The Aspidium incensor, or ‘fragrant shield,’ is a species of fungus found exclusively within the submerged caverns of the Silkenwood, a forest rumored to be woven from solidified dreams. Its origins are shrouded in mystery, whispered to be born from the tears of forgotten gods and the echoes of ancient songs. The earliest recorded observations come from the Luminary Monks of Aethelgard, a secluded order dedicated to the study of the ‘resonant flora’ – plants that vibrate with subtle energies.
According to the Monks’ chronicles, the fungus first appeared during the 'Great Stillness,' a period of profound silence following a catastrophic celestial event. The silence, they believed, was a wound in the fabric of reality, and the fungus was a hesitant response, a delicate attempt to 'heal' the void with its fragrance.
The defining characteristic of Aspidium incensor is its scent – a complex layering of notes that defies simple description. Initially, it presents as a sharp, mineral fragrance, reminiscent of wet stone and distant glaciers. This quickly transitions into a sweeter, almost narcotic aroma, punctuated by hints of violet, amber, and something unsettlingly akin to forgotten memories. The fragrance is not merely olfactory; it is, the Monks claim, a conduit for psychic impressions.
“To inhale the scent is to briefly glimpse the past, not as it was, but as it *felt*,”
— Brother Silas, Luminary Monk, 744 AE (After Emergence)
Prolonged exposure to the fragrance can induce vivid hallucinations, often centered around lost loved ones, forgotten ambitions, or even glimpses into alternate realities. The intensity of these experiences varies greatly, with some individuals reporting only fleeting sensations, while others succumb to extended periods of disorientation and confusion. The Monks employ strict protocols to manage these effects, utilizing resonant crystals to ‘ground’ the individual and mitigate the psychological impact.
Cultivating Aspidium incensor is a notoriously difficult process. The fungus thrives in environments saturated with ‘chronal resonance’ - a concept central to the Silkenwood’s ecology. Attempting to grow it outside of this environment invariably results in stunted growth and a significantly diminished fragrance. The Monks meticulously control the humidity, temperature, and light within their cultivation chambers, using a combination of sonic frequencies and crystalline matrices to stimulate growth.
The fungus is primarily used in meditative practices, particularly for facilitating ‘memory retrieval’ and ‘emotional recalibration.’ Small quantities are carefully vaporized and inhaled during sessions, guided by experienced Monks. However, its use is strictly regulated, and only those deemed ‘resonance-stable’ are permitted to participate. The Monks also utilize fragments of the fungus in their ‘chronal weaving’ – a technique for creating protective wards and stabilizing temporal anomalies.
The Silkenwood, the natural habitat of Aspidium incensor, is more than just a forest; it's a nexus of chronal energy. The trees themselves – the ‘Silkenwood’ – are believed to be composed of solidified dreams and memories, resonating with the echoes of past events. The fungus acts as a catalyst, amplifying and channeling this resonance. The Monks believe that by studying the fungus, one can gain a deeper understanding of time itself, its flow, its fragility, and its potential for manipulation.