Shard Shroom

A strange variety of fungus that grows near the mouth of Valur's Scar , Shard Shrooms, as they are called by the common folk that have had the opportunity to see them, are as rare as they are deadly. It has been difficult to retrieve many samples, due in part to their nature, but primarily due to the general dangers of the region in which they grow.

Basic Information

Anatomy

From a distance, the Pneumocystis Speculo appears to be a normal variety of fungi, however, closer inspection reveals a strange plant, not like anything else that has ever been recorded. When approached, specimen begin emitting a high frequency hum, nearly inaudible. The closer to a specimen one is, the lower, more loud the noise.
Specimen are incredibly fragile, almost glass like. They form, from above, almost an X, being made up of four individual slivers of fungus. Their edges are serrated and incredibly sharp. Excavation is nigh impossible, due to the likelihood of damaging specimen to the extent that they become dust. Even when successfully uprooted, the specimen is very dangerous. Too much movement causes them to release a highly toxic spore, but that aside, the sharpness of the edges lead to lacerations, wherein the plants toxin may enter the body.
Colors among the specimen vary, though predominantly they consist of a grey stem (or stems?) with the upper area, what one might call a cap, if not for the strange formation of the specimen, are usually reddish or violet in hue. As a whole, the species looks almost like two sheets of stained glass that meet in the center at perpendicular angles. Almost like art pieces, rather than plants.

Biological Traits

While most traits are currently unknown due to limited study, what has been recorded is that the specimen averages roughly 4 inches in height. Exhumed specimen are very light, weighing little more than a sheet of parchment.

Genetics and Reproduction

It is currently unknown how the species reproduces, or even survives.

Growth Rate & Stages

Due to lack of specimen outside of their native environment, this has yet to be determined.

Ecology and Habitats

No one is sure what makes Valur's Scar a suitable area for the species. Our current assumption is that the portal from which the Dragons attempted to summon whatever being lied in wait on the other side permeated the landscape surrounding Valur's Scar. under this belief, it is theorized that whatever plane that the portal lead to is where the specimen originates. All that said, Valur's Scar has a unique ecology in our world, due to the forces at work when the Dragons fell. The top layer of ground in the region is nearly completely made up of volcanic glass, the air is noxious, not just because of the constant ash as gasses that escape from the crater, but the air is tainted with magic.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Pneumocystis Speculo does not appear to possess any visual receptors, so the hum they emit must be caused via some other working. It is theorized that the plants are other worldly, and in their living, unsoiled state, the area in which they are found possesses enough latent magical energy from Suriamaras's curse that it provides a similar atmosphere to which they are accustomed. This theory implies that it is not a sensory response that causes the shrill noise, but the introduction of "contamination" to the vicinity around the specimen, as if it survives at a different frequency than ourselves.
Other, more mundane, theories suggest that the fungi have a large root system and can sense when pressure is applied in the area. Proving this would be impossible due to the fragile nature of plants themselves.

Scientific Name

Pneumocystis Speculo

Average Height

Four Inches

Geographic Distribution

• Valur's Scar