Esteemed Calcelmo,

Thank you for your latest donations to our research, it has proven most helpful. We have made significant progress with our experiments and wanted to share some of our results with you to get your expert opinion on the subject.

After extensive study with the tissue samples of the Falmer, we have isolated several characteristics that give some clue as to what fungi, or more aptly a melange of fungi brought the mer to their current state. The blood of the Snow Elves have taken on several toxic properties, including damaging healthy tissue, but also a neurotoxin that causes men and mer to become enraged attacking anyone on sight - including dear friends. The Falmer also seem to have developed a resistance to toxins, built up over the years of consuming various consumables most would consider deadly (various mushrooms, chaurus and spider eggs and bits of skeever).

We've also done extensive testing on the fungal life in Skyrim and identified some mushrooms that could have imparted these qualities to the Snow Elves over extended periods of time. Blisterwort, Imp Stool, and Fly Amanita are all plentiful in the caves of Skyrim. And though we are doubtful that these are responsible for the blinding of the Falmer, we feel they continued to eat them as they have become addicted to their own poisonous nature, and to not have a steady diet would cause them to suffer from withdrawal symptoms that include intense physical pain, tremors, and ultimately death. The Falmer seem to require a large quantity of fungi in order to keep their addictions at bay.

The Dwemer, of course, most likely cultivated a fungus with high concentrations of these properties - though we may never know precisely what it was, I feel we are close to a breakthrough. This would account for the Falmer's more aggressive nature and high tolerance to toxins. Despite the Deep Elves love of higher learning, they, like many of the Mer kin (most notably the Ayleids), also had a penchant for blood sports and torture. It would come as a surprise to few that the Dwemer would use the Snow Elves in gladiatorial combat, or simply as a way of testing their mechanized traps or automatons.

We are eager to hear your thoughts on the subject. We would also like to request further tissue samples of the Falmer, and understand you have located a decent-sized nest. We would also request more prisoners for further testing, your influence with the Jarl would be most helpful in this regard.

Humbly yours,
Apprentice Linu Sund
College of Winterhold
Principal Study of Alchemy