Desert's Judge

Deep within the deserts of the Western Sultanates grows a flower with many names. In the Arborvale Concord it is commonly referred to as "Sandlark," and in the Khanate as "Spiderblossom." Regional names within the Sultanates' lands vary, from "Death's Sight" to "Laani's Grace," with each region seeming to have its own name for it. It has one name, however, that all within the Sultanates know: Desert's Judge.

A small, unassuming flower, with five golden-orange petals, Desert's Judge seems nothing more than a beautiful and delicate flower, a stark contrast to its surroundings. Those learned in its properties, however, are keenly aware of what lies just beneath: tiny, thistle-like spines, capable of piercing even through leather, cover its base and stem. The slightest prick releases the venom coursing through it, which rapidly courses through its victim, causing intense hallucinations and death within minutes. Fortunately, it is readily distinguishable from the similarly appearing Sandheart by the smaller, full blossom between its petals.

Desert's Judge is most widely known as the source of a deadly poison, known as "Lionsbane." As the only antidote for Lionsbane comes from the same flower, it is highly valued by assassins and monster-hunters. Extreme skill and knowledge is required to both harvest the flower and prepare the poison and antidote, thus making both prohibitively expensive. Those with the necessary ability are also often much more invested in its other properties. Properly harvested and utilized, Desert's Judge can be used in the creation of powerful hallucinogens, alchemical mixtures, and even life-saving medicines and potions. Given its deadly and lucrative nature, it is rarely deliberately cultivated, accept by skilled herbalists and alchemists, criminal organizations, and the odd noble who opts to do so secretly.

While playing a role in many folktales, stories of daring and intrigue, and certain myths, Desert's Judge takes its name from one in particular. It is said that in days past, before the Sultanates took justice into their own hands, those convicted of crimes too great to be redeemed were sent into the desert. With only a pack of supplies on their back, they would be charged to search for and pick one of the flowers, only allowed to return with one in hand. It was believed that should Duura, god of balance, deem them innocent, they would not be harmed. If guilty, then the flower would do its work, and the offender and their crimes lost to the sands. In reality, the exile in to the desert was oft a death sentence in itself. However there do remain the odd record of a survivor of this ordeal, known as the "Path of Duura." Some remote villages still practice the Path of Duura to this day, though such occurences are rare.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Desert's Judge measures approximately 3" in length from root to flower, with roots usually running just under the surface. Five petals form the flower, with golden tips fading to a deep orange towards the center. A second, smaller blossom nestles in between the petals. Just beneath the flower lie rings of small, incredibly sharp spines, which continue all the way down the stem.

Genetics and Reproduction

Desert's Judge does not spread in the usual sense: when the main flower dies, the second blossom in the center falls to the ground and takes root, eventually growing into a full flower and repeating the cycle.

Ecology and Habitats

Desert's Judge is found primarily in the dryer, harsher parts of the desert, and occasionally in the odd oasis. It is usually found only in small clusters of 3-10, and it is not uncommon to see one growing solitarily, far out of sight of any others.