Firekeeper’s Shelve

Observed June 22.

Inspired by Ötzi’s tinder, or bracket, fungus.

Potential use: Rangers in Aglitall carry dried shelves in waxed leather pouches.

Today I learned that Ötzi, the Iceman, carried tinder fungus with him as part of his fire-making kit. It’s remarkable that a mushroom could become something as essential as warmth.

I don’t think I’ll ever look at bracket fungus the same way again.

In Bound by the Bow, I think these may become known as Firekeeper’s Shelves: a fungus carried by travelers who know how to coax fire from the forest. I haven’t decided exactly who uses them yet. Rangers? Wanderers? Maybe the oldest foresters. Maybe Peigin?

Further observation required.