Skybloom Vine

Ethereal, bioluminescent vines that cling to the stone pillars, absorbing the latent energy of the Everstorm. Their blossoms glow faintly, illuminating the higher reaches of the spires.

The Skybloom Vines are a testament to the resilience of life in even the harshest of environments. Thriving in the high-energy storms of the Skyward Pillars, these bioluminescent plants have captured the imagination of many, both for their mystical properties and their potential as a source of arcane power. Whether viewed as a sacred symbol, a magical resource, or simply an incredible botanical curiosity, the Skybloom Vines remain one of the most fascinating and sought-after species in the realm.

Basic Information

Ecology and Habitats

Skybloom Vines are a striking and ethereal species found exclusively on the towering Skyward Pillars, where they thrive despite the violent, ever-changing storm conditions. These vines grow in the craggy fissures and crevices along the surface of the pillars, using their flexible tendrils to cling to the stone, often reaching towards the sky in long, flowing strands. The pillars themselves serve as both a support structure and an energy source for these remarkable plants.

Skybloom Vines thrive in the chaotic, high-energy environment of the Everstorm, a phenomenon that constantly batters the region with lightning strikes, strong winds, and torrential rains. The plants are uniquely adapted to this environment, with their ability to absorb and store electrical energy from the storm, allowing them to flourish where other forms of life would be unable to survive.

Biological Cycle

The Skybloom Vines follow a highly specialized life cycle tied to the cyclical nature of the Everstorm.

1. Dormancy Phase: During periods of calm or when the storm has subsided, the vines enter a dormant phase, appearing as twisted, desiccated strands of vine that barely cling to the pillars. They seem dead, with no visible growth or flowering.
2. Activation by Storm Energy: Once the storm resumes, and the Everstorm sends a surge of electrical energy through the air, the Skybloom Vines react, rapidly absorbing the ambient energy. This triggers a burst of growth, and the vines rapidly extend their tendrils upwards, spiraling around the pillars.
3. Blooming Phase: The bioluminescent flowers of the Skybloom Vine begin to bloom, their petals glowing faintly in response to the electrical energy they’ve absorbed. These blossoms emit a soft, ethereal light that can be seen from miles away, often illuminating the higher reaches of the pillars where other life cannot reach. The flowers remain in bloom as long as the energy from the Everstorm is present, and they wilt and close once the storm fades.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Due to the unique nature of Skybloom Vines, they have garnered the interest of various groups, including arcane researchers, alchemists, and elemental mages.

• Arcane Amplification: The vines' ability to absorb and store electrical energy makes them highly sought after by those who wish to amplify spells or rituals involving lightning or electrical energy. Skybloom Vines have been found to enhance the potency of storm-related magic, making them valuable for stormcallers and elemental mages.
• Bioluminescent Properties: The faint glow of the flowers is often harvested for use in arcane lamps, illumination spells, and potion brewing, particularly for those working in low-light or storm-wrought environments.
• Healing and Medicinal Uses: There are rumors among herbalists and shamans that the blooms have some form of restorative properties when used in potions or salves. It is said that they can be used to restore energy or ease pain after exposure to extreme conditions, though the exact benefits are still largely unproven.
• Arcane Foci: The vines are sometimes harvested and fashioned into arcane foci—magical implements used to channel storm energy or control the flow of ambient electrical currents.

However, despite their potential uses, harvesting the Skybloom Vines is dangerous, requiring skilled climbers and those well-versed in the storm’s behavior. The vines are also protected by storm elemental forces, making it difficult to extract them without facing severe consequences.

Civilization and Culture

Culture and Cultural Heritage

To the Stormcallers, the Skybloom Vines are considered a symbol of harmony between the forces of nature and the Everstorm. Their ability to flourish in the face of extreme adversity is seen as a reflection of the resilience and strength of the storm itself. Some believe that the vines' ethereal glow is a divine manifestation—a blessing from the storm spirits that watch over the Skyward Pillars.

Among the Arcane Seekers, the Skybloom Vines are viewed as a mystical entity, holding the key to unlocking the deeper arcane secrets of the Everstorm and the ancient runes inscribed on the Skyward Pillars. The vines' bioluminescent glow is often seen as a guiding light, leading researchers deeper into their studies of the Pillars’ true purpose and potential.

Scientific Name

Vitis Caelum

Geographic Distribution

• The Skyward Pillars