Deep mushroom

For the ingredient in Dragon Age: Origins, see Deep Mushroom (Origins).

For the crafting resource in Dragon Age II, see Deep Mushroom (Dragon Age II).

For the herb in Dragon Age: Inquisition, see Deep Mushroom (Inquisition).

Deep mushroom
Type	Ingredient Crafting resource Herb
Locations	Various
Appearances	Dragon Age: Origins Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening Dragon Age II Dragon Age: Inquisition

The term "deep mushroom" refers to the entire group of fungi observed growing underground, in caves and throughout the Deep Roads. As most variations have multiple uses, deep mushrooms are highly prized by herbalists and potion-makers alike. The fungi are frequently sought after for their healing properties and lethal effects in poisons. These fungi are also part of the dwarven diet and are commonly farmed in Orzammar as a food staple.

Information

Some varieties of deep mushroom are spindly and long, curling upwards like the fingers of an old, weathered hand. In contrast, others are short and squat and sport wide, flat caps. Deep mushrooms grow in close proximity to darkspawn bodies and lyrium veins. Some dwarves claim that the closer a deep mushroom grows to darkspawn and lyrium, the better the flavor. Dwarven merchants often hire casteless for very little money to enter the Deep Roads and collect the mushrooms, a dangerous task due to the everlasting presence of darkspawn. Deep mushrooms are considered delicacies. These fungi are served in small quantities in dwarven dishes because of their unique flavor and intoxicating scent, for which they are prized.

The most common varieties used by herbalists are the Blightcap, Ghoul's Mushroom, and Brimstone Mushroom. They carry the darkspawn taint, making them quite poisonous. However, they do not transmit the disease. Without adequate cleaning and preparation, consuming these mushrooms can cause insanity, severe abdominal cramping, and even death.

Varieties of deep mushrooms by Ines Arancia

Codex entries

Codex entry: Deep Mushroom

Trivia

• The botanist Ines Arancia has made an analysis of deep mushrooms in her book The Botanical Compendium.
• During the events of Dragon Age: The Masked Empire, Melcendre manages to take down Michel de Chevin by poisoning him with deep mushrooms.
• In Dragon Age: Inquisition deep mushrooms have been modified as to where they are found growing. Most cavern systems will now feature the fungi growing on the carcasses of dead spiders.
• Dalish children learn short rhymes about plants and their characteristics, meant to help with identification of foraged goods. The rhyme about Blightcap, one of the variaties of Deep Mushrooms, goes like this: "Flat-capped and gray that grows in the clay: Blightcap, the hunter's bane."
• Bleeding Russula'a ichor can be used as hinge lubricant.
• Deep mushrooms can be stuffed with spinach and cheese. Varieties which are not infected by the taint, and which have shapes that allow for as much spinach and cheese as possible to be held on them are considered the best for this purpose.

See also

• Fauna and flora