|
|
|
|
@ -28,7 +28,6 @@ Castle Coral=
|
|
|
|
|
Cave Coral=
|
|
|
|
|
Cave Moss=
|
|
|
|
|
Cave Wheat: The Other White Grain=
|
|
|
|
|
Crushing them in a bucket squeezes out a flavorful syrup.=
|
|
|
|
|
Dimple Cup=
|
|
|
|
|
Ecology of Floor Fungus=
|
|
|
|
|
Glow Worms: A False Night in the Depths=
|
|
|
|
|
@ -89,10 +88,6 @@ Today, I had the pleasure of discovering a new species of subterranean fungi - t
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Today, I had the privilege of discovering the fascinating and unusual Bubblesponges in the Sunless Sea. These large yellow sponges are unlike anything I have ever seen before, only growing in large bodies of water deep underground.@n@nWhat makes these sponges truly remarkable is their ability to absorb and store such large amounts of oxygen from the surrounding water. A diver can actually bite down on one of these sponges and take a lungful of air. This is an incredibly useful property, as it enables divers to explore the Sunless Sea without having to constantly resurface for air.@n@nHarvesting these sponges does not diminish their air storage capabilities, but the harvested pieces will not replenish the air on their own. Once the air is gone, the sponge should be discarded. However, if the trunk of the Bubblesponge is left intact, the fronds will regenerate over time.@n@nI am extremely excited about this discovery and its potential implications for exploration in the Sunless Sea. The Bubblesponge is truly a remarkable and unique species of underwater fauna.@n@nSincerely,@nProfessor Amelia Rose=
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
When dried in an oven, sweet pods produce a granular pink-tinted sugary substance.=
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
When milled, sweet pods produce a granular pink-tinted sugary substance.=
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wherever there is a substantial amount of moisture, life, and airspace in the deep places of the world, there will be an ecology of flying insect and flying insectivores. And above it all will be the deceptively beautiful star-like galleries of the glow worms, preying on all of those. Glow worms are small carnivorous creatures that form colonies of millions on high cavern ceilings, hanging in chains along nigh-invisible silken threads. They produce a twinkling blue-white glow within their bodies, creating an effect not unlike a starry sky.@n@nThat seemingly inviting sky is a trap, however. Creatures that fly into it - whether lured by the lights or simply confused by them - become tangled in the sticky strands and are quickly devoured.@n@nGlow worms are individually quite small and helpless when not suspended among their countless fellows, and don't thrive in caverns that are too dry - they require water for breeding and their silk becomes brittle without some amount of humidity. However, a careful caver can gather a quantity of worms and transplant them to other hospitable locations if they find the light (and pest control) they provide to be appealing. Glow worms are one of the most ubiquitous forms of life down here, found at all depths.@n@nSincerely,@nProfessor Amelia Rose=
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@ -107,7 +102,7 @@ Dear Members of the Royal Adventurers Society,@n@nI write to you today to expres
|
|
|
|
|
Fungiwood=
|
|
|
|
|
Goblin Cap=
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I have been conducting experiments on the Tunnel Tubes, a species of fungi that can be found growing deep underground in the caverns. I have successfully harvested the fruiting bodies of the Tunnel Tubes and have been experimenting with refining a gunpowder-like explosive from them. This explosive has shown great potential in mining and construction, but I must note that my experiments were cut short due to several casualties among my crew caused by careless detonations.@n @nIn addition to the explosive potential of the Tunnel Tubes, I have also discovered that the wood produced from their trunks has a unique cross-grained texture that makes it incredibly strong and flexible. This could have a wide range of uses in construction and carpentry. However, I must mention that the purple hue of the wood is unfortunately unpleasant and I have yet to devise a way to bleach the wood to make it more appealing.@n@nOverall, the Tunnel Tubes have a lot of potential for industrial use, but we must be careful in handling them and make sure to take proper safety precautions when working with them. I will continue my experiments and report any further findings.@n@nSigned,@nDr. Theodore Banks=
|
|
|
|
|
I have been conducting experiments on the Tunnel Tubes, a species of fungi that can be found growing deep underground in the caverns. I have successfully harvested the fruiting bodies of the Tunnel Tubes and have been experimenting with refining a gunpowder-like explosive from them. This explosive has shown great potential in mining and construction, but I must note that my experiments were cut short due to several casualties among my crew caused by careless detonations.@n@nIn addition to the explosive potential of the Tunnel Tubes, I have also discovered that the wood produced from their trunks has a unique cross-grained texture that makes it incredibly strong and flexible. This could have a wide range of uses in construction and carpentry. However, I must mention that the purple hue of the wood is unfortunately unpleasant and I have yet to devise a way to bleach the wood to make it more appealing.@n@nOverall, the Tunnel Tubes have a lot of potential for industrial use, but we must be careful in handling them and make sure to take proper safety precautions when working with them. I will continue my experiments and report any further findings.@n@nSigned,@nDr. Theodore Banks=
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I have just encountered the @1 mushrooms, and I have to admit that my scientific mind is thoroughly flummoxed by them. These enormous blue mushrooms grow deep underground, in caverns that geologically speaking, should be extremely hot. But instead of generating heat, the @2 mushrooms are somehow capable of absorbing it.@n@nThis is beyond comprehension, as it defies the laws of thermodynamics. It is simply not possible for a biological organism to feed directly on heat. But yet, here they are. The caverns that they are found in are frigid and icy, which only adds to the confusion.@n@nTo make matters worse, the wood of the @3 somehow retains this heat-sapping ability even after it's cut. I have never seen anything like it before, and I must admit that I am at a loss for an explanation.@n@nAt times like this, it can be difficult to be a man of science. I would love to exterminate this species and put an end to this absurdity, but of course, that is not the way of science. We must study, we must observe, and we must learn. I will have to gather more data and try to make sense of what I am seeing.@n@nDespite my frustration, I must admit that these mushrooms are a remarkable discovery. They have the potential to completely change our understanding of geothermal heat flows. I just need to stay objective and stick to the facts.@n@nIt is frustrating, but the life of a scientist is not always easy. We must be willing to accept that sometimes, our predictions are wrong and that there are things that we simply cannot explain. But that's what makes this journey so exciting. We never know what new wonders await us in the depths of these caverns.@n@nSigned,@nDr. Theodore Banks=
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@ -121,11 +116,11 @@ Spindlestem Lanterns=
|
|
|
|
|
Spindlestem as Mineral Marker=
|
|
|
|
|
Spore Trees=
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Today I encountered the strange and vicious plant known as the blood thorn. Found in hot and dry caverns, these spiky growths have a sinister reputation, and for good reason. Their spines are barbed, sharp, and hollow, capable of actively draining fluids from any plant or creature they might impale. I can only assume this is to supplement the poor nutrition and hydration otherwise available to them.@n@nWhen harvested the central stalk of a blood thorn can be cut into planks and used as wood. It has a purple-red hue that may or may not appeal, depending on one's artistic tastes.@n@nDespite their fearsome reputation, I must admit, I was struck by the tenacity of these plants. The spikes can remain living even after they're severed from the parent stalk, continuing to drain anything they come into contact with. Even if killed by bright light they can still cause damage to creatures that fall on them.@n @n But as I took notes and observed the blood thorns, I found it difficult to appreciate this species of plant. Its ruthless nature and actively harmful spines left me feeling uneasy, and I couldn't help but walk cautiously in its presence.@n@nSincerely,@nProfessor Amelia Rose=
|
|
|
|
|
Today I encountered the strange and vicious plant known as the blood thorn. Found in hot and dry caverns, these spiky growths have a sinister reputation, and for good reason. Their spines are barbed, sharp, and hollow, capable of actively draining fluids from any plant or creature they might impale. I can only assume this is to supplement the poor nutrition and hydration otherwise available to them.@n@nWhen harvested the central stalk of a blood thorn can be cut into planks and used as wood. It has a purple-red hue that may or may not appeal, depending on one's artistic tastes.@n@nDespite their fearsome reputation, I must admit, I was struck by the tenacity of these plants. The spikes can remain living even after they're severed from the parent stalk, continuing to drain anything they come into contact with. Even if killed by bright light they can still cause damage to creatures that fall on them.@n@n But as I took notes and observed the blood thorns, I found it difficult to appreciate this species of plant. Its ruthless nature and actively harmful spines left me feeling uneasy, and I couldn't help but walk cautiously in its presence.@n@nSincerely,@nProfessor Amelia Rose=
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Today I had the opportunity to study Torchspines. What I initially thought to be a mineral formation turned out to be a highly unique and intriguing organism. These strange formations are alive only in a technical sense and "feed" on volatile flammable vapors, growing taller due to the combustion residue deposited at their tips. They alternate between active and quiescent phases and emit dim light when active.@n@nThis discovery could have far-reaching implications for surface world industry. Harvesting Torchspines for torches could be a valuable new source of light, and the embers from burned Torchspines have the potential to sprout into new Torchspines when placed on flammable surfaces. Unlike many underground growths, Torchspines are not adversely affected by bright sunlight, and could potentially be "cultivated" on the surface world under the right conditions.@n@nIn addition, Torchspines have the ability to convert solid flammable substrates into gaseous fuel. This has the potential to revolutionize energy production and I am extremely excited by this discovery.@n@nIt is my duty as a scientist to remain clinical and dispassionate in my observations, but I must admit that I am extremely excited by the potential of Torchspines and the impact they could have on the world.@n@nSigned,@nDr. Theodore Banks=
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Today we came across a truly extraordinary discovery. As we were exploring one of the deeper caverns, we stumbled upon a forest of enormous fungi. These towering structures, which I have named Fungiwood, stood at least twenty to thirty feet tall, with a central stalk that was incredibly strong and fine-grained. The spore-producing 'shelves' that surrounded the stalk were thin and irregular, but not particularly useful for either building or as a food source.@n @nHowever, the central stalk proved to be an invaluable discovery. When cut, it produces smooth yellow-tinted lumber that is perfect for crafting. It is no wonder that so many carved wooden objects from the deeps are made from this Fungiwood. I have collected samples of the lumber and will study it further to see if it has any other unique properties. This discovery opens up a whole new realm of possibilities for subterranean exploration and commerce.@n@nSincerely,@nProfessor Amelia Rose=
|
|
|
|
|
Today we came across a truly extraordinary discovery. As we were exploring one of the deeper caverns, we stumbled upon a forest of enormous fungi. These towering structures, which I have named Fungiwood, stood at least twenty to thirty feet tall, with a central stalk that was incredibly strong and fine-grained. The spore-producing 'shelves' that surrounded the stalk were thin and irregular, but not particularly useful for either building or as a food source.@n@nHowever, the central stalk proved to be an invaluable discovery. When cut, it produces smooth yellow-tinted lumber that is perfect for crafting. It is no wonder that so many carved wooden objects from the deeps are made from this Fungiwood. I have collected samples of the lumber and will study it further to see if it has any other unique properties. This discovery opens up a whole new realm of possibilities for subterranean exploration and commerce.@n@nSincerely,@nProfessor Amelia Rose=
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Today we came across a truly remarkable sight in the caverns - a group of Goblin Cap mushrooms, each one larger than any I have ever seen before. These massive fungi stand at least 10 feet tall and have a squat, bulbous shape that makes them look like little cottages. It's not hard to imagine that some of the more primitive denizens of the deeps might carve out a hollow in the stem of one of these mushrooms to use as a home.@n@nThe stems and caps of the Goblin Cap mushrooms are made of a wood that is both dense and strong. It can be cut into two different hues, a subdued cream and a bright orange-red. The cream colored wood is particularly hard and heavy, while the orange-red wood is lighter and more porous. Both types of wood can be used for construction and other practical applications, but I suspect that the orange-red wood may also have some artistic value.@n@nSincerely,@nProfessor Amelia Rose=
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FaceDeer