Before I was the talented cleric you know and love today, I was a fairly skilled alchemist. If you know anything about alchemy, you’d know that magical ingredients often hide in plain site. As long as you know where to look, and what to look for, you can find everything you need to make the most potent potions anywhere. That being said, sometimes danger can disguise itself as a harmless herb or fungi. You need to stay diligent when hunting for your magical ingredients. Here are some tips I’ve come up with on how to distinguish between dangerous and magical mushrooms.
- Trust your gut (literally). If a mushroom just doesn’t look or smell right, listen to your gut and don’t eat it! Your body is likely telling you something important, that’s your natural survival instinct and it’s there to keep you safe.
- Check for signs of magic. If you see a unicorn grazing nearby, or fae flying in the air, then that’s a good sign that the area around you is magical. Many mushrooms with magical energy tend to shimmer a little as well, so try to get a good look of your target in the light.
- Beware of the dark side. If you come across a mushroom growing in a dark, creepy, swampy area, it’s best to just keep walking. No good can come from anything that grows in a place like that. Also, the property that makes most mushrooms glow is not safe to eat.
- Consult a magical expert. If you’re not sure about a mushroom, why not ask a wizard or sorceress for advice? Just make sure they’re not using you as a taste tester for their latest poisonous brew.
- Try divination magic. A little scrying or tarot reading can go a long way in determining if a mushroom is dangerous or magical. Just don’t be too upset if the magic reveals that you’ve been carrying a poisonous mushroom in your pocket for the past week. If you aren’t able to preform any divination magic, then try finding a scroll or wand within your skill level.
- Respect the mushroom’s magic. If you come across a mushroom that seems to be surrounded by an aura of magic, it’s best to approach it with reverence and respect. And for the love of all that’s magical, don’t start singing “Dancing Queen” around it!
When it comes to distinguishing between dangerous and magical mushrooms, it’s all about using your common sense, paying attention to the signs of magic, and not singing ABBA songs around sacred mushrooms. With these tips, you can safely explore the world of magical mushrooms, avoid a trip to the infirmary (or morgue), and have a little fun along the way!
