtained from the demonic realm. I, Lazaros Kostakis, a High Valor Researcher, was determined to provide a quick-worded transcript on why this invasive species was to be removed from our thoughts. Unfortunately for my own pride, evidence would prove that this species holds unique abilities that could be used to combat the harsh environmental factors that would make our planar realm more survivable. While I grow to detest the words written down in this extended analysis of the genus, be informed that the evidence shown is the truth. As much as I would thrive on the destruction of other demonic entities' spores, it would go against my academic drive to provide the best survival chance for the environment of our home. While my bickering of conflict comes from my own negative outlook on these species, I should regale you with information on how this genus found itself in our research halls. YEAR 351 It was 100 years after the establishment of the Valorian Dynasty when we first encountered the Kalopanax diptera near the forest kingdom that would become known as the Deepwoods. During these early stages of the realm, the forest was a thriving ecosystem that held many dangers for both demons and humans alike. It was a sheer accident perhaps at the discovery of this life form. A group of us researchers were collecting samples to take back to our labs to develop better resistance to demonic forces. Stumbling upon an early sighting of demonic worship, our bodyguards quickly dispatched them with ease. Each of the bodyguards statements was collected at the end of the report for further study. However, during the dispatch of the worshippers, an unidentified presence emerges from the wood. A hulking creature resembling a mixture of decayed plant life and living humanoid tissue. Note that our mission at the time was to collect various plant species that could be used to combat the demonic virus known as corruption. While protocols were in place to eliminate the said creature, a fellow researcher, Fotiyinos Brightspeake, decided it would be beneficial for this specimen to be studied. Under-equipped to transport the creature back, we prepared a temporary lab to take in the details of the newly discovered creature. Kalopanax diptera features Note: Early testing determined if the creature would have any sort of intelligence. It has been noted that the creature quickly proceeded with basic tests. The following information was gathered from the first interactions:
This Kalopanax diptera appeared to be reactive toward visual, auditory, and similar senses. When a bright light or soft sound was shown, it appeared to react in faster ways compared to the normal man. While their bodies appeared to be made mostly of plant life, the compared humanoid and plant fibers have enhanced the bodies to have a small advantage compared to the normal man. Taking samples from the creature, we have determined that it has an impressively long life span. After accelerating the test subjects samples, their bodies could theorize that they would last for roughly five hundred years before decay would start to set in. The specimen was originally six feet tall when first introduced. However, after interacting more with our researchers, we believe it has shown its true height. Standing at nearly eight feet in height, we have estimated a normal weight for one of these creatures to be around 200 to 300 pounds. Compared to the normal man, it does not have any speed advantage. Mostly appearing to shamble about the place with its interwoven meat and plant fibers. The most exciting new development is its innate ability to control the weave. A few researchers have claimed that the creature has appeared to copy their appearance. Also noted is that it appears it can detect various levels of magic. Due to this, this creature's importance has been raised to level 3. Due note: when interacting with others of their kind, they have the uncanny ability to blend into their surroundings. It is theorized that they have a drain in the various plant life to allow them to turn invisible to the naked eye. The creature has also been shown to have an increased ability to move, lift, and drag various objects throughout these tests. Similar to goliaths, other researchers had thought a goliath was mutated by the corruption of the plane. However, that was quickly disproven with the final testing. Shockingly enough, the Kalopanax Diptera has the ability to communicate with the plant life surrounding it. For the first time, we heard it speak a very poor form of the elven language. Here are a few words we were able to translate from it: "We bridge life and death." "Protect the land from the dissolving touch." "Consume and regrow." By the time our final testing had concluded, many of the researchers were convinced that this creature was the "magnum opus" of our studies. This creature would be the cure for fighting back against corruption. I had my doubts about the creature's origin. However, during the early days of the research, I was simply outvoted. After securing proper transportation, we headed back to the labs, where we could conduct more research. To make matters worse, I had been placed on the team to fully understand the creature. With access to the specimen back in our labs, the creature was allowed to flourish under the watchful eyes of our top researchers. Not even within one week of being in its new "home", it had rooted into place, reproducing a few "pods''. An unfortunate accident occurred when one of the assistants was exposed to a pod without protective gear. The pod released a form of invasive spores that attacked the assistant's body. These spores eroded away flesh, tendons, and bones, getting down to what appears to be the nervous system. The room was sealed off, but not yet cleansed. A bitter rival, Lohist Banlso, prevented the protocol from going off. To be honest, the acts of cruelty to this day do not sit well with me. The assistant withered, pleaded, and begged for death until it came. The body was mutilated, with pieces of meat and bone still attached to the husk of the body. I issued the command to cleanse the room, but the assistant’s body began to reanimate. The spores have bolstered the nervous system, manipulating it into expanding across the missing flesh and bone. The body started to crawl itself back toward the specimen. While protocols were in place to prevent this monster from forming, Lohist gave the order to allow it to reunite with the hive. Upon researching the hive, the expanding mass of plant fibers attached itself to the body. A better understanding now makes us realize that the nervous system has been consumed and replaced with plant fibers. The entire process takes ten minutes. With the newest addition to the hive, it behaved like a newborn child. However, it did not take long for it to behave similarly to the original test subject. At the end of this day, half of the other researchers abandoned the project in fear of the new threat. The ones that stayed had one of two goals: To advocate for the elimination of this abomination, to which I belonged. The other is to exploit this creature's abilities to use them for the advancement of Valorian.
Origins My goals were simple: to bring enough evidence forth to the High Council to have this existence of plants removed from any and all points within Shar. While Lohist and his group continued to study the benefits of the filth, I proceeded with the members of my group to find the origins. Our studies had narrowed down a location high in the mountains to the far west, located deep within the kingdoms belonging to one of the greater demons of the plane. With permission from the high council, we were granted a mission deep into the kingdom to provide evidence to prove that these invasive species had demonic origins. The operation provided more than we had originally thought. For the strength of the Valorian empire, being so far away from home provided its challenges. With the first few hours of landing in the location, we experienced the ranks of the corrupted. It wasn’t the quality of the troops that we faced; it was the unendingly mutated members of the corrupted family. Slowly, our captured troops were overrun and destroyed over the next few hours. A full retreat was issued not even a few days into our landing. The mission had consequences, but I was determined to find some form of information that would lead back to this plant's life. With great cost, a brief glimpse was captured of the origin of this species. While extracting from a mountain top, I glimpsed through the misty mountains to see the outline of a horrific shape. A great and powerful monolith covered by green and black vines constricted and cracked the pulsating magical arcane. The evidence needed to prove that this plant species was destroying the land was there. Within the last remaining moments of trying to analyze anything in sight, we were pulled back to the safe haven. Satisfied with the answers, I went straight to the High Council to convince them to eradicate them. However, Lohist had been busy with his own missions while I was gone to collect evidence. Both of us presented our findings, me providing that they were unfortunately born from the demonic influences of Shar and him providing that they were ways to fight against the corrupting powers. In all of my studies and testing with the creatures, I found zero evidence of their being adverse to corruption. The evidence provided had merit. While the creatures themselves did not cure corruption, they did rejuvenate the lands where corruption had once been. His argument stemmed from the fact that these creatures can be modified to the point that reclaiming their lands would reduce decades of work to just a few years. The High Council came back divided. They saw the merit of Lohist’s ideals but feared the demonic nature would inert any chance of use. The council demanded more tests and experiments be run before a conclusion could be reached. A bittersweet defeat fueled me to see this demonic plague dealt with. I would spend countless nights awaiting the connection that would allow their entire species to be wiped out in one single stroke. Unfortunately, that plan never came to fruition due to outside factors affecting all research. The specimens were, to my knowledge, disposed of in one of the lower labs. I never stopped researching, though. Perhaps if I did, my mind would have stayed on the path to destroy them instead of letting doubts fill my mind. While I cannot focus on the other research topics due to sensitivity, any chance to learn about the Kalopanax diptera I took. A case study came across my desk with another hidden experiment from Lohist. It had appeared that a magical line was exposed in a faraway land. It appears the experiment was to see what an influx of water would do to the plant life. As it was mentioned, the experiment thought it would accelerate the growth, which it did. A side effect of it, however, caused Kalopanax diptera to expand so rapidly that it overtook the area within a matter of minutes. From the reports, once the Kalopanax diptera was introduced into the area, the weave itself was consumed at such a rate that it regressed into a dormant state. With this new information, I felt I could easily bring up the fact they could be removed. The conclusions, though, had me doubting my mindset. The ability to cancel out the weave could be dangerous on any number of fronts. This information could not be leaked. If the High Council discovers it, I fear that they could use it against the other threats we are facing. Combined with their abilities to change the landscape, these eco-terrorists should have been concluded to be destroyed.
Conclusion The following information has been redacted for the Valorian High Council. Please do note that any related information to this topic shall be purged with extreme prejudice. The conclusion is that the Kalopanax diptera should not be interacted with until this demonic invasion is eliminated. The following portions of the research paper collected by Lazaros Kostakis appear to be the only remaining information that has survived the Dark Ages. While his work is greatly sought out by the highest of magi, it is feared that a complete version of the paper does not exist. A brief summary of what the Kalopanax Diptera is can be concluded from the following information: The Kalopanax Diptera appear to have a deeper connection with the natural fauna of the planar realm of Shar. Due to their corrupted origins, it is believed that they are able to interact with the "constructed" weave better than most other species. From what we can draw from these notes, the Kalopanxa overtake humanoid bodies with their spores, converting them into walking husks. No evidence of a living creature exists in the wiggling mass of plant life and meat. Due to environmental factors, different versions of Kalopanax diptera can exist based on the plant life surrounding its infection. Some noted habitats for Kalopanax include swamplands, temperate forests, and the extreme desert terrains. While not inherently hostile creatures, they all seem to be driven toward a greater expansion of their own kind. With the collection of the following information, any interactions caught within Acroshia’s borders shall be met with extreme caution. It is recommended by this officer to refuse them inside the city and to carry out swift executions at any attempts to enter the city.
Signed Julian Robinson, High Knight of the Legio Occulate
Benefits of Kalopanax diptera Natural Corruption: Consumers Environmental Reshapers
Arguments and Defenses of Kalopanax Diptera Demonic Influence vs. Nature Natural Aversion to Planar Decay
Conclusion Redacted Redacted The following information has been censored by the Grand Valorian Visors due to concerns about planar security. If found with this information, please proceed to decommission chambers to have your minds wiped. Introduction While given the task of studying the newly developed plant species Kalopanax diptera, I found myself utterly repulsed by the inherent notion that anything productive can be obtained from the demonic realm. I, Lazaros Kostakis, a High Valor Researcher, was determined to provide a quick-worded transcript on why this invasive species was to be removed from our thoughts. Unfortunately for my own pride, evidence would prove that this species holds unique abilities that could be used to combat the harsh environmental factors that would make our planar realm more survivable. While I grow to detest the words written down in this extended analysis of the genus, be informed that the evidence shown is the truth. As much as I would thrive on the destruction of other demonic entities' spores, it would go against my academic drive to provide the best survival chance for the environment of our home. While my bickering of conflict comes from my own negative outlook on these species, I should regale you with information on how this genus found itself in our research halls. YEAR 351 It was 100 years after the establishment of the Valorian Dynasty when we first encountered the Kalopanax diptera near the forest kingdom that would become known as the Deepwoods. During these early stages of the realm, the forest was a thriving ecosystem that held many dangers for both demons and humans alike. It was a sheer accident perhaps at the discovery of this life form. A group of us researchers were collecting samples to take back to our labs to develop better resistance to demonic forces. Stumbling upon an early sighting of demonic worship, our bodyguards quickly dispatched them with ease. Each of the bodyguards statements was collected at the end of the report for further study. However, during the dispatch of the worshippers, an unidentified presence emerges from the wood. A hulking creature resembling a mixture of decayed plant life and living humanoid tissue. Note that our mission at the time was to collect various plant species that could be used to combat the demonic virus known as corruption. While protocols were in place to eliminate the said creature, a fellow researcher, Fotiyinos Brightspeake, decided it would be beneficial for this specimen to be studied. Under-equipped to transport the creature back, we prepared a temporary lab to take in the details of the newly discovered creature. Kalopanax diptera features Note: Early testing determined if the creature would have any sort of intelligence. It has been noted that the creature quickly proceeded with basic tests. The following information was gathered from the first interactions:
This Kalopanax diptera appeared to be reactive toward visual, auditory, and similar senses. When a bright light or soft sound was shown, it appeared to react in faster ways compared to the normal man. While their bodies appeared to be made mostly of plant life, the compared humanoid and plant fibers have enhanced the bodies to have a small advantage compared to the normal man. Taking samples from the creature, we have determined that it has an impressively long life span. After accelerating the test subjects samples, their bodies could theorize that they would last for roughly five hundred years before decay would start to set in. The specimen was originally six feet tall when first introduced. However, after interacting more with our researchers, we believe it has shown its true height. Standing at nearly eight feet in height, we have estimated a normal weight for one of these creatures to be around 200 to 300 pounds. Compared to the normal man, it does not have any speed advantage. Mostly appearing to shamble about the place with its interwoven meat and plant fibers. The most exciting new development is its innate ability to control the weave. A few researchers have claimed that the creature has appeared to copy their appearance. Also noted is that it appears it can detect various levels of magic. Due to this, this creature's importance has been raised to level 3. Due note: when interacting with others of their kind, they have the uncanny ability to blend into their surroundings. It is theorized that they have a drain in the various plant life to allow them to turn invisible to the naked eye. The creature has also been shown to have an increased ability to move, lift, and drag various objects throughout these tests. Similar to goliaths, other researchers had thought a goliath was mutated by the corruption of the plane. However, that was quickly disproven with the final testing. Shockingly enough, the Kalopanax Diptera has the ability to communicate with the plant life surrounding it. For the first time, we heard it speak a very poor form of the elven language. Here are a few words we were able to translate from it: "We bridge life and death." "Protect the land from the dissolving touch." "Consume and regrow." By the time our final testing had concluded, many of the researchers were convinced that this creature was the "magnum opus" of our studies. This creature would be the cure for fighting back against corruption. I had my doubts about the creature's origin. However, during the early days of the research, I was simply outvoted. After securing proper transportation, we headed back to the labs, where we could conduct more research. To make matters worse, I had been placed on the team to fully understand the creature. With access to the specimen back in our labs, the creature was allowed to flourish under the watchful eyes of our top researchers. Not even within one week of being in its new "home", it had rooted into place, reproducing a few "pods''. An unfortunate accident occurred when one of the assistants was exposed to a pod without protective gear. The pod released a form of invasive spores that attacked the assistant's body. These spores eroded away flesh, tendons, and bones, getting down to what appears to be the nervous system. The room was sealed off, but not yet cleansed. A bitter rival, Lohist Banlso, prevented the protocol from going off. To be honest, the acts of cruelty to this day do not sit well with me. The assistant withered, pleaded, and begged for death until it came. The body was mutilated, with pieces of meat and bone still attached to the husk of the body. I issued the command to cleanse the room, but the assistant’s body began to reanimate. The spores have bolstered the nervous system, manipulating it into expanding across the missing flesh and bone. The body started to crawl itself back toward the specimen. While protocols were in place to prevent this monster from forming, Lohist gave the order to allow it to reunite with the hive. Upon researching the hive, the expanding mass of plant fibers attached itself to the body. A better understanding now makes us realize that the nervous system has been consumed and replaced with plant fibers. The entire process takes ten minutes. With the newest addition to the hive, it behaved like a newborn child. However, it did not take long for it to behave similarly to the original test subject. At the end of this day, half of the other researchers abandoned the project in fear of the new threat. The ones that stayed had one of two goals: To advocate for the elimination of this abomination, to which I belonged. The other is to exploit this creature's abilities to use them for the advancement of Valorian.
Origins My goals were simple: to bring enough evidence forth to the High Council to have this existence of plants removed from any and all points within Shar. While Lohist and his group continued to study the benefits of the filth, I proceeded with the members of my group to find the origins. Our studies had narrowed down a location high in the mountains to the far west, located deep within the kingdoms belonging to one of the greater demons of the plane. With permission from the high council, we were granted a mission deep into the kingdom to provide evidence to prove that these invasive species had demonic origins. The operation provided more than we had originally thought. For the strength of the Valorian empire, being so far away from home provided its challenges. With the first few hours of landing in the location, we experienced the ranks of the corrupted. It wasn’t the quality of the troops that we faced; it was the unendingly mutated members of the corrupted family. Slowly, our captured troops were overrun and destroyed over the next few hours. A full retreat was issued not even a few days into our landing. The mission had consequences, but I was determined to find some form of information that would lead back to this plant's life. With great cost, a brief glimpse was captured of the origin of this species. While extracting from a mountain top, I glimpsed through the misty mountains to see the outline of a horrific shape. A great and powerful monolith covered by green and black vines constricted and cracked the pulsating magical arcane. The evidence needed to prove that this plant species was destroying the land was there. Within the last remaining moments of trying to analyze anything in sight, we were pulled back to the safe haven. Satisfied with the answers, I went straight to the High Council to convince them to eradicate them. However, Lohist had been busy with his own missions while I was gone to collect evidence. Both of us presented our findings, me providing that they were unfortunately born from the demonic influences of Shar and him providing that they were ways to fight against the corrupting powers. In all of my studies and testing with the creatures, I found zero evidence of their being adverse to corruption. The evidence provided had merit. While the creatures themselves did not cure corruption, they did rejuvenate the lands where corruption had once been. His argument stemmed from the fact that these creatures can be modified to the point that reclaiming their lands would reduce decades of work to just a few years. The High Council came back divided. They saw the merit of Lohist’s ideals but feared the demonic nature would inert any chance of use. The council demanded more tests and experiments be run before a conclusion could be reached. A bittersweet defeat fueled me to see this demonic plague dealt with. I would spend countless nights awaiting the connection that would allow their entire species to be wiped out in one single stroke. Unfortunately, that plan never came to fruition due to outside factors affecting all research. The specimens were, to my knowledge, disposed of in one of the lower labs. I never stopped researching, though. Perhaps if I did, my mind would have stayed on the path to destroy them instead of letting doubts fill my mind. While I cannot focus on the other research topics due to sensitivity, any chance to learn about the Kalopanax diptera I took. A case study came across my desk with another hidden experiment from Lohist. It had appeared that a magical line was exposed in a faraway land. It appears the experiment was to see what an influx of water would do to the plant life. As it was mentioned, the experiment thought it would accelerate the growth, which it did. A side effect of it, however, caused Kalopanax diptera to expand so rapidly that it overtook the area within a matter of minutes. From the reports, once the Kalopanax diptera was introduced into the area, the weave itself was consumed at such a rate that it regressed into a dormant state. With this new information, I felt I could easily bring up the fact they could be removed. The conclusions, though, had me doubting my mindset. The ability to cancel out the weave could be dangerous on any number of fronts. This information could not be leaked. If the High Council discovers it, I fear that they could use it against the other threats we are facing. Combined with their abilities to change the landscape, these eco-terrorists should have been concluded to be destroyed.
Conclusion The following information has been redacted for the Valorian High Council. Please do note that any related information to this topic shall be purged with extreme prejudice. The conclusion is that the Kalopanax diptera should not be interacted with until this demonic invasion is eliminated. The following portions of the research paper collected by Lazaros Kostakis appear to be the only remaining information that has survived the Dark Ages. While his work is greatly sought out by the highest of magi, it is feared that a complete version of the paper does not exist. A brief summary of what the Kalopanax Diptera is can be concluded from the following information: The Kalopanax Diptera appear to have a deeper connection with the natural fauna of the planar realm of Shar. Due to their corrupted origins, it is believed that they are able to interact with the "constructed" weave better than most other species. From what we can draw from these notes, the Kalopanxa overtake humanoid bodies with their spores, converting them into walking husks. No evidence of a living creature exists in the wiggling mass of plant life and meat. Due to environmental factors, different versions of Kalopanax diptera can exist based on the plant life surrounding its infection. Some noted habitats for Kalopanax include swamplands, temperate forests, and the extreme desert terrains. While not inherently hostile creatures, they all seem to be driven toward a greater expansion of their own kind. With the collection of the following information, any interactions caught within Acroshia’s borders shall be met with extreme caution. It is recommended by this officer to refuse them inside the city and to carry out swift executions at any attempts to enter the city.
Signed Julian Robinson, High Knight of the Legio Occulate
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