Crash-landing on Crius from beyond the stars centuries ago is an ancient race of sentient fungus called the Spore Steel. Upon arrival, these alien fungi realized that Crius's atmosphere was not compatible for them for long. Their bodies dried and became more fragile. Fortunately, their unique ability to merge with and transform their surroundings offered a solution. By extending their roots deep into the magical ores of Crius along with their meteorite, the fungi began a process of alchemical transmutation. Over time they converted the raw materials into a strange, malleable metal that would become their protective shells.

Each Spore Steel colony, an interconnected hivemind of countless fungal organisms, telekinetically shaped this metal into a vaguely humanoid form, creating bodies of gleaming armor that shielded them from the planet’s harsh elements. These living suits of armor vary in appearance, influenced by the materials the fungi most frequently encounter, with some appearing bulbous and others adorned with intricate textures.

Spore Steels are not solitary beings; rather, each armored form is the manifestation of a collective consciousness, a single mind birthed from a colony of fungi. As the colony grows, so too does the metallic body it inhabits, expanding to accommodate the increasing number of fungi. Eventually, when a colony becomes too large, it undergoes a process of fission, splitting into a new, distinct hivemind. This is how new Spore Steels are born. If a colony resists this natural division, it risks becoming unstable, its consciousness fracturing under the strain of its own growth, leading to madness.

Communication with other beings presents a unique challenge for the Spore Steels. While they can easily share thoughts with each other through physical contact, they lack the vocal cords necessary for speech. To overcome this, they engineered rudimentary vocal systems into their metal bodies, though these produce voices that are a cacophony of scraping metal and hissing steam, often unsettling to those unaccustomed to their presence.

Despite their formidable appearance and eerie voices, Spore Steels are driven by a profound curiosity and intelligence. They have a deep affinity for learning and creation, often found in dark, damp environments that remind them of their origins. Many make their homes in the depths of The Gloom, beneath the planet’s surface, where they continue to experiment with their alchemical arts.

The Spore Steels have forged close bonds with the Kandjii, a kindred race of aquatic builders and scholars. The Spore Steels' adaptability and their armored forms allow them to explore the crushing depths of the Kandjii’s undersea cities, where they collaborate on projects that push the boundaries of knowledge and engineering. Though their metallic bodies and otherworldly origins may inspire unease in some, those who take the time to understand the Spore Steels find them to be invaluable allies, as resilient and resourceful as the metal that forms their very being.