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Emerging from large decaying hardwood log in the bottom of low moist woodland draw dominated by paw paw trees. Locally abundant on log and absent on nearby logs. Specimens appear to be parasitizing Ophiocordyceps variabilis and/or directly competing for its larval host.

Reference for the creation of new genera (Niveomyces and Torrubiellomyces) that parasitize Cordyceps and Ophiocordyceps - https://doi.org/10.3767/persoonia.2022.49.05

Similar observation - https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/20957798

Sister observation for the Ophiocordyceps variabilis - http://www.inaturalist.org/observations/170023277

Or maybe just Hypoxalon.

Photo of surface, one of the sectioned perithecia by Danny Newman.

Microscopy notes by Emma Dombkowski:
Apical apparatus weakly amyloid in melzer's
-KOH- two outward pointing equilateral triangles
spores uniguttulate
perispore not observed
spore shape- narrowly ellipsoid, inequilateral
germ slit present, shape- straight, roughly spore length

(9.3) 10.3 - 12.8 (13.8) × 5 - 5.6 (5.8)
Q = (1.7) 2 - 2.4 (2.8) ; N = 23
Me = 11.4 × 5.3 ; Qe = 2.2

KOH extractable pigment(s) deep and instant violet, unchanging over time.