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In a distant arm of the galaxy, there is a planet called Cantharus, whose name means a drinking

goblet, or a cup that overflows. The planet is covered in green forests, but it's not these

woods that gave Cantharus its name. Not the thousand varieties of sweet-cented, bitter-barked

alien trees. Not the flowering vines, nor was it the gold-vained ferns that inspired the naming

of this world. No, the jewel of Cantharus is a species of mushroom called the drinking cup.

It has other names as well. Some people call it the chalice of mercy, others the horn of grace,

and still more have called it the angel's cup. This is the name that I prefer.

Now the words fungus and mushroom fall short when it comes to describing a species the people

of Cantharus see as proof that this universe of ours wants us to flourish.

The angel's cup is a source of both life and hope. It's also beautiful to look at.

It grows amidst dark trees, which offset its pale golden colour, so that when you stumble across

one in the woods, it always seems to be illuminated with warm, soft sunlight.

It grows tall, sometimes up to 20 feet, and its figure curves gently, like a flared wine glass,

or a blooming rose. It feels warm to the touch when you rest the palm of your hand against it.

When you draw near, you discover that it gives off a scent of crumbling,

malted grain, or brown sugar sprinkled over buttered toast. If eaten fresh from the woods,

the angel's cup tastes faintly of lemon, or more accurately, lemon cake.

...