Khonshu Alpha

The city of Substrate, or more popularly, Spore City, has a number of factions.

The Mycological Imperative

The largest faction on the level. The descendants of the original pre-Malfunction mycologists that built and maintained the Fungarium.

Their goal is to keep the ecology of the Fungarium stable, and to keep the supply of fungal foods and drugs flowing. They guard the gate to the Fungarium, and run the town of Substrate. They are ruled by the Council of Mycology, the eldest and most wise of the Mycologists.

They have a laboratory/fortress deep within the Dim Forest called Primordia.

What do they want: Maintain the gardens. Keep the peace. Advance fungal technology.

Red-Cap Rangers

A band of men & women who have dedicated themselves to protecting the ecosystem of the fungarium. They are experts at navigating the Dim Forest, and are familiar with all of its creatures. They are also masters of camouflage, and can easily blend into the fungal landscape.

Often hired out as guides on expeditions deep into the Fungarium. They put out patrols to battle bandits.

They will help travelers in need, and battle anyone threatening the fragile ecosystem.

What do they want: Help lost people. Protect the Gardens. Fight bandits.

Hymenium Liberation Front

A rogue band of mycologists that believe the Fungarium has become its own ecosystem, and should not be “kept in balance” by the Mycological Imperative, and should be allowed to run riot and grow on its own. They often sabotage equipment or attack Mycological Imperative missions.

What do they want: Free the Fungarium. Overthrow the fascist Imperative.

The Plasmodium Oracle

A titanic slime mold that has evolved near-godlike intelligence. It is attended to and guarded by the Myx-Men, volunteers who have merged their brains with pieces of their slimy master, giving them unusual skills and abilities.

What do they want: In exchange for nutrients, the Oracle will answer one question.

Spore Collective

An informal guild of traders and spore collectors. Their principal interest is keeping the fungal trade going. They often resist the strict ecological rules of the Mycological Imperative.

What do they want: Make money. Sell things, buy things.

Society for Greater Self-Awareness

A cult dedicated to worshipping the Humongous Fungus, a vast fungal intelligence that dwells deep within the Fungarium. The Humongous Fungus has one goal, to expand and absorb all organic matter on the ship. It has grown too large to move on its own, and needs help in its quest.

It has formed a religion, the Society for Greater Self-Awareness. The acolytes of this faith roam the ship, seeking converts. They provide small services and perform good deeds to others. Once they gain their trust, they will encourage people to undertake a pilgrimage to the Fungus, where they will be psychically and physically absorbed.

What do they want: Publicly – Spread the good word about the Humungous Fungus. Privately – Brains...they want your brains.

by Norton Glover – [email protected] E-Mail: [email protected] RPG Blog: Polyhedral Nonsense #Dungeon23