AA: Mad Hatter mushroom

Mad Hatter mushroom

7-12 days (in consistently dark conditions)

Cool, dark, undisturbed areas where dead vegetation can be found, such as the hollows of dead trees or abandoned animal burrows. The mushroom also tends to proliferate in crooks where moon shower rain gathers, albeit only for the very short time while the rainwater lasts.

Relatively common, but difficult to find due to its short lifespan and ever-changing locations. Found in Wispwood only, in the more densely forested areas away from the coast.

10-13 cm (4-5 inches) in height when fully grown. See image for reference.

This curiously shaped mushroom is best recognised by the distinctive, slightly luminescent bands of blue and pink on its cap, said to resemble flamboyant hat ribbons - thus their name. They have a smooth, crumbly texture and mild, sickly sweet flavour and smell. Their spores are dust-like and also slightly luminescent.

Saprotrophic. Very sensitive to light and will disappear within a few minutes if exposed to it, unless quickly cut and preserved.

• Medicine - Mad Hatter mushrooms are a powerful psychostimulant when ingested, known to reduce fatigue, elevate the mood and induce delusions, euphoria and paranoia. Small quantities are effective in treating sleeping sickness (narcolepsy).
• Recreation - For the same properties as above, these mushrooms have also found recreational use in a very potent brewed drink known as Madman's Coffee. Preparing the coffee correctly is something of a skill, so specialty cafes which serve it can be found in Iadlain.

• It is not possible to deliberately cultivate Mad Hatter mushrooms. Extensive attempts have been made to farm it, to no avail, therefore the mushroom is still completely supplied by gathering it wild from the forest.
• The spores of Mad Hatter mushrooms can also cause euphoria and delusions when inhaled, therefore great care must be taken to avoid this when harvesting them. The effects only last up to an hour, but being high in a forest where everything might eat you is not good for any length of time.