Myconid

Basic Information

Anatomy

Myconids have bodies made entirely out of fungal tissue, including their organs and skeletal structures. Their bodies are cylindrical in shape, with a stalk-like structure supporting a rounded cap that serves as their head. The cap is covered in a layer of soft, fuzzy tissue, which is used for sensory input, such as detecting vibrations and changes in temperature and humidity.
Myconid skin is made up of a tough, fibrous material that protects them from the harsh conditions of their underground environment, and their internal organs are specialized for the absorption and processing of nutrients from the surrounding soil and minerals. They have a complex network of hyphae, the branching filaments that make up the body of a fungus, that allow them to communicate with each other over long distances.
Their appendages are thin, finger-like extensions of their stalk, which they use for manipulation and grasping objects. These are also covered in small, hair-like structures that help them sense their surroundings and locate food.

Biological Traits

Some myconids, incorrectly considered by species with a sexual binary to be female, have larger and more complex fruiting bodies. Those incorrectly considered to be males have larger and more active hyphae networks. While this division roughly echoes the binary sexual roles of many surface species, the division is sharper in exhibiting distinct biological roles. Worker myconids are responsible for gathering and processing food tend to be smaller and more nimble, while soldier myconids, responsible for defending the community from predators, are larger and bulkier.
Additionally, myconids exhibit variations in their ability to tolerate environmental stressors, such as changes in temperature, humidity, and nutrient availability. Some individuals or groups are more resilient to these stressors than others, allowing them to survive and thrive in harsh or changing environments.

Genetics and Reproduction

Myconids reproduce through a combination of sexual and asexual reproduction.
Asexual reproduction occurs through the growth of new individuals from a combination of fragments of the parent organism, the two key pieces being the stalk and cap. This allows myconids to rapidly colonize new areas and recover from damage or injury.
Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of specialized reproductive cells, spores, released by two separate individuals. The resulting offspring inherits genetic material from both parents and develops into a new individual.
The gestation period for a myconid varies depending on the method of reproduction. Asexual reproduction results in new individuals being formed relatively quickly, a matter of days. Sexual reproduction requires a longer period of development, typically eight to ten weeks.
In terms of the gestation method, myconids carry their offspring externally, attached to one of the parent's bodies while they grow.

Growth Rate & Stages

The growth and development of myconids is highly specialized for their unique biology and environment, allowing them to rapidly adapt and evolve to changing conditions.
Myconids experience rapid growth. They start off as small, immature individuals and quickly develop into larger, more mature beings in a matter of days or weeks.
During their growth and development, myconids experience a series of transformations or life stages, similar to those of other organisms. For example, they start off as small, spore-like structures that develop into more complex structures with stalks and caps. As they mature, they develop specialized structures for reproduction, such as spore-producing structures or other types of reproductive cells.
Myconids also experience different phases of growth and development depending on their environment and available resources. For example, they develop different types of caps or stalks depending on the geographic region they are from and  the amount of light and nutrients available to them.

Ecology and Habitats

Myconids thrive in environments that are cool, damp, and dark. The optimum temperature and humidity levels are stable, and there needs to be a steady supply of nutrients and organic matter available for them to grow and reproduce.
Myconids interact closely with their place of habitation, relying on the caverns and surrounding environment to provide them with everything they need to survive. They form complex networks of hyphae throughout the soil and rocks, allowing them to extract nutrients and water from their surroundings.
In addition to their interactions with the soil and rocks, myconids also interact with other organisms living in the caverns, such as bacteria, fungi, and insects. They form symbiotic relationships with other organisms, exchanging nutrients and resources in mutually beneficial ways.
As sentient beings, myconids have a deep connection to their environment on an emotional and spiritual level. They see themselves as guardians or caretakers of the caverns, working to maintain the delicate balance of the ecosystem and protecting it from harm.
The relationship between myconids and their place of habitation is highly complex and interdependent, with the two evolving in tandem to create a unique and thriving ecosystem.

Dietary Needs and Habits

As a species of fungus, myconids obtain nutrients and energy through the process of decomposition. They feed on decaying organic matter such as dead plants, animals, and other fungi, breaking down the material and absorbing the nutrients into their bodies.
Myconids also engage in mutualistic relationships with other organisms, such as plants or animals, in order to obtain food. For example, they form a symbiotic relationship with certain species of plants, providing them with nutrients in exchange for sugars or other compounds produced by the plants.
In terms of hunting or foraging, myconids do not engage in traditional forms of hunting, as they do not possess sufficient speed to actively pursue prey. Instead, they rely on passive means of obtaining food, such as releasing spores or other chemicals that attract insects or other organisms to their location.
Myconids store and protect their food sources by utilizing their unique biological properties. As a species of fungus, they produce compounds that deter other organisms from consuming their food sources, such as toxic or bitter-tasting chemicals. They also utilize their network of hyphae to physically protect food sources, creating barriers that prevent other organisms from accessing the material. Additionally, they store excess nutrients and energy within their own bodies, allowing them to survive periods of food scarcity.

Biological Cycle

Seasonal changes, such as fluctuations in temperature, humidity, and light levels, have a significant impact on the growth and reproduction of myconids. For example, during colder periods, they experience slower growth rates and reduced reproductive activity, while during warmer times, they experience more rapid growth and increased reproductive activity.
The passage of time also has an impact on the biology of myconids, particularly as they age. As with other organisms, myconids experience changes in their physiology and metabolism over time, their growth slows and their reproductive capabilities eventually come to an end with age.
Additionally, as with most sentient beings, myconids experience changes in their emotions, perceptions, and behavior over time. They develop new skills and abilities as they age, and they become more wise and introspective with the passage of time.

Behaviour

As a species that lives in communal environments, myconids form tight-knit communities, working together to build and maintain their habitats, share resources, and protect each other from threats. They communicate with each other through chemical signals, such as pheromones, and through physical contact.
Myconids also exhibit cooperative behaviors, working together to achieve common goals. For example, they work together to repair damage to their habitats and to defend against predators.
In terms of interactions with predators, myconids exhibit defensive behaviors in order to protect themselves and their communities. They produce toxic or bitter-tasting compounds that deter predators from consuming them, and their physical structures make them difficult to consume, with tough and woody fruiting bodies.
Myconids also have physical or chemical means of defending themselves against predators. For example, they release spores and other chemicals that repel or kill predators, and they utilize their hyphae to physically block predators from accessing their habitats.

Additional Information

Social Structure

The social structure of myconids is designed to promote efficiency and cooperation, with each myconid playing a specific role in the survival and success of the community as a whole.
The dominant social structure for myconids is hierarchical, with individuals having specific roles and responsibilities within the community as follows:

• Sporelings: Newly hatched myconids that are still developing their bodies and abilities. They are cared for by their parents and other members of the community until they are able to fend for themselves.
• Workers: The most common type of myconid, responsible for gathering food, tending to the young, and maintaining the community's infrastructure. They are organized into work groups, each with a specific task, such as foraging for food or repairing structures.
• Soldiers: Larger and stronger than workers, soldiers are responsible for defending the community against predators and other threats. They are organized into squads and undergo special training to hone their combat skills.
• Leaders: The most intelligent and respected myconids, responsible for making decisions that affect the entire community. They are chosen through a combination of natural ability and demonstrated leadership skills.

Individuals can earn promotions based on their performance and abilities. For example, a worker who demonstrates exceptional skill at foraging or repairing structures may be promoted to a leadership position, while a soldier who shows exceptional bravery and strategic thinking may also be promoted to a leadership role.
Myconids communicate through a variety of means, including chemical signals, spore emissions, and physical gestures. Leaders are responsible for interpreting and responding to these signals, as well as making decisions about the direction and priorities of the community.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Myconids primary means of perception are through their cap covering. This tissue is highly sensitive to vibrations and changes in temperature and humidity, allowing them to detect the movements of nearby creatures, changes in the environment, and potential sources of food. They are also able to sense changes in air pressure and atmospheric gases, which provides them with information about their surroundings.
In addition to their primary sense, myconids also possess a highly developed sense of smell. Their hyphae network allows them to detect and identify chemical signals in the environment, such as the scent of food or the pheromones of other creatures.
Myconids possess a limited form of telepathy and the ability to communicate through chemical signals. As a highly interconnected species, they may have evolved ways of communicating and coordinating their actions that go beyond the use of physical senses.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

Myconids have a symbiotic  relationship with other types of fungi which helps them to absorb nutrients and water from the soil. Myconids also cultivate specific types of fungi for food or medicinal purposes. However, they are also vulnerable to parasitic fungi, which infect and damage their bodies, and compete with them for resources.
They attract and cultivate certain types of insects, such as ants or beetles, to help with tasks such as dispersing spores or cleaning and maintaining the community's infrastructure. Some insects, such as parasitic wasps or beetles, target myconids as hosts for their eggs or larvae, which weakens or even kills the myconid.
Myconids have symbiotic relationships with various types of bacteria that help them to break down organic matter, fight off pathogens, and provide many other benefits to myconid communities.

Civilization and Culture

Beauty Ideals

As a species that is primarily focused on survival and community cooperation, myconids do not have a traditional concept of beauty in the same way that some surface lineages do. However, they still have certain aesthetic preferences or values that are considered desirable within their society.  

• Health and Vitality: Myconids value individuals who are strong, healthy, and capable of fulfilling their roles within the community. This manifests in physical traits such as a vibrant color or smooth, unblemished skin.
• Symmetry and Proportion: Myconids appreciate individuals who have an asymmetrical or disproportionate body shape or features, as this could be seen as a sign of genetic diversity, bringing a wider range of biological diversity to their genetic pool.
• Adaptability: Myconids value individuals who are able to adapt to changing circumstances or challenges within their environment. This manifests in traits such as flexibility, resilience, or creativity.
• Skill and Talent: Myconids appreciate individuals who have specialized skills or talents that contribute to the community's survival and success. This includes traits such as resourcefulness, ingenuity, or intelligence.

Courtship Ideals

The courtship rituals of myconids are more focused on finding compatible genetic partners and engaging in cooperative behaviors that benefit the community, rather than on traditional displays of attraction or affection.
Myconids release spores into the air as a way of attracting potential mates. This is done in a coordinated way, with individuals timing their spore release to maximize the chances of finding a compatible partner. They also use chemical signals to communicate their reproductive status or preferences to others. This involves releasing pheromones and other chemical compounds into the environment, which are sensed by nearby individuals and used to identify compatible mates.
Myconids engage in social interaction or cooperative behaviors as a way of attracting mates. This involves individuals working together to build structures, gather resources, or defend the community, which demonstrate their value as potential partners. Since myconids reproduce through spore dispersal, genetic compatibility is a key factor in finding a suitable mate. Myconids are able to sense or detect the genetic makeup of potential partners through chemical cues, and are more likely to reproduce successfully with individuals who have compatible genes.

Relationship Ideals

The relationship ideals of myconids are focused on building a strong, supportive, and cooperative community that prioritizes the well-being of all its members. Myconids view relationships as a key aspect of their survival and success, and work hard to ensure that these relationships are positive and beneficial for all involved.
Myconids value relationships that are based on mutual aid and collaboration. Individuals work together to gather resources, build structures, defend the community, and care for young or elderly members. Clear and effective communication is essential to maintaining positive relationships within the myconid community. Individuals use chemical signals and other forms of nonverbal communication to convey information and intentions.
They value relationships that are adaptable and flexible, able to shift and change as circumstances evolve. Individuals open to new ideas and approaches, and willing to adjust their behavior better support the community's needs, and are therefore more desirable community members. All individuals within the community are considered equal, regardless of their specific role or function. This leads to a society that values diversity and inclusivity, and that works to ensure that all members have access to the resources and support they need.
Myconids view relationships as a shared responsibility, with all individuals contributing to the well-being of the community. This involves adherence to their specific roles or tasks, and being mindful of the needs and concerns of others.

Common Etiquette Rules

Myconids expect visitors to respect their community, communicate clearly and cooperatively, and work together to achieve common goals. By following these guidelines, visitors may be able to build positive relationships with myconids and gain their trust and respect. These are some guidelines that non-myconid visitors should expect to have to follow:

• Respectful behavior: Myconids expect visitors to behave respectfully and avoid causing harm or damage to the local environment or community. This involves refraining from touching or disturbing myconid structures or resources, and being careful not to introduce foreign substances or species into the ecosystem.
• Clear communication: Visitors are expected to communicate clearly and effectively with myconids, using nonverbal signals or translators if necessary. Myconids place a high value on clear communication, and may become frustrated or confused if they cannot understand a visitor's intentions or needs.
• Sharing resources: If a visitor requires resources or materials from the myconid community, they will be expected to negotiate and share these resources in a fair and equitable manner. Myconids may be willing to trade or exchange resources, but will also expect visitors to offer something in return for the resources they receive.
• Cooperative behavior: Myconids expect visitors to exhibit cooperative and helpful behavior, working together with the community to achieve common goals or complete specific tasks. This could involve assisting with resource gathering or construction, defending the community from threats, or helping care for members of the community in need.
• Non-violent conflict resolution: If conflicts or disagreements arise between visitors and myconids, non-violent conflict resolution methods are expected. Myconids prioritize peaceful communication and negotiation, and are wary of visitors who resort to violence or aggression to resolve conflicts.

Common Taboos

The five major taboos of myconid society are:

• Harming the environment: Myconids view the natural environment of their underground caverns as sacred, and have a taboo against harming or damaging the ecosystem in any way. This includes avoiding over-harvesting resources, disturbing important structures or habitats, or introducing harmful substances or species into the ecosystem.
• Betraying the community: Myconids prioritize communal values and cooperation, and have a taboo against actions or behaviors that betray the trust or safety of the community. This includes breaking promises, engaging in harmful competition or conflict, or neglecting the needs of other members of the community.
• Disrespecting ancestral traditions: Myconids have strong ties to their cultural and ancestral traditions, and view certain behaviors or actions as disrespectful or taboo. This includes disrespecting important artifacts or structures, and ignoring or disrespecting important rituals or ceremonies.
• Interfering with biological reproduction: Myconids place a high value on their reproductive processes, and have taboos against interfering with or disrupting these processes. This includes disturbing important mating rituals or processes, interfering with gestation or birth, and harming young members of the community.
• Using violence or aggression: Myconids have a taboo against using violence or aggression as a means of conflict resolution or personal gain. They view violent behavior as harmful to the community and its members, and prioritize peaceful and cooperative solutions to conflicts. However, long experience of the other beings of Undervale has taught them the necessity of violence as a defensive tool.

Historical Figures

The actual historical figure upon which the myconid myth of Yalbeb is based has faded from memory. He was a powerful myconid leader known to the primitive myconids as the Eeldor. Eeldor lived during a time of great hardship for the myconid people. Faced with harsh conditions and scarce resources, the myconids were struggling to survive.
But Eeldor was determined to find a way to ensure the survival of his people. Drawing upon his superior powers of growth and regeneration, he set out to create a new home for the myconids, one that would be rich in resources and perfectly suited to their needs.
Eeldor designed and  crafted the intricate network of tunnels and chambers that would connect the underground caverns to the rest of the Undervale, allowing the myconids to expand and make new homes in areas with superior resources.
Thanks to the Eeldor's vision and determination, the myconids were able to thrive in their new homes, and his legacy lives on long after his passing. Though his story became the legend of Yalbeb, the true history is recorded by the illithids and known to a scant few.

Common Myths and Legends

One popular myth among the myconids tells the story of the creation of the Undervale. According to the myth, in the beginning, the Undervale was a dark and empty realm of unconnected caverns, and the myconids were primitive, lost and alone. One day, a great and powerful myconid named Yalbeb emerged from the darkness, and with his vast powers, he created the underground caverns where the myconids would make their home. He fashioned the caverns from the earth and stone, shaping them into a vast and intricate network of tunnels and chambers.
But Yalbeb was not content to simply create a home for the myconids. He also created a great variety of plants and animals, each perfectly suited to life in the caverns. He fashioned luminescent mushrooms that would light the way for the myconids, and he created underground rivers and lakes that would provide them with water.
Finally, Yalbeb gave the other myconids his own powers of growth and regeneration. And so the myconids thrived in the underground caverns, living in harmony with the plants and animals that Yalbeb had created for them until the Illithids came from the depths below and the Drow from the surface world to bring disharmony to the Undervale.
To this day, the myconids honor and revere Yalbeb as their benefactor and protector, elevating him to the status of demigod in their belief system and they strive to live in harmony with the underground world that he crafted for them. The myth serves as a reminder of the importance of community and cooperation, and the belief that even in the darkest of places, new life and growth can always be found.

Lifespan

20-50 years

Average Height

3-4 feet

Average Weight

50-100 pounds

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Myconid coloring and patterns reflect the dominant fungi of the area they come from. Myconids may have caps that are brown, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, or gray. These colors may be solid or may be speckled or mottled. The surface of their caps may be smooth, wrinkled, or bumpy, and may have patterns or markings such as rings or scales.
The stem of the myconid may is most often the same color as the cap, when this does not hold true it will be a plain, sudued color. It is usually textured, and may have markings or patterns such as stripes or spots.
The spores of the myconid vary from white, cream, and yellow to pink, red, brown, or black. The color of the spores is usually visible on the cap.

Geographic Distribution

• The Undervale