blokáí

blokáí is a fictional concept that appears in the novel "The Luminous Dead" by Caitlin Starling. In the story, blokáí are a type of sentient, bioluminescent fungus that grows in the deep caverns of the planet Xylos. These fungi are crucial to the survival of the planet's inhabitants, as they provide light and are a source of sustenance. However, the blokáí are also depicted as having a strange, almost parasitic relationship with the explorers who venture into the caverns. They can subtly influence the minds of those who come into contact with them, leading to hallucinations and a distorted perception of reality. The protagonist, Eva, encounters the blokáí during her mission to chart the planet's subterranean depths and must navigate their disorienting effects while trying to complete her objective. The blokáí's nature is ambiguous, raising questions about their true intentions and their role within the Xylos ecosystem. They are a significant element of the novel's psychological horror and claustrophobic atmosphere.