[✗] [World Lore / Alchemy Addition] Desert Alchemy: Flora

[Hodgeling 403]

 

 

 

Desert Flora

 

Whether it be in the vast sandy deserts, craggy mesa, or dry savannah’s - these places formidable to descendants are teeming with only the sturdiest forms of life. They thrive much the same as any other place, written upon the world with the very same material language as any other. Flora such as Desert Cacti, Drakes Tail, Berry Bush, Goblins Ivy and Zawabate are well documented in these regions, and more left behind on other realms. Nestled away beneath crag, steadfast before the burning sun, or thirsting from far down water swallowed by vast sand-dunes. Life which has been documented here is essential to the wider ecosystem. Where Descendants must suffer to endure, these ancient, native plants have come to thrive. Across time, the innate gifts concealed within each plant have enabled Descendants to call the desert their home.

 

Burrow Bush [Dead Bush]

Rare

Sign(s): Earth

Symbol(s): Growth (3), Strength (1), Impediment (2), Endurance (2)

Location: Deserts and sandy coastal areas.

Harvesting: This reagent is not easily acquired and cannot be ripped out of the ground easily. The sand around the root-system must first be excavated before using alchemical shears.

 

Sanjeevani, or otherwise aptly named: Burrow Bush, is a spindly brown plant which grows in deep sands or sheltered dunes. Its roots run exceptionally deep, able to reach into the earth in search of water trapped beneath sand and stone. Burrow Bush is a larger and more wiry plant than its relative the Barrier Bush. It is found in hotter environments than its sibling plant. Patches of Burrow Bush can stretch for large distances, and help maintain the structure of sand-dunes by catching sand as it blows across the landscape. It is a hardy plant, able to retain water within its root system to provide sustenance throughout the hottest seasons.

 

Descendants of the desert often grow Burrow Bush around their villages to protect against dust and sand, and to harvest those roots as a viable source of pure water. Traditional alchemists have been said to grind down those dried roots into a milky paste, known for its ability to absorb and retain moisture. The paste is primarily used as part of funeral rites, capable of slowing the decay of corpses and the effects of rot.

 

 

Spoiler

Redlines:

• Requires ST signature.
• Burrow Bush is native to strictly desert and coastal environments with plenty of sand and cannot be introduced to other regions.
• Sanjeevani paste can be used to slow the decay of corpses and the effects of rot on living creatures.
• A harvested root-system provides [1] large tuber which, when turned into paste, can be spread to cover [¼] of a descendant’s size. This means to say that one portion of paste can be used to cover either the arms, legs, torso, or head. To embalm a body completely, one would need 4 portions of Sanjeevani paste.
  Alternatively, [1] portion of Sanjeevani paste can be used sparingly and applied to smaller features such as eyes, fingers, nose, mouth, to preserve or slow rot in those afflicted areas.
• Sanjeevani paste can slow but not cure the effects of plagues such as Darkbite and Fleshtwist.
• If eaten raw, roots can quench thirst but slows digestion which can cause stomach ache and stifle appetite.

 

Thorny Devil [Cactus]

Uncommon

Sign(s): Water

Symbol(s): Coldness (3), Reduction (1), Endurance (2)

Location: Dry, hot and sunny climates such as deserts, mesa, savannah or otherwise any place with ample sunlight.

Harvesting: Alchemical shears can be used to sever the succulent entirely from the ground which can then be re-potted/relocated to an appropriate environment. The external layer of the leaves are easily peeled away by hand to reveal the pulp within.

 

This spiky green succulent grows around the base of crags and outcroppings. They come in various  sizes, depending on the fertility of soil and access to water, but always remain reminiscent of a thorny, reptilian hide. 

 

Trapped with its protective skin is a clear, gelatinous pulp, which is known for its health benefits. Without much effort, the leaf can be snapped to free the gel within, which can then be applied directly to skin to alleviate pain and expedite healing from minor irritations like sun-burns. It is edible too, colloquially known as Shining Bitters; often incorporated into diets to improve digestion and general health.

 

 

Spoiler

Redlines:

• Requires ST signature.
• Thorny Devil can speed up the natural healing process of 1st to 2nd degree sun burns. It does not heal or cure burns instantly.
• 1 leaf of Thorny Devil can be used to produce 1 salve of gel. 1 salve can be spread to cover one appendage or section of the body such as an arm or leg, and is consumed upon use. 
• It cannot be used to mend or cure 1st, 2nd, or 3rd degree burns caused by mundane or magical fire.
• When the gel is applied directly to appropriate burns (listed above) pain is significantly reduced, replaced by a soothing, cooling sensation.
• When applied to the skin, contacted areas are more resistant to sun-burns.
• When consumed as food or drink, Thorny Devil helps stomach pain and regulates mundane internal temperature afflictions such as sunstroke and hyperthermia.

 

Sunbird Palm [Weeping Vines]

Uncommon

Sign(s): Fire

Symbol(s): Courage (1), Burning (2), Light (2)

Location: These palms are native to deserts as one of the only thriving trees of its size, and bearing fruit. Where Sunbird Palms are located, so too will water be somewhere beneath the surface, drinking great amounts of water each day.

Harvesting: Sunbird Palms are fibrous and can be chopped down efficiently with a blade such as a machete. Flowerpods harvested contain the seeds which can be used to plant new palms in appropriate environments, but stain the hand with red and leave a harmless burning sensation on bare skin.. Dates are easily picked by hand when ripe.

 

A palm tree exclusive to the arid desert regions, known for its crimson red vines and edible dates - infamously delicious, glossy and golden. It can reach heights of 15-30 metres with a fibrous trunk and a crown of jagged leaves. Each tree drinks each day the equivalent of five men, often appearing near a decent water source such as natural springs, oasis or lakes.

 

Throughout the long lifespan of these trees, the palm often flowers fiery-hued blossoms. Its petals are saturated with rich pollen which stains the trunk red and can be used as a natural dye. It is believed that the trees absorb the fires of the desert sun, so that it might radiate a sunset-hued luminescence in the hour that follows sunset. This gentle light does not persist, but remains a final standing reminder of the day's scorching radiance.

 

 

Spoiler

Redlines:

• Player signature only.
• If not ST signed, these herbs may not be extracted for Symbols. Exceptions are made if it is the only way to get the Ingredient
• The light provided by Sunbird Palms are mundane bioluminescence and last for [1] narrative hour after sundown, providing less light than an ordinary torch.
• Sunbird Palms do not improve or reveal more than what is ordinarily plain and visible to characters, and does not provide any form of night or darkvision.
• Dates harvested from the Sunbird Palm are edible but do not possess the same luminescence once obtained.

 

Desert Mouse [Moss Carpet]

Common

Sign(s): Water

Symbol(s): Endurance (3), Growth (1), Order (1)

Location: Typically grows in barren, shallow-sediment environments with access to shade such as fissures, canyons, crags, and cliffsides.

Harvesting: Similar to a bed of moss, a blade can be slid beneath Desert Mouse to remove large patches. Individual flowers can be picked by hand.

 

With an uncanny resemblance to desert mice, this bed of springy verbena flowers grows wild upon rocky outcrops and high-reaching crags. It has been known to totally carpet cliff sides and fissures with brilliant hues of orange and green and yellow. Its round, ear-shaped leaves curl gently to capture and retain moisture in the air and allow it to thrive in the harshest, driest environments. It is an extremely common desert flower, favored in gardens for its low maintenance. Unattended, Desert Mouse is a weed and will smother other plants to survive, but can provide moisture to the flowerbed if pruned frequently.

 

 

Spoiler

Redlines:

• Player signature only.
• If not ST signed, these herbs may not be extracted for Symbols. Exceptions are made if it is the only way to get the Ingredient.
• Desert Mouse is a type of flower native to deserts but not unlikely to be introduced in other regions.
• Ingesting Desert Mouse improves water retention which may help characters survive in dry environments, but prevents sweating, which can lead to hyperthermia and lightheadedness if ingested in very hot environments or before vigorous exercise.

 

Feathergrass [Feather]

Common

Sign(s): Air

Symbol(s):  Grace  (1), Slowness (2), Curtailment (3)

Location: Sunny, exposed areas with ample sunlight and nearby water.

Harvesting: Stems can be pulled free from the plant when matured

 

Commonly growing in places where the desert sands meet the sea, or otherwise around a body of water, these tall grassy plants thrive in well drained, rocky soils. Fibrous stems rise from arching white leaves topped with feathery flowerheads. Their seeds, littered throughout these wispy flowers, are plenty. They are spread by wind and animals and provide natural barriers to erosive winds. 

 

Feathergrass is especially durable and can grow in various climates. It is often favored by dwellers of the desert and woven together to create Nascence Sails; particularly effective at trapping Nascence carried on the breeze. Mature feathergrass is typically hardy like flax, and can be harvested as such for its fibres to produce clothing, mats, baskets, ropes, bird snares, lashings, fishing lines and nets.

 

 

Spoiler

Redlines:

• Player signature only.
• If not ST signed, these herbs may not be extracted for Symbols. Exceptions are made if it is the only way to get the Ingredient
• Nascence Sails can be made from Feathergrass and are player signed items, used mainly for the harvesting of airborne Nascence.

 

Incense Bush [Stick]

Uncommon

Sign(s): Aether

Symbol(s): Purity (1), Burning (2), Endurance (1), Peace (2)

Location: Deserts, rocky outcrops, savannahs.

Harvesting: Resin is extracted from the tree, allowed to harden before it can be burned as incense. Dried leaves and bark can be ground into powder, packed with resin and then burned for a more distinct aroma.

 

A far rarer shrub which grows in dry, hot environments. It is more akin to a miniature tree, with twisting trunks and angular, dark-green leaves. Incense is not exclusive to the desert by any means, but Incense Bush is. It is distinct from other known incense by its appearance and unique aromatic resin. Incense Bush leaves have been used for centuries to cultivate incense; favored by shamans, healers, druids, and clerics alike.

 

The effects of burning incense is well-documented by descendants across time. Incense releases fragrant smoke which dulls anxieties and is said to calm spirits. While it is most often used in religious and spiritual rituals, it also serves a popular household staple for people all across the world.

 

 

Spoiler

Redlines:

• Player signature only.
• If not ST signed, these herbs may not be extracted for Symbols. Exceptions are made if it is the only way to get the ingredient.
• Incense in any form remains as player signed items, obeying the rules and redlines established as per existing rituals in which they are required.
• Incense, when burned, can calm mundane emotions of characters for as long as a player remains within proximity of the incense.
• 1 stick of incense will burn for [1] hour before being consumed.
• Incense does not provide any mechanical advantages to characters on its own.
• Incense does not influence or affect spirits or undead by being burned on its own.

 

Irrwurz Lily [Lilypad]

Very Rare

Sign(s): Water

Symbol(s): Poison (3), Impediment (2), Lethargy (3)

Location: Temperate climates, notably swamps, tepid marshlands, oasis.

Harvesting: Alchemical shears are used to sever the Lily before it blossoms, separating bulb from stem.

 

Found only in swamps and desert oasis, the Irrwurz is a poisonous lily with vast-spreading vines which entangle and suffocate stagnant water. Often where the Irrwurz grows, little other flora thrives. Irrwurz flourishes by feeding on the decay of unfortunate prey who stumble into its domain. The actual lily blossoms atop a network of buoyant vines and pads, expelling an intoxicating fume into the air which attracts small animals such as reptiles, birds, rodents, and insects. Enticed creatures drown in the water, becoming ensnared and disoriented in the submerged tangle of vines.

 

For Descendants, the true danger they face may well be the other predators who stalk the tangled waters. While resistant to the intoxicating fumes, descendants may still be tempted toward them. Other creatures that are resistant to the fumes, such as snakes and carnivorous fish, feed on decay and attack those larger creatures who draw too close to the place where the Irrwurz holds dominion. 

 

 

Spoiler

Redlines:

• ST signed item only.
• Irrwurz Lily does not enthrall, charm, or intoxicate creatures larger than or of the same size as an average descendant. At most it is enticing, and may draw their curiosity.
• A harvested Irrwurz Bulb could be used or thrown to create a cloud of fumes no larger than an area of 6x6 blocks in which small creatures become intoxicated and docile while the cloud lingers over [2] emotes.
• If a descendant were to consume an Irrwurz Bulb or Lily they would likely become violently sick from the poisonous sap within, intoxicated by rich nectar.

 

 

Credits

__Hergh for their help reminding me of how alchemy works and making everything make sense.

StingyParrot for his help in coming up with mechanical ideas for Nascence, and how it could fit in the lore of LotC.

BonesOfTheEarth for their help assuring me it's cool.

Keening for constantly proofreading and vibechecking my stuff.

_Helmet_ for lending their wisdom and suggestions!

[Venomous_Pup 2978]

LETS ******* GO HODGELING LORE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE

[__Hergh 785]

YESSSSSSSS! Go Hodgeling! 

[Nectorist 12869]

+1 these all look really cool, hoping the real world takes a hint and adds these things as well (maybe they exist already, idk, ive never been outside before)

[lemonke 6014]

Hodgeling.

[Echo_42069 386]

+1 Me also likey too

[hatter 51]

+1 😸

[lemonke 6014]

2 minutes ago, hatter said:

+1

Hatter

[Pallodium 3775]

This lore has been denied.