Try It, You'll Like It

One of the main food sources eaten by all Underlings, is the Mauton plant. This deep green, stringy vine, which is chopped up, boiled and consumed in large quantities, can be found in nearly every corner of the Wild Lands.
While the Mauton plant may have a strong, distinct taste, its effects on the body are undeniable. Its high levels of nutrients and healing properties give a boost to the entire body, making the consumer feel stronger and more vibrant. This sensation lingers long after the Mauton plant is eaten, providing a sustained feeling of increased energy and vitality. Additionally, its role in strengthening bones and promoting faster healing makes it a staple in the diet of Underlings, who are known for their physical prowess and resilience.
It just tastes awful.
A bloated, rotting fish, covered in mold and simmer worms would taste better than Mauton…and that’s on a GOOD day.
It’s a main food source with all dens,…so how do Underling adults get their children trained to eat such a plant?
They lie.
The smell of boiling Mauton fills the air as they sit around a fire, munching on roasted grubs and slurping down worm juice. They lean in close, their eyes gleaming with excitement as they start spinning tales of brave heroes and magical creatures that only exist in the world of make-believe.
One such tale is about a fearsome beast called the "Mauton Monster". It's said that this monster lives deep in the heart of the Hidden Valley, and it feeds solely on raw Mauton leaves. Any Underling foolish enough to stray too close would be swiftly devoured by its sharp teeth and slimy tentacles. The only way to escape the wrath of the Mauton Monster is by eating a big helping of cooked Mauton plants every day - that’s how strong they are!
Another popular myth is about a enchanted waterfall at the edge of Lake Adun. Legend has it, that if an Underling can swim all the way up to the top without breathing, they'll be granted superhuman strength and agility. Of course, no one has ever successfully completed this task, but that doesn't stop children from trying. Every time they take a bite of Mauton, they imagine themselves braving those treacherous waters and reaching the top.
Some parents even go as far as telling children that eating Mauton is a rite of passage for Underlings. That it's what separates them from other creatures in the Wild Lands - a symbol of bravery and resilience. They say that any true warrior must be able to stomach the bitter taste of Mauton plants before embarking on their first adventure. The more experienced grown-ups cough and gag at this lie, but play along nonetheless because it works so well.
The stories continue long into the night, with each new tale more absurd than the last. There are tales about magical fruits that grow in secret gardens, guarded by birds of prey with breath so fierce it could burn down an entire forest. Or about giant Mauton berries that grant a wish upon consumption - just make sure not to eat too many or you might end up with horns sprouting from your head!
Of course, while these stories are meant to be entertaining and funny, there's an underlying truth behind them: Underlings don't enjoy eating Mauton plants. But when you live in a world where nutrition is key to survival, you learn to consume it - even if it tastes like moldy fruit dipped in mud!