Avishraa Reloaded

This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong.
====== Bilaak-tesh ======
[ˌɡ͜ʘi.ɬaːkʰ.ˈtʰeʃ], sometimes rendered //bilaak-tesh//, is the [[language:pitwek|[ˈk͜ʘi.tʷʰekʰ]]] term for a [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polypore|bracket fungus]] native to [[geography:sekhaa:region:Dunooma|[ɡ͡ǃɯ.ˈnɤː.ma]]] and other parts of [[geography:sekhaa:#southwestern Sekhaa]]. The term translates as //the path through the mist// ([ˈɡ͜ʘi.ɬaːkʰ], //mist//; [tʰeʃ], //a safe route//). It is a [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parasitism|parasite]] of a number of [[concept:biology#trees|tree species]], whose native fungi it displaces; when the tree dies due to this action, the fungus continues to thrive on the dead wood.

[ˌɡ͜ʘi.ɬaːkʰ.ˈtʰeʃ] gets its name from its use as a [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychedelic_drug|psychoactive substance]]. The fruiting bodies of the fungus contain physiologically significant amounts of a [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psilocybin_mushroom|serotonin analogue]] that, when metabolized, induces effects such as euphoria, sensory distortions and hallucinations, slowing of subjective time, feelings of oneness and empathy, and a sense of the presence of supernatural entities. Followers of [[mythology:mangukal:|[ˈmaŋ.kɯ.kʰaɬ]]] believe that the fungus enables its users to see through the veil of illusion that hides the "true world" of the gods and spirits from the "false world" normally experienced by mortals. The devotees of [[mythology:mangukal:paagdil-shennai|[ˌk͜ʘaːq.diɬ.ʃen.ˈnaj]]] are particularly enthusiastic in this regard.

The usual method of [ˌɡ͜ʘi.ɬaːkʰ.ˈtʰeʃ] use involves a short period of cooking - long enough to reduce the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vomiting|emetic]] substances in the fungus, but not long enough to reduce its psychoactive properties - before eating them. Cooking, consumption, and communion are arranged and overseen by a shaman in a stately, comfortable [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Set_and_setting|framework of ritual designed to settle the mind]] for its approach with deity.

If cooked for long enough, the fungus can have its psychoactive properties neutralized and be used as an ordinary food. However, this is rarely done except in dire need; aside from what is generally considered an unpalatable taste, intentionally destroying its spiritual effects can be interpreted as a minor sacrilege.

{{tag>wip}}