#deadly fungal infection

[manisaysno]

Title: Understanding and Managing Nail Fungal Infections: A Comprehensive Guide to Antifungal Treatments

Introduction:

Nail fungal infections, also known as onychomycosis, are a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide. Characterized by the invasion of fungi into the nail bed, these infections can lead to discolored, brittle, and thickened nails, causing discomfort and embarrassment for those affected. In recent years, various antifungal treatments have been developed to combat this prevalent ailment, offering relief and restoration to afflicted individuals. This comprehensive guide aims to explore the nature of nail fungal infections, delve into the mechanisms of antifungal treatments, and provide insights into their efficacy and side effects.

Understanding Nail Fungal Infections:

Nail fungal infections are primarily caused by dermatophytes, fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments such as sweaty shoes or damp socks. Other fungi, including yeasts and molds, may also contribute to the development of onychomycosis. These pathogens invade the nail bed through tiny cracks or cuts in the skin, establishing a foothold and proliferating within the keratinous tissue of the nail.

Symptoms of nail fungal infections vary but often include:

- Discoloration of the nail, ranging from yellowish to brown or black.

- Thickening and distortion of the nail structure, leading to brittleness and crumbling.

- Separation of the nail from the nail bed, accompanied by pain or discomfort.

- Foul odor emanating from the infected nail.

Risk factors for nail fungal infections encompass a wide range of predisposing conditions, including:

- Advanced age, as circulation decreases and nails become thicker with age.

- Diabetes and other systemic illnesses that compromise the immune system.

- Trauma to the nail, such as repetitive microtrauma or injury.

- Poor foot hygiene and wearing tight-fitting shoes or non-breathable footwear.

- Prolonged exposure to moist environments, such as swimming pools or communal showers.

Diagnosis of nail fungal infections typically involves clinical evaluation and may require laboratory tests, such as microscopy or fungal culture, to confirm the presence of fungal pathogens. Once diagnosed, treatment strategies can be initiated to address the infection and promote nail health.

Antifungal Treatments for Nail Infections:

Antifungal treatments for nail infections encompass a variety of topical and systemic agents, each with its own mechanism of action and efficacy profile. These treatments aim to eradicate fungal pathogens, inhibit their growth, and restore the normal appearance and integrity of the affected nails.

1. Topical Antifungal Agents:

Topical antifungal agents are often the first line of defense against mild to moderate nail fungal infections. These formulations include creams, lotions, solutions, and nail lacquers containing active ingredients such as:

- Azoles (e.g., clotrimazole, miconazole): Azole antifungals inhibit the synthesis of ergosterol, a crucial component of fungal cell membranes, disrupting fungal growth and viability.

- Allylamines (e.g., terbinafine): Allylamines exert their antifungal effects by inhibiting the enzyme squalene epoxidase, disrupting fungal cell membrane integrity and leading to cell death.

- Ciclopirox: Ciclopirox functions by interfering with multiple cellular processes in fungi, including the synthesis of essential biomolecules, ultimately leading to fungal death.

Topical antifungal agents are typically applied directly to the affected nails once or twice daily for several weeks to months, depending on the severity of the infection and the product used. While these treatments are generally safe and well-tolerated, they may require prolonged use to achieve optimal results, and efficacy can vary among individuals.

2. Systemic Antifungal Medications:

For more severe or refractory nail fungal infections, systemic antifungal medications may be prescribed. These medications are taken orally, allowing them to circulate throughout the body and reach the site of infection via the bloodstream. Common systemic antifungal agents for nail infections include:

- Terbinafine: This oral antifungal medication is highly effective against dermatophyte fungi and is often prescribed as a first-line treatment for nail infections. Terbinafine works by inhibiting fungal cell wall synthesis, leading to fungal cell death and clearance of the infection.

- Itraconazole: Another oral antifungal agent, itraconazole, belongs to the azole class of antifungals and exerts its effects by disrupting fungal cell membrane function. It is often used as an alternative or adjunctive therapy for nail fungal infections.

Systemic antifungal medications are typically taken daily for several weeks to months, depending on the severity and extent of the infection. While these treatments can be highly effective, they may carry a risk of systemic side effects, including gastrointestinal upset, liver toxicity, and drug interactions. Regular monitoring of liver function and other relevant parameters may be necessary during systemic antifungal therapy.

3. Combination Therapies:

In some cases, combination therapies involving both topical and systemic antifungal agents may be employed to enhance efficacy and accelerate the resolution of nail fungal infections. These approaches may include:

- Using topical antifungal agents in conjunction with oral antifungal medications to target the infection from both external and internal perspectives.

- Employing adjunctive treatments such as nail debridement (removal of infected nail material) or laser therapy to augment the effects of antifungal therapy and improve nail appearance and function.

Combination therapies should be tailored to the individual patient's needs and may require close monitoring by a healthcare professional to optimize outcomes and minimize side effects.

4. Emerging Therapies:

In addition to traditional antifungal treatments, ongoing research is exploring novel therapeutic approaches for nail fungal infections. These include:

- Photodynamic therapy: Photodynamic therapy involves the use of photosensitizing agents and light activation to selectively target and destroy fungal pathogens within the nail bed.

- Nanoformulations: Nanotechnology-based formulations may enhance the delivery and penetration of antifungal agents into the nail matrix, improving treatment efficacy and minimizing systemic exposure.

While these emerging therapies show promise in preclinical studies, further research is needed to evaluate their safety, efficacy, and long-term outcomes in clinical settings.

Buy Anti Fungal Supplement from Here

Conclusion:

Nail fungal infections represent a common and challenging dermatological condition, affecting individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Effective management of these infections requires a multifaceted approach, including patient education, proper foot hygiene, and timely initiation of appropriate antifungal treatments. Topical and systemic antifungal agents, along with adjunctive therapies and emerging treatment modalities, offer hope for those afflicted with nail fungal infections, providing relief, restoration, and improved quality of life. By understanding the nature of nail fungal infections and the mechanisms of antifungal treatments, healthcare providers and patients alike can work together to combat this pervasive condition and promote healthy, beautiful nails for years to come.

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#fungal infection #deadly infections #nails #nail fungus #feetish #méditation #fungalore #medicine #buynow #wishlist #ordernow

[deejay]

#the last of us #posts #hbo #news

[nynewsbash]

Can fungal infection turns out to be skin cancer: A lady diagnosed with melanoma died of a deadly skin cancer

Can fungal infection turns out to be skin cancer: A lady diagnosed with melanoma died of a deadly skin cancer

Learn how a fungal infection turns out to be skin cancer! A 29-year-old woman found a mark on her head. Initially, she thought that was a result of some fungal infection. However, it turned out to be deadly skin cancer!    Sarah Lee, a BBC journalist, said getting melanoma was a “terrifying surprise.” Her skin cancer was mistaken for a fungal infection.    She said that she had visited the…

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#A lady diagnosed with melanoma died of a deadly skin cancer #Can fungal infection but turns out to be invasive skin cancer #Can fungal infection turns out to be skin cancer

[eros-apage-art]

PRINCESS TWILIGHT'S LOG: Day 15

SUBJECT:

AUDIO START: TAPE 2

----- ----- *wirring* *click, click, click* *wirring*

Testing, testing... Okay. This is the second tape I'm making to record the status of the Infection... Or at least, that's what everypony is referring to it as. Through my extensive research, and what little Thorax could tell me, that what we're dealing with is a species of fungi known as Ophiocordyceps versicolor.

It happens to be a direct relative to the Ophiocordyceps unilateralis fungi, which is notorious for devouring insects, primarily ants, from the inside to use its carcass as a breeding ground... This raises cause for concern because it spread through any open orifices, such as the mouth or nostrils.

In addition, it has a long standing history of affecting Changelings from the few records that were preserved in the lower hidden levels of the Changeling hive colony. It's particularly deadly to ponies as well, with a few documented cases across Changeling and pony records, from what I could piece together. But the knowledge it limited and bears no detailed analysis.

...But there are more concerning matters than this discovery. I've since told the other Princesses and Equestria has kind of been thrown into a panic. Cadance has quarantined the Cryatal Empire and only sends letters via magic, Celestia has taken to safeguard Canterlot while Luna has joined me here in Ponyville. She's working to keep ponies' hopes up, lulling them into gentle sleep when needed.

To make matters worse, Mayor Mare has completely disappeared. She went to send word to Zecora with a few other ponies, but they haven't returned since. Applejack then took it upon herself to serve as acting mayor. Everyone trusts her, it's not a surprise to me, but she doesn't sugarcoat anything either. She tells everyone the truth about what's happening, keeping everyone informed while I'm working.

She's even working hard to protect her family, I know Granny Mith would greatly appreciate that. She unfortunately passed shortly before everything began. I think that's why AJ is so on edge all the time, I don't think she could handle losing Big Mac or Apple Bloom.

I'm honestly glad that she's taken up the position of acting mayor, it's lifted a weight from my shoulders, and she wants to support me in any way she can. Though I worry for her and Pinkie the most, as they face the most risk of infection as Earth Ponies.

Although I still reside in Ponyville, I perform most of my research in the Changeling hive. The young Changeling I mentioned last tape... has unfortunately passed, the fungi fully matured in such a short time, but it's unclear how long she even had it. She may have been found when it was already too late, but there isn't much I can do now, except for studying the fungi before it dies so we understand what it is we're handling fully.

I fear... that we will have to resort to awakening Chrysalis for the sake of Equestria, but I'm working tirelessly to ensure that doesn’t happen.

END TAPE:

DAY 2-15 FINDING NOTES:

Little is known about fungi, referencing known relative fungi and examining known subject for analysis

Fluttershy has been showing cold/flu-like symptoms lately, AJ is keeping close tabs on her

No search party for Mayor Mare and other missing ponies has been formed, everyone is too on edge for fear they contracted the fungi, even though it's unlikely to be in the Everfree forest

fungi responds to anti-fungal treatment, small percentage dies within 3 hours upon treatment. this could lead to the development of a cure, but it's still in the testing phase

fungi is possibly slow acting, which gives ample time to pursue treatment

#so silly #my art #my au #mlp changeling #mlp twilight sparkle #mlp g4 #mlp art #mlp fim #mlp applejack #mlp apple family #mlp infection au #mlp infected au #mlp #audio fiction style??? #i guess??? #can i even tag this as twijack? #no ones stopping me #i mean no ones stopping me #twijack

[hc-geralt-23]

Broken Promises

Once upon a time, in a world ravaged by a deadly fungal infection, you found solace in the arms of a man named Joel Miller. He was your rock, your protector, and the one person you thought you could trust in this unforgiving post-apocalyptic world. You had made plans together, dreams of starting a new life, away from the horrors that surrounded you.

But fate had a cruel twist in store for you. One day, as you were scavenging for supplies, you stumbled upon a heart-wrenching sight. Joel, the man you loved, was locked in a passionate embrace with Tess, his long-time friend and companion. Your heart shattered into a million pieces, and the pain was unbearable.

Feeling betrayed and hurt, you made the difficult decision to leave Joel behind. With a heavy heart, you sought refuge in Jackson, where his brother Tommy resided. You hoped that being away from Joel would help heal the wounds he had inflicted upon you.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. You tried to rebuild your life, but the memories of Joel haunted you. You wondered if he ever thought of you, if he regretted his actions. And then, one fateful day, Joel arrived in Jackson with a young girl named Ellie.

As you caught sight of Joel, your heart skipped a beat. He looked older, wearier, and there was a sadness in his eyes that mirrored your own. Ellie, the perceptive young girl, noticed the tension between you and Joel. She couldn't help but ask, "Who is she, Joel? Why do you look so sad when you see her?"

Joel hesitated, his gaze shifting between you and Ellie. The weight of his guilt was evident as he finally spoke, "Her name is (Y/N). She was... she was someone special to me. But I messed up, Ellie. I made a terrible mistake, and I lost her."

Ellie's eyes widened with understanding, and she turned to you, curiosity etched on her face. You took a deep breath, gathering the strength to face Joel once more. "Joel, why did you do it? We had plans, dreams together. You promised me a future, and then you shattered it all."

Joel's voice cracked as he replied, "I can't explain why I did what I did, (Y/N). I was scared, lost, and I made a terrible choice. But I never stopped loving you.

Tears welled up in your eyes as you listened to Joel's words. The pain of his betrayal was still fresh, but seeing the remorse in his eyes, you couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope. "Joel, love isn't just about words. It's about trust and loyalty. You broke that trust, and it's going to take more than just words to mend it."

Joel nodded, his voice filled with sincerity. "I know, (Y/N). I understand that I hurt you deeply, and I don't expect you to forgive me right away. But I want you to know that I've regretted my actions every single day. Being with Tess was a mistake, and I lost sight of what truly mattered."

Ellie, who had been silently observing the exchange, spoke up. "Joel, if you love her, then fight for her. Show her that you're willing to change, to make amends. Actions speak louder than words, remember?"

Her words struck a chord within Joel, and he turned to you, determination etched on his face. "You're right, Ellie. (Y/N), I want to make things right. I want to earn back your trust, to prove to you that I'm committed to you and only you. I'll do whatever it takes."

You looked into Joel's eyes, searching for any signs of deceit. But all you saw was genuine remorse and a flicker of hope. Slowly, you nodded, your voice barely above a whisper. "Okay, Joel. But know that rebuilding trust won't be easy. It will take time, patience, and a lot of effort."

Joel reached out, his hand trembling slightly as he gently cupped your cheek. "I'll do whatever it takes, (Y/N). I'll spend the rest of my life making it up to you if I have to. I love you, and I'm so sorry for what I've done."

A mix of emotions swirled within you, but deep down, you still loved Joel. You wanted to believe in the possibility of forgiveness and a future together. With a shaky breath, you leaned into his touch, whispering, "I love you too, Joel. Let's take it one step at a time."

And so, in the midst of a broken world, you and Joel began the arduous journey of rebuilding what was lost. It wouldn't be easy, but with love, forgiveness, and a newfound determination, you hoped

that you could find a way to heal the wounds and create a stronger bond than ever before.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months. Joel proved his commitment to you through his actions. He was there for you, supporting you in every way possible. He listened to your fears, your doubts, and never once dismissed them. He showed up every day, proving that he was willing to put in the effort to regain your trust.

As time went on, the pain began to fade, replaced by a cautious hope. You saw the changes in Joel, the way he had learned from his mistakes and grown as a person. The love you once shared began to rekindle, slowly but surely.

One evening, as you sat by the fire in Jackson, Joel approached you, a small smile playing on his lips. "I never thought I'd have a second chance with you, (Y/N). I'm grateful every day that you gave me that opportunity."

You looked up at him, a soft smile gracing your face. "It hasn't been easy, Joel, but I see the effort you've put in. I see the changes in you, and I believe in us."

Joel took your hand in his, his touch warm and comforting. "I promise you, (Y/N), I will spend the rest of my life making it up to you. I'll never let you down again."

And in that moment, as the flames danced before you, you knew that forgiveness had found its way into your heart. The scars of the past would always be there, a reminder of the pain you had endured, but together, you and Joel would face the challenges that lay ahead.

As the days turned into years, you and Joel built a life together in Jackson. The wounds of the past slowly faded, replaced by a love that had weathered the storm. And as you watched Joel interact with Ellie, the bond between them growing stronger, you couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude. For it was through their journey that you had found your way back to each other, stronger and more resilient than ever before.

In this broken world, where trust was a rare commodity, you had managed to find solace in the arms of the man who had once shattered your heart. And together, you would face whatever challenges came your way, knowing that love and forgiveness had the power to heal even the deepest wounds.

And as the years went by, your love with Joel also  blossomed and grew, and soon, your family expanded. Two beautiful children came into your lives, a testament to the love that had been rekindled between you.

Your daughter, Hope, had Joel's piercing blue eyes and your infectious laughter. She was a beacon of joy and innocence in this harsh world, reminding you of the beauty that still existed amidst the chaos. And your son, James, inherited Joel's strong build and your determination. He was a constant reminder of the resilience and strength that ran through your veins.

Joel embraced fatherhood with a newfound sense of purpose. He was there for every milestone, every scraped knee, and every bedtime story. He cherished his role as a father, making sure to instill in your children the values of love, loyalty, and compassion.

Together, you and Joel created a safe haven for your family within the walls of Jackson. You watched with pride as your children grew, their laughter filling the air and their smiles lighting up the darkest of days. They were a testament to the love that had endured, a symbol of hope in a world that often seemed devoid of it.

As you sat together as a family, sharing stories and laughter, you couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the second chance you had given Joel, for the love that had been rebuilt, and for the beautiful family that had emerged from the ashes of the past.

In this broken world, where darkness loomed at every corner, your love and the bond you shared with your children became a beacon of light. Together, you faced the challenges that came your way, knowing that as long as you had each other, you could overcome anything.

And so, in the midst of a world ravaged by infection and despair, you found solace, love, and a family that would forever be a testament to the power of forgiveness and the strength of the human spirit.

#pedro pascal character #pedro pascal x reader #pedro pascal fanfiction #pedro pascal characters #pedro pascal #joel miller imagine #joel miller x reader #tlou joel #joel the last of us #the last of us x reader

[soulsforscrapbooks]

So while reading Dracula, I was curious about what kind of bat Dracula is transforming into.

Romania is a great place to live if you want to go unnoticed as a bat, since the country has one of the most diverse number of bat species in Europe, with over 32 different species! Two of Europe's largest bat colonies can also be found in Romania. There are however, no blood-sucking bat species in Europe (they are instead all found in Central and South America).

If Dracula wanted to hide out unbothered in England, he might choose the form of the Common Pipistrelle, which is the most common bat species in England:

But Stoker refers to Dracula's bat form multiple times as "large," and Pipistrelles are little babies, only about 2 in./5.2 cm long. What might be a better fit is the Greater Noctule Bat species:

The Greater Noctule Bat is one of the largest bats in the world, and the largest bat in Europe. It has a wingspan of 18 in./46 cm. and is one of the few bat species that eats birds. In addition, where most bird-eating bats sit and wait for a bird to fly by, the Greater Noctule Bat actively hunts them.

(Of course Dracula is very old and has had plenty of time to travel, so he could have easily vacationed in South America and decided to become a vampire bat.)

And as a small aside: bats are incredibly important to the world's ecosystems, but species worldwide are currently being infected by White-Nose Syndrome, a deadly fungal disease that is wiping out entire populations. You can go to this website to see how you can help the bats fight against this illness!

#dracula daily #animals #batty

[tinyreviews]

Writing Tips: Zombies

Origins:

Experiment gone wrong: Scientific mishaps or reckless experiments.

Alien influence: Extraterrestrial influence, maybe via spores or wireless waves.

Fungal infection: A parasitic fungus infects and control hosts.

Viral outbreak: A deadly virus spreads quickly, via air or bite.

Dark magic: Mystical and supernatural forces that reanimate the dead.

Settings:

Start of the apocalypse: The story begins as the outbreak unfolds, showing how society crumbles.

Ongoing apocalypse: Set in a world already overrun by zombies, exploring survival in a post-apocalyptic landscape.

Road trip: Characters embark on a dangerous journey in search of a safe haven.

One Location: Survivors are confined in places like malls, suburbs, prisons, farmhouses, city blocks, or remote cabins.

Common Tropes:

Found family: Survivors form close bonds amidst chaos, creating a new kind of family.

Struggle for survival: Characters fight to stay alive in a lawless world overrun by undead.

Ethical dilemmas: Moral choices and tough decisions test the characters' humanity and values.

Heroic sacrifice: Moments where characters make selfless sacrifices to protect their group or loved ones, or redeem themselves.

Humans are the real monsters: Living humans(rival groups, lawless gangs, raiders, cannibals, cults) pose a greater threat than the undead.

This is part of my Writing Tips series. Everyday I publish a writing tip to this blog.

#writing tips #zombie #zombie apocalypse #apocalypse #writing zombies

[moonfurthetemmie]

Untitled.MP4

Previous | Next | First (with warnings)

Part 16

June 30, 20XX_TL_1

Zuli is sitting in front of the camera. There’s a mess of wires and vials before him, off to the side of the camera’s view. He seems shaky, but solemn. Resolve is clear in his voice. There’s no sign of the tears he’d had yesterday.

“We’re blowing up the manor.”

He pauses, working on the device in front of him. 

“Mercury’s infected. We noticed the white patches on his skin as he was working on the cure. Here, in the office. I’m sure I’m infected too. The cure is nowhere near done. If I worked on it, I might make it, but I don’t know anything about how chemicals mix, nevermind medicine. And this sickness advances way too fast; I’d probably only have a few hours at best. We’re not going to make it out of here. The least we can do is make sure this thing doesn’t, either.���

Something clicks into place in the device on the desk.

“Before I was kidnapped by Obsidian, I was training to be part of an elite military force in my universe. During that time, I learned how to make explosives. We’re going to make a dozen or so pipebombs and firebombs, hide them around, lure the Colony in close to the manor, and set them off. We don’t have a lot of time. Mercury helped me make a few, and he’s setting them out now. Still in a hazmat suit; the more spores he breathes in, the faster he’ll go, and we need all the time we can get.

“Some of the failed cures we found did slow the progression of the disease, so I had him take any that weren’t deadly. And some were. He said that’s a common problem when trying to treat fungal diseases, so I’m kind of impressed how many were safe, even if they weren’t ever quite enough.”

Zuli carefully wraps his contraption in gauze and medical tape. He grabs more supplies from off-screen, and gets to work on another.

“We know the Colony has done something to make creating portals impossible. We don’t know how, but we know it has. And we know that it wants to infect everyone before it lets anyone leave. Koroit probably could, but it doesn’t want her to. I don’t know why; with how advanced her case is, she could probably infect a town in just a few hours. But, it sounds like it’ll try to absorb the manor into its own structure once it’s sure the last few people in the manor are infected. So…all we need to do is convince it we’ve been infected. And that won’t be too hard. 

“This is the last video. None of us are going to survive this. The fungus burns easily, and burns fast. Anyone who’s infected will die quickly, if painfully. But as long as we can get the big thing outside, this will also help make sure that there’s nothing infectious here; as long as we can get the whole place to burn. Mercury thinks we can. I hope he’s right. If this thing gets out…”

He shakes his head, and finally looks right at the camera.

“Peridot, whoever you are, and whatever it is you do, we’ve dropped a pretty big weight on your shoulders, and I’m sorry. If you’re in a position to do something directly, do it. If you can’t do anything, send these to someone who can. Anyone who might know what to do.

“If someone needs to investigate here, they need to wear good hazmat suits. And they need to make sure they have a way to decontaminate their suits before they leave. We’ve been using strong hydrogen peroxide, but Mercury says that it’s a bad idea for use long-term, so hopefully whoever comes knows something better. 

“We’ve taken more pictures, as many as we could, and we’re sending them with the videos. Pictures of everyone. Mercury’s current symptoms. The mold and fungus on the walls and floor. The…the thing outside. Anything to help you–or whoever you might have to send these to–know what to look for.”

Zuli finally takes a breath. He turns back to the unassembled bomb on the desk, and begins working.

“This is the last one I have to make. Once I’ve placed them, I’m…I’m going to go see Jade.”

His voice cracks.

“I should’ve killed him when he asked me to. It would’ve been so much less painful than this. And I think the fungus will have covered him too much for me to cut him out and give him an easier way out before the bombs go off, and the fire spreads. At least if I’m near him without a suit, it won’t take long for the spores to get to me. I just need to last long enough to be able to set off the bombs when the Colony closes in.”

Zuli slowly reaches forwards. There’s tears in his eyes.

“Peridot. You are our only chance. I’m sorry this has been pushed on you, and I know that this being sent from people who live with Obsidian–one of whom works for him–is going to make you wary of helping. But this isn’t about Obsidian. This disease, wherever it came from, is a much bigger threat than Obsidian could ever hope to be. Unintelligent life suffocates from the mushrooms. Humans–and maybe monsters–are made living agents of infection, who live only to serve the Colony and spread it’s reach. It’s alive. It’s sentient. It can be multiple places at once. And it makes anyone it comes into contact with willing conspirators. Obsidian is an agonized mass of fungus and mold because of this thing. 

“You can’t save us now, but you can save others. Don’t let what happened here spread.”

The video ends.

#Untitled.MP4 #JMV Zuli #Light it up up up light it up up up light it up up up we're on fireeeeee #ahem. anyways. bad ending! #But wait! There's more! Tune in next week to see more about the bad ending! #Untitled.MP4 Bad Ending #Moonfur Writing

[nightmaretour]

With everything going on, it's easy to miss that September is sepsis awareness month. I've already missed sepsis awareness day (September 13th) but now is as good a time as ever to make this post.

Sepsis is a disease that affects around 49 million people worldwide every year, and responsive for around 20% of all global deaths, claiming approximately 11 million lives per year. It's estimated that one person dies of sepsis every 2.8 seconds. Around half of those who survive sepsis are left with physical or cognitive disabilities for the rest of their lives.

Despite being one of the global leading causes of death, very few people know much about sepsis or how to spot it, which is what makes it all the more deadly. Sepsis kills approximately 1 in 6 people who contract it, but spotted early, patients with sepsis are around half as likely to die as those who have been allowed to develop into the later stages.

Sepsis is always the result of an existing bacterial, viral, fungal or even parasitic infection, usually due to a serious infection such as pneumonia or meningitis, but it can also be caused by something as small as an infected papercut or bug bite. Almost half of all cases occur in children.

Sepsis is incredibly time sensitive, even a few hours could be the difference between life and death. If you spot any of the signs in yourself or someone else, do not delay. Seek emergency treatment immediately.

For more information, visit:

Worldsepsisday.org

Global-sepsis-alliance.org

Sepsis.org

Sepsisresearch.org.uk

#sepsis #sepsis awareness month #sepsis awareness #disability #actually disabled #awareness

[fieldofdaisiies]

Ultima Ex Nobis | ch. VI

-all rights reserved-

Nessian AU word count: ~2,4k words warnings: mentions of bad mental health summary: Six years into a global pandemic which was caused by a mass fungal infection that turns hosts into zombie-like creatures and makes the whole of Prythian collapse, the former army general Cassian Cadell is tasked with one very special mission – escorting Nesta Archeron, one of the few immune survivors, across a post-apocalyptic Prythian to a group of people of the name L. Their identity  is unknown but they can make an antidote.

masterlist

Azriel hands Nesta another pair of shoes and she slips into them, shaking her head. She peels them off and Azriel hands her the now sixth pair and who would believe it? They fit!

“Yes, they work,” Nesta finally says, wiggling her feet up and down, smiling sheepishly. Azriel chuckles lowly at that, crunching his nose when he looks at her. He says nothing though and suddenly a soft but cool wind tingles Nesta’s exposed arms and she glimpses over her shoulder at Cassian who stands in the opening to the tent. “Found shoes?”

Nesta lifts her feet a little further, showing them to Cass. “I did,” she says, a rather happy tone in her voice.

“Good, because those old and worn-out converse would give your only more blisters.” 

Nesta actually wants to protest, she has loved those shoes so much, but she sees his point and has to give him that. Her feet have already been covered in terrible blisters only from one week of walking. They mostly have healed in the three days they have stayed at the basecamp and Cassian has fully regained his strength. 

He once again stands the tall, powerful army general, his strong arms keeping the curtains of the tent open, his large presence filling the whole inside. It smells like summer, dried soil and grass, when another breeze of wind blows through the tent. For a moment Nesta allows herself to close her eyes and draw in a deep inhale. Being outside feels so good, even though they are on a deadly mission, it is the freedom that brings her comfort. 

“I am getting the truck, be ready in five.” Azriel says as he salutes to Cass, dips his chin at Nesta and brushes past his brother to leave the tent. 

“You two get along?” Cassian asks, his voice softer than usual, his eyes trained on Nesta. He smiles a little when he regards her, his eyes glowing. Nesta lifts a lazy shoulder and lets it slump down again. “I guess. He does not hate me, I believe.”

Cassian furrows his brows. “No one hates you, Nes!”

Nesta slowly stands up and walks up to Cassian, giving him a pointed look. 

“I don’t hate you. As much as you want to believe it or tell yourself that I do, I don’t hate you. I am far from hating you, Nes.”

“Nesta.”

“Nah-nah,” Cassian chuckles and lets the curtains of the tent fall close behind him. “Just when I thought you finally started liking the nickname.”

It is one of the few times that a small, barely-there smile, appears on Nesta’s lips and she gives her head a little shake. “Nope, not going to happen.”

“Well, me stopping to call you my absolute favourite nickname of yours is also not going to happen.” He grins then, eyes glowing brightly, almost gleeful amusement etched into his features. Nesta resists the urge to flip him off and balls her hands into fists at her side, and instead rolls her eyes.

“Well?” 

Cassian shows no sign of wanting to move which makes Nesta stop in her tracks otherwise she would bump into him. “Are we going to leave?”

The former army general lifts his hand to glance at his non-existent watch and shakes his head. “I believe we still have around four minutes, so I’ll quickly show you how to hold a gun. You will be using one from now on. The knife is good, but a gun is still better, I want you to know how to use one.”

At that Nesta has to swallow thickly, but slowly inclines her head in acceptance. Cassian pulls out a small pistole from the strap around his waist. It is black and somehow shimmery — Nesta likes it. At least likes it better than those big guns, the rifles she has seen a lot lately.

Cassian is careful when he places it in her hand, his hand closing over hers for a moment. His palm is callused, but warm, his hand so big around hers.

 “It is not loaded yet, don’t be afraid, okay?”

“Okay,” Nesta whispers, glimpsing upwards to catch Cassian already looking at her. He smiles a little when he slowly moves his hand back and lets Nesta hold the gun on her own.

“Like that?” she asks and holds the pistole tightly in her hand, her index finger moving to the trigger. Cassian steps behind her, his hands placed on her shoulders when he looks past her head. 

“Yes, like that.” For a moment the young woman wonders how a man of such height and power can speak so softly. 

Cassian, careful as he is, slowly lets his hand glide down Nesta’s arm, moving it over her hand to position hers in the right way. A shiver courses through her body, goosebumps appearing on her skin. He knows exactly what he is doing and damn him for that!

Cassian chuckles lowly, her reaction to him touching her not going unnoticed by him. “You focus on your target, aim and…” “Pull,” Nesta finishes for him, tilting her head slightly so Cassian’s head can perfectly rest on her shoulder. “Exactly, Nes.” His voice brushes her neck like a feather, his touch leaving tingles in its wake. 

Her finger still on the trigger, her knuckles white from how tightly she holds onto the pistole, Nesta allows herself to lean back a little, perfectly fitting his chest. He is warm and solid behind her and—

“I said five minutes, not five days.” His brow is raised, his tone flat, when Azriel holds the curtains of the tent open. Nesta promptly moves out of Cassian’s embrace, shoving him away lightly, which leaves both her back and his chest cold. Cassian clamps down on the rising frustration, the disappointment and forces a smile to his lips. “Just needed to show Nes how to handle a gun. We are good to go now. Don’t take your job as our chaperone too seriously.”

Azriel only inclines his head, stepping outside but holding the curtain open for both of them. Nesta and Cassian follow, both silent as they walk next to each other. One can practically cut the tension with a knife and Cassian knows that Azriel somehow regrets having offered to join them. He would not be stuck in car with them for days. For weeks or maybe even months.

The road outside, although leading into another direction, is once again bumpy and brittle, making them bounce and shake a little in the truck. Azriel is a fast driver and for a moment Nesta wonders if that is really safe on such a road but she has trust in him. This time she is sitting on the outside, her head leaning against the window, her gaze trained on the road ahead. They are nearing a large forest, a large mountain range towering behind it. Nesta lowers her gaze to the grass beside the road. There are fat mushrooms next to the road and Nesta shivers — they remind her of the fungus and all of a sudden memories, memories she has had locked behind iron gates in her brain, flash in her mind. 

“You think she is out there somewhere?” Elain asks in a nervous voice. She only wears her sandals, tiptoeing after Nesta. “Yes, Elain. She took her bow and arrows with her. Where else would she go than the forest?” Nesta rolls her eyes. “You don’t have to come along, if you shit your pants, Elain.”

Nesta forces herself to snap back to reality, trying to distract herself and calm her racing heart. She clamps down on the pain rising to the surface and swallows around the lump in her throat. Tears burn behind her eyes, the back of her throat aching, but she pinches her thumb, hoping those natural bodily reactions would fade. And they do. The thumb pinching always works, Nes thinks. 

Turning her head slightly, she tries to follow the conversation of Azriel and Cassian.

“And then we have to find—“

“Eris.”

For a moment Azriel’s head snaps to the side and he glowers, but quickly looks back to the road and shakes his head. “No.”

“I—“

“Is he your boyfriend?” Nesta asks before she can stop herself. She hates being so straightforward, but she needs something to fully distract herself and why not talk about the love life of her companions? Or companion? Does Cassian also have someone? The thought somehow makes her sad, but she doesn’t know why. It is just there, this tiny little feeling inside her heart.

“He is not.” “It is a little complicated,” Cassian adds and brings his hand up to clasp Azriel’s shoulder tightly. “But before you ask why, he does not like talking about it. So better no more questions.”

Nesta bows her head in acknowledgment. She wants to apologise, but does not, just looks back at the road. It is then that silence settles over them and Cassian doesn’t really like silence, not when it is uncomfortable. He reaches for the radio and turns it on. He likes the song and smiles when he leans back, lowly humming along with it while tapping his fingers against his thighs. (sleeping on the backtop - colter wall)

They drive for hours, Azriel says that he has brought one canister of extra tank so they can drive for a few days without having to find a working gas station (some still have a lot of petrol from before the pandemic as hardly anyone is driving anymore or out there). 

The sun begins to lower on the horizon when they have nearly reached the forest and Azriel pulls over. “Break?”

“Yes.” Cassian and Nesta say in unison.

Nesta is more than thankful, has she been squeezing her thighs for the last hour as she is in desperate need of relieving herself — behind a tree or bush, she does not care. Only that it needs to happen soon. As soon as she is out of the truck she makes a beeline for the thicket. “Don’t look!” she shouts back at the two men who only shortly look after her in amusement.

“You like her,” Azriel points out and grabs a bottle from the back of the trunk. It is a statement, not a question.

Cassian shrugs. “Would it be bad?” To that Azriel shakes his head and then smiles a little. “It is actually good. You finally need to move on and—“ “I know.” Cassian looks up at the sky, smiling to himself when the sun’s last strays fall onto his face. It wouldn’t be bad to like her? Or would it?

As the inside of the car has been boiling hot, the reason for all doors being open now, Nesta asks if she can wash herself a little in the tiny stream close to where they have parked. They both agree and join her at the stream where Azriel washes his face and Cassian does some stretching for his legs. 

“Nes, come here.” Nesta lowers her chin, slowly blinking open her eyes. She has sat in the late afternoon sunlight, letting the last strays warm her skin. The sun somehow has always remined her of her little sister, Elain. Elain was always a ray of sunshine in her life, the ray that has been missing during her time were she was held captive. That is missing now.

Nesta arches a brow at Cassian, a silent question. “I want to show you some self-defense techniques. Something you can protect yourself with when push comes shove, you know?”

He has a point, Nesta thinks, and slowly dips her chin. She gets up, walking up to both Cassian and Azriel, the latter looking as excited as Nesta feels — not at all. 

She stops in front of Cassian, glancing up at him, challenge glowing in her yes. “And now I should punch you?”

Cassian laughs lowly, the corners of his mouth tipping up. ”You would like that, huh?” Nesta purses her lips, mischief suddenly etched into her features. And Cassian, God, does he like that. 

“Not me, I am just the teacher here. Turn your back to me.” She follows without protest and Cassian is a little surprised, having expected at least some little remark. 

“I am going to touch you a little, Nes. Is that fine?” “Yes.” Her answers is quick like a shot, sharp and tight.

“You need to widen your stance a little, Nes, focus on your core.”

“On my core?” Nesta’s brows quirk up and she throws Cassian a look over her shoulder. He brightly grins at her and says, “Little dirty mind, huh? Yes, your core so you won’t lose balance and are steady when you have to fight.”

Colour fills Nesta’s cheeks, she sucks in a sharp breath while whipping her head back and staring straight ahead. Cassian chuckles lowly behind her, his presence suddenly wrapping around her like cloak. He is closer now, his hands on her upper arms. With his knee he nudges her legs apart a little, the movement making her breathing quicken. 

“Widen your stance a little more, Nes.” Cassian’s breath dances over her neck like a cat’s tail, his fingers curling tighter around her arms. Nesta does as told, her eyes falling to Azriel who watches them in silent amusement. 

“And now?” Nesta quickly asks, her voice raspier than she has expected it to be. 

“Now position your hands like this.” He brings her arms and hands in the right position, letting go off her.

“And now imagine Az attacking you. How would you fight him off?”

"I would kick him in the balls!" Nesta says with almost gleeful determination, cruel delight sparkling in her eyes. Cassian huffs a laugh while Azriel’s hands on their own accord fold over his crotch. "Of course you would.” Cassian’s laugh makes goosebumps appear on Nesta's skin and she shudders a little, irritation about its affect coating her insides. 

“Unfortunately most of those fungus fuckers won’t be affected by it,” Cassian explains. “You have to plant your foot against their chest, shoving them back. It will buy you time. Then you get out your gun or knife and either shoot or push the knife through their brain.”

Cassian does some more explaining while Azriel has to serve as her training tool, he flexes his muscles, letting Nesta kick his chest and point her unloaded gun at him while Cassian gives orders. 

It is getting a little dark by the time they decide to return to the truck and—

“What was that?” Cassian can barely dodge the moldy fist that comes flying at him. Nesta is not quick enough. 

~~~~~~~~

tags: @helhjertet @moonlightazriel @aayo-whatt@crushedcloudsx @brekkershadowsinger @girasoli-e-sorrisi @ignite-me @swifti-ed @cassiansbigwingspan @burningsnowleopard @headcanonheadcase @banasheefan56 @a-frog-with-a-laptop

#nessian #nessian fanfic #nesta x cassian #nesta archeron #cassian acotar #acotar #acosf

[vague-humanoid]

[quirrelfan]

Part 4 of Quirrel Locations

The Mantis Village is located in Fungal Wastes, home to an intelligent tribe who resists the infection.

You will not see him at first, but once one has entered the area that leads to the Mantis Lords, Quirrel will be just on the outskirts with valuable advice.

"I've some words of advice, my friend. If you plan to challenge the lords of this tribe, your blunted nail may prove inadequate. There is a city nearby, the old capital of Hallownest. I've heard a Nailsmith resides there. Seek the old bug out and you may find progress that much easier."

Quirrel also describes the Mantis tribe in his own words, stating:

"They retain their intellect and their honour, though also their lethal traditions."

The lethality of their traditions is made quite evident with the heads of slain foes being stuck onto wooden posts, decorating the place as if they were trophies.

Another deadly tradition, as one may already know, is facing off against the Mantis Lords themselves, to earn the respect of the tribe, as well as access into Deepnest.

Before one departs to face off against the Mantis Lords once more, Quirrel highlights his next destination as he bids a temporary farewell.

"My own route takes me towards that great city. If you search out the Nailsmith, it may not be long until our paths cross again."

However, if one has the Dream Nail, they may peer into his mind at this very moment in time, looking into his gap in memory, yet odd recollections of bugs he once knew.

"...Who was it that told me of the Nailsmith? I can't even remember, yet I can almost picture the smith himself..."

One is now stuck with a decision. Make another attempt at battling the Lords? Or seek out the Nailsmith, and perhaps Quirrel once more...

#quirrel #hollow knight #fungal wastes #mantis lords #nailsmith #hk quirrel #quirrel hollow knight

[warriors-rewritten-chaos]

Warrior Cats Prefixes List- B

I had a WC Name Generator on Perchance that I made but I don't seem to have access anymore, so I'm remaking it here as just a simple list. The definitions used are the ones that Clan cats have for those things, and thus are the origins of the names. Definitions used are whatever I found when I googled it.

Badger-: "[noun] a heavily built omnivorous nocturnal mammal of the weasel family, typically having a gray and black coat"

Bark-: "[noun] an outer layer of a woody plant such as a tree or stick; [noun] the sharp explosive cry of certain animals, especially a dog, fox, or seal"

Barley-: "[noun] a hardy cereal that has coarse bristles extending from the ears"

Basalt-: "[noun] a dark, fine-grained volcanic rock that sometimes displays a columnar structure"

Basil-: "[noun] an aromatic annual herb of the mint family; [noun] the leaves of the basil plant"

Bass-: "[noun] any of numerous edible marine or freshwater bony fishes"

Bat-: "[noun] any of a widely distributed order of nocturnal flying mammals that have wings formed from four elongated digits of the forelimb covered by a cutaneous membrane and rely on echolocation"

Bay-: "[noun] a broad inlet of the sea where the land curves inward; [noun] an indentation or recess in a range of hills or mountains"

Beach-: "[noun] a strip of land covered with sand, pebbles, or small stones at the edge of a body of water"

Bear-: "[noun] a large, heavy mammal that walks on the soles of its feet, having thick fur and a very short tail"

Beaver-: "[noun] a large semiaquatic broad-tailed rodent that is native to North America and northern Eurasia"

Bee-: "[noun] a honeybee; [noun] an insect of a large group to which the honeybee belongs, including many solitary as well as social kinds"

Beech-: "[noun] a large tree with smooth gray bark, glossy leaves, and hard, pale, fine-grained timber"

Beetle-: "[noun] an insect of an order distinguished by forewings typically modified into hard wing cases that cover and protect the hind wings and abdomen"

Belladonna-: "[noun] another name for the deadly nightshade plant"

Bellflower-: "[noun] a plant with bell-shaped flowers that are usually blue, purple, pink, or white"

Berry-: "[noun] a small roundish juicy fruit without a stone"

Big-: "[adj] of considerable size, extent, or intensity"

Bilberry-: "[noun] a small dark blue edible berry; [noun] a hardy dwarf shrub closely related to the blueberry, with red drooping flowers and dark blue edible berries"

Birch-: "[noun] a slender, fast-growing tree that has thin bark (often peeling) and bears catkins"

Bird-: "[noun] a warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrate distinguished by the possession of feathers, wings, and a beak and (typically) by being able to fly"

Bison-: "[noun] a humpbacked shaggy-haired wild ox native to North America and Europe"

Bitter-: "[adj] having a sharp, pungent taste or smell; not sweet"

Black-: "[noun] black color or pigment; [adj] of the very darkest color owing to the absence of or complete absorption of light; the opposite of white"

Blackberry-: "[noun] an edible soft fruit consisting of a cluster of soft purple-black drupelets; [noun] the prickly climbing shrub of the rose family that bears blackberries"

Blackbird-: "[noun] a European thrush with mainly black plumage; [noun] an American bird with a strong pointed bill. The male has black plumage that is iridescent or has patches of red or yellow"

Blaze-: "[noun] a very large or fiercely burning fire; [verb] burn fiercely or brightly"

Blazing-: "[verb] burn fiercely or brightly"

Blight-: "[noun] a plant disease, typically one caused by fungi such as mildews, rusts, and smuts (smut as defined as a fungal disease of grains); [verb] infect (plants) with blight"

Blizzard-: "[noun] a severe snowstorm with high winds and low visibility"

Bloom-: "[noun] a flower, especially one cultivated for its beauty; [noun] a delicate powdery surface deposit on certain fresh fruits, leaves, or stems; [verb] to produce flowers, to be in flower"

Blossom-: "[noun] a flower or a mass of flowers, especially on a tree or bush; [verb] (of a tree or bush) produce flowers or masses of flowers"

Blue-: "[noun] blue color or pigment; [adj] of a color intermediate between green and violet, as of the sky or sea on a sunny day"

Bluebell-: "[noun] a European woodland plant of the lily family that produces clusters of blue bell-shaped flowers in spring; [noun] any of a number of other plants with blue bell-shaped flowers"

Blueberry-: "[noun] the small sweet blue-black edible berry of the blueberry plant; [noun] a hardy dwarf shrub of the heath family, with small, whitish drooping flowers and dark blue edible berries"

Bluebird-: "[noun] an American songbird of the thrush subfamily, the male of which has a blue head, back, and wings"

Boa-: "[noun] a constrictor snake which bears live young and may reach great size, native to America, Africa, Asia, and some Pacific islands"

Boar-: "[noun] a tusked Eurasian wild pig from which domestic pigs are descended; [noun] a male domestic pig"

Bog-: "[noun] wet muddy ground too soft to support a heavy body"

Bolt-: "[verb] (of an animal) run away suddenly out of control; [noun] thunderbolt"

Bone-: "[noun] any of the pieces of hard whitish tissue making up the skeleton in vertebrates; [noun] the calcified material of which bones consist"

Borage-: "[noun] a herbaceous plant with bright blue flowers and hairy leaves"

Boulder-: "[noun] a large rock, typically one that has been worn smooth by erosion"

Bounce-: "[noun] an act of jumping or an instance of being moved up and down; [verb] (of a person) jump repeatedly up and down, typically on something springy"

Bough-: "[noun] a main branch of a tree"

Bracken-: "[noun] a tall fern with coarse lobed fronds, which occurs worldwide and can cover large areas"

Bramble-: "[noun] a prickly scrambling vine or shrub, especially a blackberry or other wild shrub of the rose family"

Brambling-: "[noun] a small brightly-colored passerine bird in the finch family"

Branch-: "[noun] a part of a tree which grows out from the trunk or from a bough"

Brave-: "[adj] ready to face and endure danger or pain; showing courage"

Bream-: "[noun] a greenish-bronze deep-bodied freshwater fish native to Europe"

Breeze-: "[noun] a gentle wind"

Briar-: "[noun] any of a number of prickly scrambling shrubs, especially the sweetbriar and other wild roses"

Bright-: "[adj] giving out or reflecting a lot of light, shining; [adj] (of a person) intelligent and quick-witted"

Brindle-: "[noun] a brownish or tawny color of animal fur, with streaks of other color; [adj] (especially of domestic animals) brownish or tawny with streaks of other color"

Bristle-: "[noun] a short stiff hair, typically one of those on an animal's skin, a man's face, or a plant; [verb] (of hair or fur) stand upright away from the skin, especially in anger or fear"

Broken-: "[adj] having been fractured or damaged and no longer in one piece or in working order; [adj] (of a person) having given up all hope, despairing"

Bronze-: "[noun] a yellowish-brown alloy of copper with up to one-third tin; [noun] a yellowish-brown color"

Brown-: "[noun] brown color or pigment; [adj] of a color produced by mixing red, yellow, and blue, as of dark wood or rich soil"

Brush-: "[noun] a plant community characterized by vegetation dominated by shrubs, often also including grasses, herbs, and geophytes"

Bryony-: "[noun] a climbing plant that has greenish-white flowers and red berries"

Bubble-: "[noun] a thin sphere of liquid enclosing air or another gas"

Bud-: "[noun] a compact growth on a plant that develops into a leaf, flower, or shoot"

Buffalo-: "[noun] a heavily built wild ox with backswept horns, found mainly in the Old World tropics"

Bug-: "[noun] an insect of a large order distinguished by having mouthparts that are modified for piercing and sucking; [noun] a small insect"

Bull-: "[noun] a fully grown male animal of a domesticated breed of ox"

Bumble-: "[verb] move or act in an awkward or confused manner; [verb] speak in a confused or indistinct way"

Bumblebee-: "[noun] a large hairy bee with a loud hum, living in small colonies in holes underground"

Bunny-: "[noun] a rabbit, especially a young one"

Burdock-: "[noun] a large herbaceous Old World plant of the daisy family"

Burn-: "[verb] (of a fire) produce flames and heat while consuming a material such as coal or wood; [verb] destroy, damage, or injure by heat or fire"

Burnet-: "[noun] a herbaceous plant of the rose family, with globular pinkish flower heads and leaves composed of many small leaflets"

Burnt-: "[adj] of or showing colors having a deeper or grayer hue than is usually associated with them"

Burrow-: "[noun] a hole or tunnel dug by a small animal, especially a rabbit, as a dwelling; [verb] (of an animal) make a hole or tunnel, typically for use as a dwelling"

Buttercup-: "[noun] a poisonous herbaceous plant with bright yellow cup-shaped flowers, which is common in grasslands and as a garden weed"

Butterfly-: "[noun] a nectar-feeding insect with two pairs of large, typically brightly colored wings that are covered with microscopic scales"

Buzz-: "[noun] a low, continuous humming or murmuring sound, made by or similar to that made by an insect"

Buzzard-: "[noun] a large hawklike bird of prey with broad wings and a rounded tail, typically seen soaring in wide circles"

Buzzing-: "[verb] making a low, continuous humming or murmuring sound"

#warrior cats #worldbuilding

[nerevar-quote-and-star]

We see it while wondering the forests of Skyrim. Mora Tapinella. That fungus growing on tree stumps and fallen trees. We pick it. I hoarde it with the rest of my mushroom and fungal collection in Windstad.

But have we considered that it could be a deadly fungus that killls trees? Its one negative effect is Lingering Damage Health, and is that not what fungi will do to trees they've infected?

#look i love mushrooms okay #I am a telvanni wizard at heart i would live in a mushroom if i could i swear to seht #i was watching life uncontained and tree fungus killed their mimosa tree #that's when i realized what this meant for a random skyrim alchemy ingredient #mushrooms #they're fun guys #mora tapinella #the elder scrolls #tes #skyrim #meta #mod post