There is life within this mountain, very little of which has been unaltered by the might of its magic.
Indigenous plantlife in the mountain is rather scarce and lacks variety. Mosses grown in the walls wherever there is light and they are permitted to remain, and make up the bulk of the green growth. Lichens and fungus constitute the rest of the natural flora, mostly in the form of edible mushrooms which the inhabitants consider nutritious delicacies. The numerous mushroom variants, together with fruits and vegetables collected from the caldera, provide the basic diet.
There are many indications that at one time the caldera was farmed. This has all gone wild. There is much in the way of plantlife scattered along the shore. Trees are rare near the covenant, though there are some groves scattered on other parts.
"Cave flower" is a small white plant which blooms year round. It can be found wherever there is light, even torch or moonlight and can live for centuries in dormancy. Whenever there is darkness, its seven three-inch petals fold up to form a false bud; the petals' brown undersides, like the stem, are coated with a resin which protect the flower and preserves it indefinitely. Caveflowers grow to a height of about seven inches and are found in groups of three or seven. They are exceptionally rare. The covenfolk value them, when they are found, for their incredible healing qualities. The magi have only seen one example of this flower.
"Way-throne" grows to heights of two feet and sports a crown one to three feet in diameter. Although most of its surface is hard, its top is covered with a soft purple "fur" which is a primary foodstuff of the inhabitants, giving the "mushroom" bread.
"Mederch" is a purple, with white undersides and orange speckling, this gaudy mushroom cannot be mistaken. It also grows to considerable sizes; most mature mederch stand four to five feet in height and have a crown which is three to four across. Their hard fibrous trunks are only about a foot in diameter, but they provide tremendous support. Thin, succulent ridges run outward from the trunk, on the underside of the crown. The purplish juice that they yield are a powerful intoxicant.
"Purple trumpet" is a vase shaped with small flattish scales on top and within, wrinkled outer surface; Averaging two-and-a-half feet high being in color primarily purple. A choice delicacy among the inhabitants for its taste, it is very rare.
"Black Cackler" is a blackish orange, splotched color with a one-and-a-half foot wide cap and a two foot high ringed stalk. It has a bitter taste and partaking of its flesh causes uncontrolled laughter and foolish behavior for four to ten hours after consumption.
There is very little in the way of large animal life in or around the mountain. The caldera has fish, though they are considered taboo by the inhabitants, of course. The magi and non-native inhabitants have been warned away from the fish by Tiphys.
Birds are very common within the caldera, especially song birds. At certain times of the year huge flocks of birds descend as a stopping point on their annual migrations. Birds also congregate around the gate of birds.
There are many blind amphibians and fishes seen in the lower lakes and ponds found in some parts of the under mountain.
Return to the Storyguide Primer Index
Last modified: Tues Nov 17, 1998 / Jeremiah Genest