Snagweed:
Overview
Snagweed is a resilient, fibrous plant native to the marshy regions of Haelwynn, thriving in the brackish waters of the Tangled Glades and along the floodplains of the Serpent’s Coil. Known for its tenacity, snagweed grows in thick clusters, its long, sinewy stalks twisting together like natural ropes. To the Roulavant, this unassuming plant is both a daily necessity and a symbol of survival.
Characteristics
- Appearance: Snagweed has slender, reed-like stalks with a pale green hue that darkens near its roots. The tips of the stalks produce feathery, copper-toned blossoms in late spring, often used for decorative purposes.
- Texture: Its tough fibers make it difficult to tear but perfect for crafting durable ropes, nets, and woven mats.
- Growth Pattern: Snagweed thrives in shallow, muddy water, rooting itself firmly to resist currents and winds.
Uses
- Crafting
- The fibers of snagweed are harvested, dried, and twisted into strong cords used for fishing nets, traps, and securing boats.
- Weavers fashion mats, baskets, and even protective coverings for homes from processed snagweed stalks.
- Chewing
- Fresh snagweed leaves are chewed by the Roulavant for their mildly numbing and hunger-dulling properties. This practice, often seen among laborers and fishermen, is said to "keep the swamp's gnaw at bay."
- Medicinal
- Boiled snagweed produces a bitter tea believed to soothe upset stomachs and reduce swamp fever.
- Its sap, when applied to wounds, acts as a rudimentary antiseptic, though its effectiveness is debated.
Folklore
To the Roulavant, snagweed represents the swamp’s dual nature of peril and providence. A common saying, “Snag ya tight, but holds ya steady,” refers to its ability to entangle yet provide security. In tales, snagweed is said to grow where Veyroulan rested after shaping the rivers, rooting deep in the Wyrm’s wake.
Warnings
While snagweed is indispensable, it is not without risk. Its dense growth can create dangerous underwater tangles, capable of ensnaring limbs or trapping small boats. These "snaggy deaths" are often blamed on Grattelune, the Drowned Rat, who is said to use the plant to pull greedy souls into its lair.
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