Fungus
Since Orks share an affinity with fungus, it is of no surprise that within the Ork eco-system one of the most vital aspects that keep Ork society going is the growth of specialized 'Orkoid Fungus'. If anything, every single Orkoid species from the lowliest Snotling to the greatest Squiggoth both come from the same fungal spore. Only changing via chemical or hormonal stages when the Orkoid is gestating. Ork spores grow in the wilderness, giving birth to new forms of Orkoid life. Different forms of Orkoid Fungus play essential roles in Ork society. Ork Settlements are surrounded by great patches of the fungi. Cultivated by Snotlings and eaten by Eating Squigs, they are a primal source of food in Ork society.
Gretchin cooks usually turn some Fungus into something fancy. Examples include Fungus Beer, Fungus Wine, Fungus Chips as well as potentially making Mashed Fungus, Poached Fungus, Baked Fungus Pie and etc.
Here are some types of Orkoid fungus identified by the Imperium.
Puffball
These round fungi contain huge amounts of poisonous spores, which are released after they are broken or crushed. Snotlings use them as primitive fungus bombs, dropping them under the feet of an enemy. After they step on it, they will have to suffer a nasty whiff of toxic spores which gives the Snotlings some actual use in the battlefield other than meatshields or ammunition.
All Orkoids are immune to these spores, they only make them cough and gag. Puffballs cleaned of spores and stuffed with marinated Squig meat is a popular Ork meal as the fungus enhances the already flavor-riched Squig to a new level. Spores collected from a different varieties of Puffballs are used to make Fungus Gas Bombs and for various medical uses.
Speckled Bloodshade Fungus
In appearance the Speckled Bloodshade is a deep red or purple fungus speckled with yellow or green flecks. It can be eaten by Orks and has important medical uses due to to its effect on the Ork bloodstream. This fungus is rich in molds in spores found in Ork blood and skin, so it can be used to enrich the blood to speed up the Ork metabolism, usually in fungus juice injection cylinders. It is also used to slow the flow of blood which is a great benefit in treating wounded Orks.
Mushlings and Snotrooms
This is what happens when a Snotling dozes off too much in the Fungal gardens. As Snotlings feed primarily on fungus, often eating as much as they can. This in turn can lead to strange side effects, one of which is becoming a fungoid. Snotlings start to become lazy and feckless and eventually vegetate at the side of the drop, tuning into a Snotroom or Mushling; a fungus preserving the vestige of a Snotling face. These are usually eaten only on festive occasions, as they become tough and large.
Rutted Gob-Buster
This fungus can grow very large and it becomes quite hard to eat a big one in one go, hence its name. Gob-Buster has a tough texture and strong spicy tang. Big and old ones are so strong Orks sometimes have to spit them out. Some Orks consider finishing a Gob-Buster a demonstration of self-endurance. On the other hand, their spicy and tangy flavor is used by Gretchin cooks to further enhance the flavor of Squig meat or other mushrooms.
Other
Other types of fungus also appear but are overall too minor to be properly described other than they're all edible.
- Pink-Spotted Trottlecap
- Warted Nightbloomer
- Heartburn
Gallery
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Puffballs and no, those Snotlings aren't having a great old time. -
An Ork sitting on a Mushling/Snotroom. -
The Gob-Buster, harder than a bowling ball but tastier than most mushrooms today.
