#gt psychonauts

[awkwardgtace]

Psychic Meetings

another @gtgotcha4gaza prompt. Hope it's something you enjoy @jack-o-rabbit! Thanks for donating!

Psychic Meetings

Raz had always been unique as a borrower. Able to make a bubble to help him jump to heights others couldn’t reach. He could create a hand to push objects that usually needed the work of a group. It was useful. Made his life a lot easier, but also made it tough to live with others who thought his abilities were a risk. People like his father…

Luck was on his side though. He overheard someone talking about psychic powers. Stuff that let others do what he did. Even learned of a place kids like him could go to learn. There was no way he’d pass up a chance like that. Not when he felt so out of place with his family.

That brought him to a summer camp. Which was fine, although human kids weren’t his favorite people. Psychic ones posed another risk. Someone tried to get into his mind almost every time he was near the boys cabin. Raz had trained himself for that danger. All his life he built up defenses, just in case a human was a little too curious after they sensed him.

The adults at the camp were called psychonauts. Some kind of secret agents. They were skilled psychics. Raz managed to learn about them from a comic one of the kids left out. True Psychic Tales. Their presence made this place more worth it. Ones he could learn from, maybe just by watching.

It helped that the agents taught classes on how to use psy-powers. The main one Raz snuck into was levitation. If he could levitate objects or himself there’d be next to no risk from borrowing. It came easy to him. He was an amazing psychic. Better than the human psychonauts. He’d prove it too.

One of the agents, a taller man with dark hair, had a lab in the camp. Raz was going to sneak in. Learn all that this agent had around. Then leave. All of it without a trace. Nothing to show he even existed. A perfect plan.

Of course all perfect plans have some issues. Raz was prepared for that, mostly. He snuck in late at night, long after humans usually went to bed. Stayed quiet and didn’t use his powers at all. Just focused on the skills all borrowers had. Alongside the way humans ignored half their environment most of the time.

He snuck around a vent. Most of the walls in the lab were too thick for him to get through. It sat above the human who should have gone to bed. Instead he sat at a desk. Raz couldn’t exactly see what he was doing. That wouldn’t stop him though.

Glad he brought some extra string, Raz tied some to a part of the vent. Dropped it down, then slid into the open. If he could get an idea of where he could get information tonight he’d reach it tomorrow. Hide out in the vent until this agent left for the day. All of the adults were out with the kids for training when the sun was up. His flawless plan would still work out.

That belief finally started to die when something pulled at him. Raz tried to use the string to keep him still. Avoided searching for what was after him. That didn’t make any of it better. The tug stayed, grew stronger even. Until the string itself broke and he was in the air. No freefall came, he was levitating. No… he was being levitated. 

“You have broken into a top secret government training facility, not to mention my lab,” the agent said. 

Raz knew this one’s name, Sasha Nein. He’d seemed… intimidating. Stoic. Not something a borrower wanted in a human that might find them. Of course he didn’t expect to be found. The world was a blur until he was left floating in front of the man’s face. Dark glasses kept him from guessing what was about to happen.

“Hmm. I don’t know of a psy-power like this,” Sasha said. Raz could hear the curiosity. A bad sign. He had to find a way out. He’d learn about psychonauts and psy-powers somewhere without a human who knew about him. “What are you?”

Raz looked away. He didn’t want to stare at that face anymore. It wasn’t long before he felt the human’s attempt to dig into his mind. He shored up his defenses. This one wouldn’t learn all about his kind from him. Raz wouldn’t sell out his family… even though he ran away.

“Such amazing defenses,” Sasha muttered. The weightless feeling disappeared. Raz almost screamed as his body reacted to gravity again, but landed in a large hand. He stared up at the human, terrified. “That I can’t penetrate them… I’d love to run some experiments regarding your mind.”

Raz scrambled back on the hand. He’d heard stories. Things that humans would do to borrowers. Of course his family didn’t just hate psychics. Humans in general were a problem. Now one had him in his hand and Raz was going to be an experiment. This time he tried to look at the face of Sasha, shocked to see the stoicism gone. A look that almost seemed like concern met him instead.

“I see… It would be terrifying to hear that at your size,” Sasha said. His hand moved. Raz was all too relieved to put some distance between himself and the man. Confused as the hand tilted to place him on the desk. “I assure you, no experiment of mine would harm you or happen without your consent. What is your name?”

Raz tried to open his mouth. It wouldn’t work. His throat was dry and lips glued shut. Sasha would probably get angry. He looked away, the fear winning out again. The deep hum of thought above him didn’t help. Hands came close again. Moved his arms, his legs, him. Humans were too big. He wanted control back. Sasha made a shocked noise.

“Your clothes show a lot of age,” Sasha said. Raz looked up at him, confused. “I’m sure there’s a set of doll clothes and accessories recently bought for the campers we haven’t handed out. It might be a bit big, but would be an improvement. Wait here.”

Raz watched Sasha stand. Large hands placed on the desk to push himself away. Heavy steps rocked up to him. The door, miles away, opened and closed. Sasha left him alone.

Raz climbed to his feet, ran to the edge of the desk. There was a long drop to the floor. He could try to levitate, but he hadn’t done it for a long period yet. Plus Sasha wasn’t wrong about his clothes. The sleeves were kind of torn at the edges. Shirt a little small, the pant legs were torn up too. He didn’t even have something for shoes anymore…

“Ok Raz,” he said to himself as he started to pace, “you can try to run. When you already know the walls are too thick for openings. Don’t have any kind of tool to climb… or just an idea of what to do next.”

He stopped. Looked around. This place was huge. If he did get down the only exit was the door. That would probably lead to stairs. And a whole building he couldn’t make entrances in. If it didn’t just lead him into the wilderness of the camp. Plus any of the agents could watch out for him now. The kids too…

“Or,” he sighed as he sat down on the desk, “you stay and see what Agent Nein actually does to you…”

Raz made his decision just in time. Sasha walked back in without anything visible in his hands. That made him confused. He focused on that instead of the steps that made his bones vibrate. The eyes he couldn’t see. The way Sasha seemed to go on forever when Raz sat there to look at him.

Sasha kneeled in front of the desk. His glasses were at Raz’s level. The big hands came close and dropped some clothes near him. Nice ones. A green sweater, brown jacket and pants, a weird hat, and goggles. It was actually close to what he wore, but less homemade. Things that weren’t ready to fall apart.

“I hope this is comfortable, I suggest you try them on,” Sasha said. He brought up his other hand. Showed off a bag, some string, and even paper clips. “I contacted Milla, asked her for anything a hypothetical person of your stature might need. She suggested a way to get around. Paper clips were used in a book she said she read once.”

“We use them sometimes,” Raz said. Sasha actually smiled at him. It was sort of comforting.

“I believe we need to discuss your breaking in here, young man. That can be once we’ve gotten you suitable lodging. The usual cabins wouldn’t be a safe spot for you. Perhaps we can set something up here in the lab.”

“Are you keeping me?” Raz felt his body shake. He’d escape, but the idea was still terrifying.

His whole body felt hot as he considered the idea. The ways a psychic could keep him trapped. All the stories of humans torturing borrowers they found. A scientist and a psychic. Maybe his dad was right about both. The hands that surrounded him only made it worse.

Raz was picked up off the desk. Held tightly in cupped hands. They moved him against Sasha’s chest. It was terrifying, but kind of calming. The warmth in his body started to die. Just as it did he smelled smoke, a weird mixture. The smoke of cigarettes on Sasha’s clothes and the smell of a fresh fire. 

There was some sound of crashing. Raz dug his fingers into Sasha’s shirt. This was awful. The hand added pressure, fingers surrounded him. They didn’t hurt. It was a firm, controlling pressure. A promise that no one could reach him.

“Are you alright?” Sasha’s voice shook his spine. The words were sort of reassuring.

“Y-yeah,” Raz said. He felt kind of tired now. As if he used a lot of energy.

“I see you also have pyrokinesis. You certainly need training, before you hurt yourself.” The hands were warm, firm, kind of nice. “What I had meant about suitable lodging, was if you wanted to stay. I assume you came here for a reason.”

“I’m psychic, I want to…” He hadn’t actually admitted it out loud yet. “I want to be a psychonaut.”

The hand moved, he stared up at Sasha’s face. A smile on it. One that didn’t scare him. He could see the shadow of smoke on the man’s face. That would mean Raz set something on fire. Because he was scared. That was kind of cool.

“It may be possible. Once we see how your training goes,” Sasha said. 

Raz smiled. Fingers curled around him as the man held him close again. Slowly he was pulled from Sasha’s chest. The hand moved through the air. The fingers held him firmly against the palm. Once his feet hit the desk again, he felt confident. Sasha Nein wasn’t a dangerous human.

“My name is Razputin,” Raz said, Sasha’s steps paused. “Everyone calls me Raz.”

The fingers moved so he could see Sasha’s face again. Hand pulled away until a finger was left in front of Raz’s face. He grabbed the finger, followed the up and down motion. Smiled as he looked up at the psychonaut agent.

“Nice to meet you, Razputin,” Sasha said. A smile on the stoic man’s face.

[jack-o-rabbit]

Finished the first piece for @gtgotcha4gaza! I ADORE Psychonauts, especially Helmut, so this was an amazing treat to work on, courtesy of @maltesegeek96!

[sonicasura]

List of Fandoms I know

Anime

Jujutsu Kaisen

Bleach(Stopped before Final Arc)

Naruto (Lost Interest)

Fullmetal Alchemist

Fire Force(need refresher)

Ushio and Tora

MHA (Up to Overhaul, after that lost interest)

One Piece

Fairytail(Need refresher)

Blue Exorcist

Attack on Titan (Fuck S4)

JJBA(Everything but spin off manga and latest Jojo)

Blue Dragon

Dragonball (Original, Z, GT, Super)

Gintama

Hunter X Hunter(need refresher)

Hellsing

Soul Eater(Basic knowledge)

Yokai Watch (Shadowside)

Parasyte(Not live action show)

Devilman

Devil is a Part Timer

Baoh

One Punch Man(need to catch up)

Darker than Black

Toriko

Magmell

Xam'd

Gad Guard

Kaiju No.8

Games

Pokemon

Yugioh

Digimon

Persona (4,5)

Mario

Sonic the Hedgehog

Megaman (Battle Network/Star Force)

Kirby

Devil May Cry

Legend of Zelda (Linked Universe)

Infamous

Sly Cooper

Castlevania(need refresher)

Knack

Kingdom Hearts

Fire Emblem (Awakening, Fates and Sacred Stones)

Skylanders

Crash Bandicoot

Splatoon

Monster Hunter

Mario Rabbids

Final Fantasy(Mainly 7 and older Gameboy games)

Bakugan (Not the Reboots)

Kid Icarus

Skullgirls

Prototype

Bioshock(need refresher)

Evolve(need refresher)

Jak and Daxter

Ratchet and Clank

Spectrobes

Bendy and the Ink Machine

Xenoblade Chronicles (1st)

ARMS

Rayman

A Hat In Time

Prince of Persia(DS, Two Thrones and live action movie)

Balan Wonderworld

Golden Sun

Mad Rat Dead

Asura's Wrath

Klonoa

Altered Beast(Reboot)

Dragon Quest(4, Monsters Joker 1/2, Builders 1, Warriors 1)

Onimusha

Disgaea

Psychonauts

Nights

Resident Evil(1-6 mainly)

Antonball/Blast

Pizza Tower

Poppy Playtime

My Friendly Neighborhood

Cartoons, Shows and Misc

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Not the comics and haven't gotten into Rise)

Kaijudo

Ben 10 (Not the Reboot)

Generator Rex

Secret Saturdays

Mixels

Doctor Who (2005, not 13/14/15)

Ghostbusters

Danny Phantom

Firebreather

Marvel (Not the comics)

Glitchtech

Steven Universe(Not Future)

Huntik(Need refresher)

Street Sharks

Dinosaur King

Extreme Dinosaurs

Biker Mice From Mars

How To Train Your Dragon

Transformers (Cybertron, Animated, Bayverse, Prime, Robots in Disguise15, Generation 1, Earthspark, Skybound)

Slugterra

Chaotic

Hero 101

Trollhunters (Not Tales of Arcadia related)

Gargoyles

Monkie Kid

Martin Mystery

Madness Combat

JTTW related

Nezha related

Teen Titans 2003 (Need to rewatch.)

Welcome Home

Amazing Digital Circus

Murder Drones

Godzilla(Monsterverse, 1998 movie/show, Shin,)

King Kong(Monsterverse, 2000 cartoon)

I'm a big fucking nerd, k? This is prone to update.

[doodle17]

Two questions for you!

What peice of art you have yet to publish that you're so excited to share?

What happened/what'd you discover that gt you into psychonauts?

My Valentines picture! Currently uploading some WIP pictures atm and I can't wait for it to be done!

I was just browsing youtube and I saw an out of context video for it. A few more of those, and I was watching full game walk-throughs for all 3 games! What can I say, the art syle and humor had me hooked!

[polterpup]

Update history:

Sideblogs:

MSA (updated 11/9/23)

Psychonauts (updated 11/9/23)

R&C (updated 7/15/23; backed up 8/25)

STH (7/25/23)

Submas (updated 7/15/23)

TMNT (updated 8/7/23)

UT/DR (updated 11/9/23)

Tags:

Blazy Mumbles About MSA (8/19/23)

Continued Chatter about UT (8/19/23)

Misc Postings about GT (8/19/23)

Pokemon Fugue Tag (11/8/23)

Choo Choo Janice Choo Choo (9/29/23)

Art tag (10/3/23)

[immortal0425]

[ihaveatheoryonthat]

In honor of the new year/in the spirit of starting of with a clean slate, an incomplete list of projects that I still really want to tackle someday, but would like to go to bed without dwelling on:

That H.A.T.E. follow-up I’ve been wanting to write for literal years, and still refuse to give up on

Similarly, a proper Good Genes resolution, which, because I’m me, also delves into SAINW

The Great Crossover Conspiracy of 2017 (2k3/Static Shock)

2k3/Psychonauts crossover (aka “The One I’m Convinced Can Work”)

A comic take on 2k3/MSA. I once jokingly called it “Vivi’s Irregulars” to myself, and, unfortunately, I love it.

There’s a good chance “Vivi’s Irregulars” would be a series of crossovers, and not specifically the 2k3 one, but whatever.

A more horror/adventure-oriented 2k3/MSA crossover, because a friend and I had some great stuff going there.

I had some vague ideas about a follow-up to Some Time to Think it Over, and have some bits written that turned out really well

The Long Way Up, full stop.

The ‘The Eleventh Hour’ inspired MSA timeloop fic

The ‘Arms Outstretched’ inspired MSA oneshot/fic

Sleeping Dogs, holy cow, Blazy, what is wrong with you?

That genderfluid Lewis oneshot

A file in my Ghost Trick folder labelled “Satisfaction Brought it Back”

Likewise, “Shroedinger’s Catsitter”

GT/AA, because who hasn’t thought about it?

The one that goes to the tune of “There’s no freakin way RoR takes place 24 hours after Psychonauts”

This has since mutated into a handful of related oneshots, because it fit super well with a piece I wanted to do from Augustus’s POV.

Proposed titles include “Safe, Full Stop” and “Elephants Never Forget”, neither of which makes sense without context.

A mostly introspective oneshot on the nature of telepathy and clairvoyance

The ‘not your average PN/GF crossover’ and its followup, which actually features Dipper and Mabel.

A self-indulgent TSB AU/(semi)fixfic

A similar, yet very different DR1 (semi)AU/fixfic (in that order)

Another DR1 AU that involved timeloops

Another DR1 AU starting from an outside perspective of the killing game

Part of me wants to revamp We Could Be Like a Family, since it’s really not my best work.

I wanted to write about Alphys and Frisk for the entirety of 2018

A... kinda odd Team Sonic/Heroes fic that I’ve never said anything about because I was embarrassed. It’s strictly friendship/adventure, but still.

I don’t technically want to write this one, because I think it ran its course, but The Outline That Would Not Die gets an honorary mention for being 13,733 words long and featuring three separate diagrams.

Not gonna lie, the trans!WW Link concept wasn’t a story I was actively telling myself until the end of December, but it’s a concept from 2018 that I don’t want to give up on, so I’m adding it.

Maybe with all of this off my chest, I can finally focus on one thing at a time instead of being swamped by concepts I have just nebulously floating around.

Or maybe I can ignore all of it and immediately write something from a boat’s point of view, because apparently you can’t trust me with anything.

[shiny-pokemon-giveaways]

Psychonauts GTS Giveaway!

You can now receive your set of shiny Pokemon themed after Psychonauts characters! To get them, put up Rockruffs that are nicknamed For Wolf onto the GTS. I cannot accept Dusk Rockruffs. This giveaway will last until Sunday at 8 PM PST.

This giveaway is for Sun/Moon and Ultra Sun/Moon only.

They are all shiny. You may have one of each.

Raz the Drowzee [Level 55, Male]

Lili the Gothorita [Level 55, Female]

Hollis the Tsareena [Level 100, Female]

Maligula the Malamar [Level 100, Female]

Ford Cruller the Alakazam [Level 100, Male]

Milla the Girafarig [Level 100, Female]

This week’s bonus shiny is going to be Sasha Nein the Espeon [Level 100, Male]! The bonus shiny is for everyone and you receive it the same way as the others.

[hollowknightheadcanons]

So I'm that HLVRAI anon from your other blog. Sorry it took me a while to get here, I was busy. What if instead of the Radiance, it's the Colosseum bugs that are the main bad guys? Regular fighters as the "military" that show up sometimes. And here's the great part: Godtamer as Benrey. Because she has a connection to Tiso (Bubby) and Zote (Forzen) in that they both go to the Colosseum, and she canonically has a bossfight and orchestrates many other fights.

HLVRAI Anon again! Before I learned that Zote was going to be Forzen, I had already thought of GT Benrey, and I was considering having Pale Lurker be Forzen. Because you could say she "used to be best friends" with Tamer. (Plus the green outfit, strange behavior, and always trying to run away)

Ok so for the HLVRAI AU, IDK who would work as Benrey from a humor/personality perspective. But from an angst perspective, Hollow would work really well, especially towards the end of the story (I think this is a diff anon)

Hey there, earlier today I said Hollow would be a good Benrey for Late-game Angst Purposes. Now I realize there are other reasons too. Let me elaborate: 1) Doesn't want to fight you but is forced to. That's the final fight angst there. 2) If their role is as protector of the kingdom, but perhaps in a slightly different way, that could explain their insistence on first keeping Quirrel & co. out, and then on following them. 3) Weird void powers that can creep Quirrel out.

Wow I finally got around to answering these! Sorry I’ve been dead. I am very very much so hyperfixated on psychonauts right now. which actually was the game that got me into hollow knight. funny. anyway. I like these ideas! they’re pretty good. both of them! hmm. i’m not sure which i like more. gt is more a minor character but she does work... man. its hard to decide!

[blazichu]

I just realized that the someone who introduced me to Ghost Trick did it the year it was released-- and, combined with the fact that I bought it brand new, that means I actually made it in time to support something small that I really enjoyed.

[randomthunk]

I’ve been tagged several times to do this but I’ll break down and do it for @thehenryhiggs because she knows where I live.

Rules: Tag 9 people you’d like to get to know better to answer the following questions I’m also lazy

Relationship status: Despairingly single, ideal soulmate can do a good 12 or 11 cosplay

Favorite color: Blue, specifically cerulean

Lipstick or Chapstick: I’m probably the only person on the planet who can actually use an entire tube of chapstick without losing it along the way.

Last song I listened to: Apparently it was Fire by Barns Courtney which is good because that song is rad as hell.

Last movie I watched: The hell is a movie? I probably have to go back to Christmas and say A Christmas Story.

Top 3 TV shows: Do I watch TV...? Doctor Who and Brooklyn Nine Nine are actual shows I watch. I watch way too much GT Live.

Top 3 characters: Sasha Nein (Psychonauts), 12 (Doctor Who), and you know what the heck, Maya Fey (Ace Attorney).

Top 3 ships: Whouffaldi (12/Clara, Doctor Who; if you follow this blog and didn’t know that, I’m so sorry, but also questioning), Narumayo (Phoenix/Maya, Ace Attorney), Science Party (Sasha/Milla, Psychonauts; I tend to not tag it that consistently though)

Book(s) I’m currently reading: Whatever happened to Pride & Prejudice, I was supposed to be reading that

Don’t think of this as any kind of obligation, but 9 people: @iuliathe3rd, @eowynwise, @escapaldi if you ever actually post, @the-last-teabender, @c1araoswa1d, @veradune, @cazdraws, @boo-cha-cha (WHO DO YOU SHIP BECCA???), @queensmooting HAHAHA I MADE IT TO 9 PEOPLE

[champignonsmagique]

Psilocybe Mushrooms - Strains and Species

There are over 200 species of Psilocybe mushroom, each possessing visually unique characteristics along with varying levels and ratios of three psychotropic compounds - Psilocybin, Psilocin, and Baeocystin. A few of the most prevalent species are Azurescens, Cyanescens, Semilanceata, and Cubensis (which is the most widely known and easily cultivated). There are also hundreds of "strains" or "subspecies" which have been genetically isolated and classified by both professional mycologists and recreational enthusiasts. While taxonomically these strains are all considered members of their respective species (and most are cubensis), they too can differ drastically in appearance, conditions required for cultivation, and potency.

Common species

*Psilocybe Cyanescens             *Psilocybe Cubensis             *Psilocybe Semilanceata

Common Strains

         *Huaulta Cubensis            *Penis Envy Cubensis       *Golden Teacher Cubensis

This introduction to mushroom strains and species may seem contradictory or confusing, however a useful analogy to aid in understanding the difference can be drawn between Cannabis and Psilocybe mushrooms. The separation of cannabis species into Indica, Sativa, and Ruderalis corresponds to the separation of Psilocybe species into Azurescens, Semilanceata, Cubensis, etc. While the separation of cannabis strains like Northern Lights, Purple Kush, and Jack Haze corresponds to mushroom strains like Penis Envy, Golden Teacher, and Huaulta. Unlike Cannabis however, where the “crossing” of genetics is used to create a new strain, mushroom strains often begin as a desirable mutation, such as an albino or an especially large mushroom. These random mutations can be selected and cloned for several generations from the largest, healthiest mushrooms of each life cycle, to create a new strain in a process known as “isolation”.

The effects, duration, and onset of the experience provided by different species AND strains (along with many other variables) can differ quite drastically, however all members of the Genus Psilocybe share a few key identifying factors that can aid in their identification.

They all bruise an azure-bluish color when handled or damaged, due to oxidization of the compound psilocin at the site of impact

They all have a thin gelatinous veil, known in mycological terms as a pellicle, that separates the cap (or pileus) from the stem (or stipe). In maturity this veil often disintegrates leaving a darkened section (annular zone) on the stem.

They all have dense gills on the underside of the cap (or pileus) and a shiny or silky film on the outside of the cap.

They all have a hygrophanous nature (meaning coloration changes with the state of hydration).

Species

The differing Psilocybe species have a much longer and more intensive taxonomical history than the relatively recent distinctions between strains. The first reliable documented case of Psilocybe intoxication occurred in 1799, when a man picked several Semilanceata from the shores of the Thames river in London, and cooked a meal for his family with them. This surprise-trip spurred the classification of a new species of mushroom, which was placed in the Genus Agaricus, then moved in 1871 to Psilocybe. For the purpose of remaining succinct this article focuses on the 4 species most commonly found in North America.

Semilanceata

Semilanceata’s, often referred to as “Liberty Caps” are one of the most widespread, potent, and commonly recognized members of the Psilocybe genus. They are easily recognizable by their conical bell shaped cap which holds its shape throughout the life cycle, dissimilar to most other Psilocybe's whose caps flatten in maturity. They are also on average smaller than other species, often with a thin, elongated, somewhat fragile-looking stem and a spear shaped cap from which the name “Semilanceata” (meaning “spear-shaped” in latin) is derived. Testing done by mycologists Paul Stamets and Jochen Gartz has placed them as the third most potent Psilocybe species, with an exceptionally high concentration of Psilocybin, low concentration of Psilocin, and moderate levels of Baeocystin. The high concentration of psilocybin often leads to semilanceata mushrooms eliciting a very visual experience that also lasts longer than that of other species, due to the body having to break down this psilocybin into psilocin before the effects are felt.

Cyanenscens

Cyanenscens are another prolific species that can be found worldwide but is thought to have originated in North America. They are distinctly more mycorrhizal than other species, meaning they require decaying wood in order to grow. This makes them more difficult to cultivate indoors, however has not hindered their spread into every habitable continent. Unlike many other organisms whose habitat’s have been encroached on by humanity, these mushrooms are thought to have a symbiotic relationship with urbanization. They are commonly found on piles of ligneous debris or in mulched garden beds, and sometimes in enormous quantities exceeding 100,000 mushrooms in a single patch. They can be identified by the undulating edges of their caps, and aside from this wavy cap possess visual characteristics quite similar to Cubensis - thick stems and caps that begin rounded or bell shaped and flatten sometimes even becoming convex in maturity. Despite their aesthetic similarity to Cubensis they are significantly more potent, on average containing 30-60% higher concentration of psilocybin, similar concentration of baeocystin, and slightly less psilocin. The experience occasioned by taking Cyanescens is mostly analogous to that of Cubensis, however with notably intensified visuals (a result of higher psilocybin concentration).

Azurescens

Azurescens are the most rare, the most potent, and the most recently discovered Psilocybe species. Similar to many other mushrooms, they were discovered by recreational mycology enthusiasts (a group of boy scouts in the case of Azurescens). This potential to find an entirely new species is undoubtedly one of the attractive properties of mycology (the study of mushrooms) and exists whenever one embarks on a mushroom-hunting adventure. To date over 120,000 species of fungi have been discovered, and this number is constantly growing. Unlike other Psilocybe species, Azurescens are only found in the Pacific Northwest region of North America and carry the highest concentration of psilocybin out of all members of the genus. Due to extremely high psilocybin levels they produce vivid hallucinations, intense amplification of emotions, and sometimes even temporary paralysis.

Cubensis

Generally when someone speaks about “magic mushrooms” or “shrooms” they are referring to Cubensis. The natural geographic range of this species is limited to tropical and sub-tropical regions, however they can be (relatively) easily cultivated indoors - making them the most popular and easily accessible “magic mushrooms”. Many websites even offer ready-to-grow kits (which are legal in many countries as mushroom spores do not contain psilocybin) while other websites go even further abreast of the law to offer dried mushrooms and micro-dose capsules. Cubensis mushrooms often have thick, dense stems and large broad caps, they also grow larger than most other species although this is likely due to generations of genetic isolation. This species provides the classic psychoactive mushroom effects of euphoria, feelings of love and unity, introspection, philosophical ideation, synesthesia, visual augmentation, and a less ego-influenced perspective.

Results in this graph are taken from testing done by Stamets and Gartz

Strains

Due to the comparative ease of cultivation (not requiring decomposing wood or dung in order to grow) the vast majority of recognized strains all fall under the umbrella of the Cubensis species. Although the exact number is difficult to determine, and new strains are consistently being created, it is estimated that there are around 150 distinctly identifiable Cubensis strains. In this article it is not possible to cover them all, so we will focus on 3 of the most prominent ones. If you are interested in delving further into the differences between strains, check out Psilopedia.ca which offers the widest catalog of cubensis strains online.

Golden Teacher

This strain was first classified in the late 1980s and since then the name Golden Teacher has become almost ubiquitous with psilocybin mushrooms. GT mushrooms are medium/large in size and often have a distinct triangular bump in the centre of their golden/caramel coloured caps. It is a moderately potent strain, therefore great for beginners, that offers a subtly more spiritual, introspective undertone to the experience, along with feelings of euphoria and uncontrollable laughter. This makes them well suited for both social recreational use and therapeutic or medicinal application.

Penis Envy

Penis Envy Cubensis has an interesting history. It is theorized the strain was isolated from Amazonian Cubensis (another popular strain) by legendary ethnobotanist and psychonaut Terence Mckenna. Since Mckenna’s original isolation many variations of PE have subsequently been created, such as Albino PE and Uncut PE. All of these variations have characteristics which are clearly distinct from other cubensis strains, consisting of substantially (30-50%) higher potency, extremely thick, dense stems and pale underdeveloped caps - making them somewhat resemblant of the organ for which they were named. Penis Envy Mushrooms are known to generate an experience filled with deep philosophical ideations and intense feelings of euphoria.

Huaulta

This strain was one of the first to be classified, and is thought to be the mushroom referred to by R. Gordon Wasson in the famous Life Magazine article “seeking the magic mushroom” which popularized psilocybin mushrooms to “western” culture. It's name is obtained from the village of Huaulta De Jimenez in Oaxaca Mexico where Wassons experience took place. Huautla Cubensis are typically medium sized mushrooms of moderate potency that sporate very heavily, often turning the caps purple-black with spores. They are known to reliably elicit spiritually meaningful experiences permeated with intense feelings of love, and unity, along with a sense of connection with nature and the universe as a whole.  

Strain Catagorization

The niche of strain categorization and review, inspired by sites such as the cannabis strain aggregator Leafly, is being explored by numerous organizations in the psilocybin mushroom space, with Psilopedia.ca and Psillow.com recognized as two of the most comprehensive and accurate ones.

Psilopedia takes a science focused approach to offering in-depth information on many aspects of psilocybin, like its metabolic process, pharmacodynamics, effects at macro and micro dosage, areas of study, and mushroom identification. They also have aggregated contact information for numerous psychedelic integration practitioners - therapists and psychologists who help integrate the insights realized during psychedelic assisted therapy into one's life. Additionally they have classified with pictures, detailed characteristics and reviews over 70 cubensis strains, with full report-style overviews of the 4 primary psilocybe species.

Psillow on the other hand is markedly more “culture” focused, offering a consistently updated blog with informational and entertaining articles (like psilocyin’s interaction with cannabis, how long it stays in the body, worldwide legal status, and "travel guides"). They also have useful resources like a “trip report” template, along with a comprehensive catalog of Psilocybe species (more than Psilopedia) however less information on cubensis strains.

The cause of contrasting experiences being elicited by different species and strains is multifaceted and hypothesized be a combined function of two factors. First varied levels and ratios of the 3 psychoactive compounds, and second the set, setting and intention of the user. Differing levels of active compounds can alter the onset, duration, and intensity of the experience, while also playing a role in whether it is felt more in the mind (think hallucination) or body (think synesthesia). Conversely The users' set, setting and intention play a larger role in determining whether the experience generates spiritual connection, philosophical enlightenment, or therapeutic benefit.

It is also important to note that across species/strains growing conditions, such as the composition of the substrate in which the mushroom mycelium (similar to the roots of a plant) and fruiting bodies are cultivated in, environmental variables, and when in the fruiting period the mushrooms are harvested (either before or after sporation) also has significant effect on potency. Generally the highest potency is achieved with nutrient-rich colonization and fruiting substrates, even ratio of mycelium to substrate at the beginning of fruiting, consistent temperature and humidity, and harvesting just before the "veil" between the stem and cap breaks.

If you have any further questions about the differences between species and strains, questions regarding mushroom cultivation, or wish to purchase mushrooms please do not hesitate to contact me through my website!

Jeff - Champignons Magique

[shiny-pokemon-giveaways]

The GTS giveaway for the shiny Psychonauts themed Pokemon will start around 6 PM PST tonight!