A fungus that does not grow according to space, but according to temporal disturbance.
🜂 How It Works
Zeyl’thuma appears wherever a temporal fracture has occurred:
a magical explosion
a malfunction in a steam‑based system
a powerful emotional event
the presence of an artifact that “rings out of rhythm”
Its mycelium does not spread through soil, but through the temporal structure of the place.
It acts as a dampener — it absorbs and equalizes temporal tension. As it grows, the surrounding time stabilizes… but it is also recorded.
🜃 Visual
The cap has spiral layers that shift depending on the time of day.
The mycelium is translucent, yet casts a shadow that moves opposite to the sun.
Spores spread backwards — the effect appears first, the cause second.
Touching it may cause a brief loss of temporal orientation.
🜁 Symbiosis with the Rekk’hor
Invisible Work
Zeyl’thuma quietly spreads through the temporal fracture, absorbing tension and doing the “dirty” magical work no one sees.
Transformation
Once stabilization is complete, the fungus crystallizes into a fleshy secondary form called Rek’thuma (it resembles an exotic puffball). This form no longer has temporal protection — it is physical and saturated with energy.
The Rekk’hor Arrives
At this moment, the Rekk’hor’s horns activate. They sense the specific scent or vibration of stabilized time.
Cleanup
The Rekk’hor eats the Rek’thuma, removing the “residual magical waste.” If Rek’thuma were left behind, it could begin attracting something far worse than hungry Rekk’hors.
Bipilon’s Note
“Zeyl’thuma? Oh yes, the fungus that grows whenever time decides to trip over its own feet. Touch it and you’ll lose track of what hour it is. Leave it alone and it turns into a puffball full of leftover magic that the Rekk’hor happily snacks on. Honestly, it’s the only cleanup crew in Tal’gorr that works for free.”
