Sporeborn

The Sporeborn are a race of fungoids who have been transformed by the Fungus, which has been described as an unsuspecting bioluminescent mushroom that releases spores that enters a host’s lungs and over several years transforms their body. They first appeared in the city of Tarnwick shortly after the Bophanites settled their new city and quickly assimilated, becoming close to the new ruling House of Rhodes.

The Sporeborn are not the same people who can trace their lineage back to a single point, but are rather any living being, from humans to chickens, who have hosted the Fungus.

Biology and Appearance
Sporeborn are “born” after an animal or individual takes the Fungus. Once the first physical signs of change appear, such as bark replacing parts of skin or nails and growing plant-like strands marking one’s body, an individual is referred to as Sporeborn. The transformation process varies depending on the host and their species. Savonne and cows, for example, often become mushroom-like creatures at the end of their transformation. It should be noted that mooshrooms are not Sporeborn, as Sporeborn cows are differentiated by their tougher bark skin.

While appearances vary between host species after they become Sporeborn, hard bark skin, varying in color, and prolonged life are shared characteristics, with the accompanying changes to bodies being organic in nature. Additionally, Sporeborn are naturally resistant to most diseases that plague humanoids and cannot reproduce between themselves or with other species, relying on the Fungus to create more Sporeborn.

History
The Sporeborn first appeared in the city of Tarnwick following its founding by Rodos, a Bophanite leader. After joining the Bophanites in their new city they shared the details of their species with members of the House of Rhodes, who had lesser members far from the line of succession intrigued at the thought of taking part in the Fungus. Those Sporeborn said they possessed no knowledge of their past, and that every one of those present had chosen to become Sporeborn. They were in search of a new home for themselves and the Fungus for decades, often being chased out of settlements with the residents of those towns being fearful of an uncontrolled spread of what appeared to be a disease. Contemporary Sporeborn have all accepted the Fungus in Tarnwick, with several members of the ruling dynasty of Lynnmore making up its ranks.

The Fungus
The Fungus is a mushroom the Sporeborn claim to have been in possession of for centuries. The mushroom, a small unassuming plant, emits a prominent silver glow in low light and releases a thin cloud of spores which take on a host. It is said that the Fungus knows when to release its spores to spread into a new host, and that the spores themselves know who or what their intended target is.

Although the Fungus does not seem to grow or produce another Fungus, it is unknown if it is the only one of its kind. The existence of mooshrooms have led the Sporeborn of Tarnwick to speculate that they may have a shared origin.

The Fungus is currently held by the House of Rhodes, a family of Savonne whose members have often hosted the Fungus.

Notable Members

 * Theodore Rhodes, Duke of Lynnmore