Amber Marigold

The Amber Marigold is a rare flower that grows in desert sands around Elven settlements.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Resembling with multi-layered, vibrant petals, the Amber Marigold is a far smaller variant of the flower. The stalk can only grow up to approximately 2 ft tall, with small leaves and flowers up to 10cm across. Like its namesake, the flowers are a rich orange-gold colour that appears to shine in the desert sun, emitting a soft hum when a magically inclined person passes close by. Due to this it is also nicknamed the Mage's Bell.

Ecology and Habitats

Amber Marigolds grow in desert habitats where concentrated magic is present. They are mostly associated with Quealin cities, often growing in and around the boundaries of the elves' cloaked settlements due to the heavy usage of magic there.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

After much testing and experimentation, Amber Marigold has been discovered to hold narcotic and slightly hallucinogenic properties when the flower is injested. Due to its magical nature the flower is deeply sought after by scholars and powerful mages as a mind-expanding drug to help with ritual and spellwork. Overdose is easy, however, and only a couple of petals is usually required -- though some assassins have been known to dilute the entire flower into a potent poison.
The root of the Amber Marigold can be used in teas and tinctures to soothe fevers and reduce magic users' fatigue, and the stalk can be broken and 'milked' of its watery insides to be used in soothing balms.

Scientific Name

Tagetes magis

Conservation Status

Due to its scarce nature, the Amber Marigold is coveted and protected by the High Elves. Only Councillors and Ambassadors are permitted to pick the flower or grant permission to do so, and it is punishable by imprisonment to steal them. More often than not those in need of the flower's properties will take a handful of petals or small cutting of the roots as opposed to the whole flower, to keep the population up.