Ryukeon mushroom
A pitch black mushroom slick with a greasy, toxic oil. Native to only the dampest regions of the Sangmyung Valley, like Fi Lo Hok, this deadly mushroom has been used by Nakai and Khatkir to coat their arrows and weapons.
Appearance #
Ryukeon mushrooms take on the appearance of 10 cm tall, 28 cm wide mushrooms caps with a maroon coloured interior. While the cap of the fruiting body was matte black, it often appeared to have purple highlights thanks to the iridescent toxic oil coating it. They tended to grow on top of surfaces like fallen trees and soil in dim-lit areas. Regions exposed to too much sunlight were likely too warm for ryukeon mushrooms to grow in. The fungus also avoided areas completely devoid of light.
Colonies of fruiting bodies grew in random patterns, although over time the growths would eventually blanket a surface in its entirety. These large patches of ryukeon mushrooms could create very deadly hazards if someone fell in. Isutan children were always taught to be very careful when playing outdoors.
Ryukeon Toxin #
Ryukeon toxin was found all over the mushroom's exterior, giving it a distinct wet oily appearance even when in drier areas. The toxin itself was a potent fibrinolytic, reducing affected individuals by increasing the severity of a haemorrhage of any kind. This toxin was capable of entering the bloodstream through both ingestion and open wounds. Contact with mucus membranes could also allow the toxin to be absorbed.
Use in Combat #
Coating sword blades, spearheads, and arrowheads with the toxin granted assured death to those pierced by them. Even if the subject managed to suppress the bleeding caused by the initial wound, the thrombolytic agents within ryukeon toxin lasted for a long time--that individual would suffer heightened anticoagulant activity for anywhere between 2-4 days. That's more than enough to take a soldier out of a battle, as even minor trauma to blood vessels from everyday movement could cause severe internal hemorrhage.
Ryukeon toxin was not commonly used by Nakai since the mushrooms were not abundant enough to allow for such widespread usage. Additionally, the toxin was sticky and prone to getting everywhere--accidental introduction of the toxin to the user's smallest of cuts could have unpleasant consequences. The toxin was stored safely and only used in definitive battles.
- Before the Ganpoumi Fi unified The Eastern Provinces, the guerilla fighters of Gūm Ma were infamous for using throwing darts coated in the toxin.
- The Songkram employed the use of ryukeon toxin during several of their battles during the Eastern Civil War. Growing beds of ryukeon mushrooms from Fi Lo Hok were established in Gong for more accessibility in future battles.