Smokebloom

A fungal growth found in caves and mines across Arietis. The normal variety produces pale blue-grey spores. Volcanic activity and extreme sulphur concentration can corrupt the Smokebloom, turning the spores dark purple-black and far more aggressive.

The corrupted strain caused the plague that nearly destroyed Mesarthim. The spores spread through the eastern mines, poisoning the air and the people. Those infected grew weak, feverish, and disoriented. Left untreated, the corruption would have killed.

The cure came from observation, not invention: Ino watched the Cindershorns consuming Brimroot to purge themselves, and extracted the same purifying properties. Ember Flowers placed at the ventilation points cleansed the remaining spores from the air. The normal Smokebloom continues to grow harmlessly in the caves — the Aries now monitor sulphur levels to prevent future corruption.

Significance

• Corrupted strain caused the plague that nearly destroyed Mesarthim
• Cure derived from observing Cindershorns consuming Brimroot
• Ember Flowers placed at ventilation points cleansed the corrupted air
• Normal strain remains harmless — sulphur levels now monitored