Field note 2314: Two Unknown specimens, moving in concert, slowly, through Haston Mireland
Field notes from the Journal of Nel Corker, Victran Lorekeeper
Appearance: Humanoid, indistinct in dark, obvious in light
Colouration: Moss green, vibrant sproutings along the limbs
Smell: Organic, New growth, Berries
Sound: Sussurant, almost subsonic
Diet: Insects, Plant Matter
Behaviour: Flighty, highly sensitive to disturbance
Impression: Harmless… strangely beautiful
Also Known as: Mirefolk,
Habitat: Swamps, Wetland
Hazard Level: Minor
Summary
Mossfolk are an extremely rare and reclusive species of semi-sapient fungoid which dwell in the wetlands and swamps of Aeldos. Most commonly found in the great Mires, they are skittish and and alien, preferring to avoid humans and other species whenever possible. Some scholars believe the species to be relatives of Brogs, with some even arguing they simply an aggressive subspecies.
Description
It is difficult to speak about the appearance of Mossfolk without trading in folktales and myths. Sightings are exceedingly rare and no living specimen has ever been captured making claims about their anatomy, behaviour and even basic appearance difficult to verify. Most stories suggest a species with a significant variation in potential size, ranging anywhere from 1.2 to 2.5 meters tall depending on habitat. They are difficult to discern from their habitats, typically blending in as a result of their unique physiology, composed as they are of fungus, bark, moss, vines, and plant matter. They appear to be semi-bipedal, often using their knuckles to aid in locomotion, but fully capable of an upright posture. Observers have described their faces as wooden masks and crudely rendered approximations of human faces.
One particularly detailed journal written by a famed southern lorekeeper Nel Corker records an encounter with a recently killed and rapidly dissolving specimen. Nel’s observations of multiple organ systems ‘dispersing’ suggest that the Mossfolk are gestalt entities, composed of several specialized symbiotic fungal and floral organs. Her records also suggest that Mossfolk are sustained by a combination of anaerobic catalyzation of Mire nutrients and insectivaria. That is to say, they eat bugs and ‘process’ swamp minerals to survive. These features naturally limit both their own ability to migrate and any potential attempts to capture and market them, as slaves, drugs, or food. Combined with the propensity for deceased specimens to rapidly dissolve makes the study of Mossfolk nearly impossible.
What little is known of Mossfolk behaviour suggests they are highly avoidant of conflict, with their only known defensive trait being the ability of the female to release of a cloud of powerfully hallucinogenic spores that disorients and pacifies attackers.
Nel Corker’s records suggest that the Mirefolk possess rudimentary language which Corker compared to rustling leaves. She also observed some form of social behaviour and suggestions of higher reason, but her encounter was cut short, leaving much more unknown.
Mossfolk have prompted numerous debates and arguments about the origins and nature of floral and fungal humanoid species. Some argue for a common ancestry or trait for Mossfolk, [[Brog]]s, [[Kelthia]], and [[Tamaa]], but scholarly research is extremely limited and there are no recorded encounters between the various species.