Glasskelp

Glasskelp is a delicate aquatic flora native to the still, near-perfectly clear waters of the Glassy Gulf. Its translucent, gently luminescent fronds are not only beautiful but are also steeped in local legend for their supposed restorative powers
Observations of Glasskelp Entry 1: "First Glimpse" Today, after months of preparation, I have finally laid eyes upon the legendary Glasskelp fields. Approaching the still heart of the Glassy Gulf is an experience unlike any other — the world above and below melts into one translucent plane. The water barely ripples, and just below the surface, ribbons of shimmering greenish-silver dance in slow, reverent motion. At first, I thought I was imagining them breathing — but closer inspection reveals a rhythmic sway independent of any visible current. They pulse, as if alive, cradled in the bed of fine, white sands. It is... unsettling, yet beautiful beyond words.
Entry 2: "Physical Characteristics" I dove carefully into the Gulf, mindful of the ancient warnings. The fronds are astonishingly supple to the touch. When light hits them just right, they scatter it into thousands of tiny rainbows.
The fronds have no discernible scent.
They are smooth, almost slippery, but not slimy like kelp I’ve encountered elsewhere.
When cut gently with a blade, a faint mist — almost invisible — seems to drift from the wound before it seals again within minutes.
I collected only a single frond, leaving an offering of silver coins in the sand as tradition dictates. One does not anger the Gulf.
Entry 3: "Behavior Under Stress" An unexpected squall briefly darkened the water overhead. In that moment, I observed the Glasskelp fronds retract slightly into themselves, folding like a closing fan. They seem sensitive not just to light, but to atmospheric shifts. When I projected a minor healing cantrip nearby, the fronds pulsed brighter — reacting, almost reaching toward the spellwork. Theory: Glasskelp does not simply store magic. It hungers for it.
Entry 4: "Healing Properties" Upon returning to my tent, I applied a poultice made from the harvested frond to a minor laceration on my hand.
The bleeding ceased within moments.
Within an hour, the wound had faded to a thin silver scar.
Curiously, dreams that night were vivid — visions of underwater cities, moonlight gardens, and whispering voices in the tide. I cannot say if this is a side effect of Glasskelp, but I have logged the experience for future scholars.
Entry 5: "Closing Thoughts" Glasskelp is not merely a plant. It is a phenomenon, a living echo of the strange magic that permeates the Glassy Gulf. Its existence seems tied intimately to the health of these waters. Harvest must be done sparingly and with reverence, lest we unravel a delicate balance that even we do not yet understand. If my studies serve the Council well, perhaps I shall propose that Glasskelp beds be granted official protected status under Ashbourne and Skyhaven treaty law.
I leave tomorrow. I do not know if I will ever return here, but part of me suspects that a piece of my soul now drifts among the Breathing Gardens.
Signed, Sylfaer Rynn

Basic Information

Anatomy

• Long, ribbon-like fronds that can grow up to several meters in length.
• Each frond is semi-translucent, with visible vein-like structures running through them, resembling etched glass.
• Edges of the fronds shimmer faintly, refracting light into faint rainbows.
• The base anchors into the fine silts of the Gulf using a tough, crystal-like rhizoid network.

Biological Traits

• Self-repair: Minor cuts or tears in the fronds heal within hours.
• Magic Retention: Can hold minor enchantments longer than typical plants without decay.
• Light Refraction: Fronds naturally bend and split light, creating optical illusions around dense Glasskelp patches.

Genetics and Reproduction

• Reproduces primarily through spore-like "gleamseeds," tiny pearl-like nodules released from mature fronds.
• Gleamseeds drift with the Gulf's slow currents, germinating when they settle into suitable silty or sandy ground.
• Rarely, Glasskelp can clone itself by splitting root nodes if damaged.

Ecology and Habitats

• Thrives exclusively in the Glassy Gulf, favoring areas where sunlight or moonlight can penetrate the clear, still water.
• Glasskelp beds stabilize the delicate ecosystem by preventing seabed erosion and offering shelter to small marine species.

Dietary Needs and Habits

• Photosynthetic, feeding primarily on sunlight and, to a lesser extent, magical residue naturally present in the Glassy Gulf.
• Unique in its ability to slowly absorb and "store" ambient healing magic, which contributes to its rumored restorative qualities.

Behaviour

• Passive, sessile behavior typical of aquatic flora.
• Exhibits a faint, rhythmic sway even when no currents are present, earning it the nickname "the Breathing Gardens" among divers.
• Sensitive to disturbances; nearby violent magic or heavy ship movement causes Glasskelp to contract slightly, recoiling from disruption.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

• Glasskelp Salves: Healers harvest fronds carefully to brew rare regenerative salves or potions.
• Weaving: Artisans in Skyhaven and Ashbourne use dried Glasskelp fibers to craft shimmering cloth and jewelry.
• Spell Components: Powdered Glasskelp is a prized material for certain healing and barrier enchantments.
• Eco-Stabilizers: Mages plant Glasskelp in restoration efforts to repair magically-damaged aquatic environments.

Overharvesting is banned in several regions after it was linked to destabilizing parts of the Glassy Gulf.

Average Intelligence

None; non-sentient, though some scholars anthropomorphize its "light-following" behavior.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

• While not sentient, Glasskelp exhibits photo-reactivity—swaying and "reaching" toward natural or magical light sources.
• Some mages believe Glasskelp can sense magical currents, subtly shifting to gather ambient energy.

Civilization and Culture

History

Glasskelp has been part of local legend in coastal communities around the Glassy Gulf for centuries, often treated as a semi-sacred plant. First Myth: Early seafarers told stories of "Moonweeds" that would heal shipwrecked survivors.
First Scientific Study: In 471 AD, Sana Myrel identified tangible regenerative properties and began formal documentation.
Modern Use: Glasskelp farming has been attempted but with poor results outside of the Gulf's unique conditions, leading to strong conservation laws.
Current Beliefs: Many believe that Glasskelp fronds are gifts from sea spirits, and harming a Glasskelp bed is considered a grave offense in coastal rituals.

Scientific Name

Vitralga Medicoris

Lifespan

~5 years; Root colony lifespan: Potentially hundreds of years if undisturbed.

Average Height

Typically between 2 to 4 meters tall underwater.

Average Weight

Extremely lightweight—individual fronds weigh less than 2 kg even when fully grown.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Primarily colorless/translucent with faint silver-blue veins. Under moonlight, fronds emit a soft, pale cyan glow along their edges. Healing magic exposure can cause subtle shifts into light pink or violet hues.

Geographic Distribution

• Glassy Gulf

Discovered by

Sana Myrel