The Deathflower

Cover by from a blog Playful Promises

Slavery made simple

— The Wizard Chom

Data entry: Warning
The Deathflower

Many species invaded our homeworld after the Emergence. Some of the most sinister among them do not speak, strike or even eat humans. The Deathflower is a highly invasive plant recently discovered in tropical environments. We suspect one of the great Impacts unleashed spores that the winds carried and fertilized our own local fauna.

Image Miles of Red |by terencecleezy

After a few generations, it became clear that this ruby red, enticing flower was not native to the planet and covered many areas for miles in a short span of time.

Basic Information

Anatomy

If you come across a waxy casing with any ruby red lipped bloom you should move away and note its location. Only botanists or herbalists should study the plant to decipher its species and safety to humanity. Specialists claim they can decipher the Deathflower from Hooker's Lips with this assistance of a Golden Silk Moth. The Moth prefers the native Hooker's Lips and will shun the Deathflower.

Genetics and Reproduction

These flowers are highly invasive. Perhaps the only competitor with such a propensity to infiltrate an area is kudzu. Our experts are learning much about the nature of this species, and suspect the pollen has viral-like particles embedded inside. If the pollen successfully fertilizes another flower, the DNA structure alters much more profoundly than a typical hybridization process. Progeny traits of the natural fauna are subdued and the newer Deathflower traits are produced.

Growth Rate & Stages

The adolescent stages of the Deathflower are indistinguishable from most plantlife we know. A green sprout that sprawls out quickly like a ground cover. At this point, a Hooker's Lips type of bract would emerge and can grow up to 3 meters in height. The actual native flower brings forth a white flower in December to March periods. The menacing Deathflower does not. It forms more enticing ruby lip like flowers that capture the attention of insects, birds, and humans. The plant then subsides back into a hibernation-like state if colder temperatures arrive.

Ecology and Habitats

The Deathflower enjoys a humid tropical climate and does not like frost or cold temperatures. It needs a water source to thrive effectively so mutants use irrigation systems in less than ideal environments. As an invasive species, it seeks to overtake an area slowly over time by changing the flowers DNA. It still requires sunlight and fertile soil. Coastal or high altitude regions are not suitable for its growth

Biological Cycle

What makes this plant so dangerous is its adaptability. Its pollen is said to be mutagenic to other flowering plants. The pollen is durable and travels easily on wind, insects or birds. Herbicides that have been recovered from ancient times have limited potency against the Deathflower. Roundup is a universal brand but it hardly keeps the flower down for long. Radiation has no deterrent effect at least the limited trials that have been run to date. Fire can wipe a batch out for a long time.

Additional Information

Domestication

Carocs - Croc Men and Tiger men have been successful in harvesting and the Deathflower. It is suggestive they are resistant to the effects of the pollen, but not immune, because most workers are equipped with breathing filters or masks.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

The mass production of the Deathflower is a menace to humanity. Wizards can subjugate entire outposts or even a large colony with judicial use of Deathflower pollen. Humans are put in a suggestive state and are easily given orders to work. Slavery made simple.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

The problem of Death flowers is that the pollen induces stages of hypnosis. A mere gram of concentrated pollen can subdue a Sasquatch-sized Mok for hours. A Human is unable to resist a fraction of a gram for six to eight hours. Wizards seek this flower out because of these properties alone and as a result, mutant tribes will farm the flower and trade it to anyone. If anyone knows of a Death Flower operation please report to the local leaders of human outposts. Do not try to engage in the mutant farmers.

The Hooker's Lips are distinct from the Deathflower with a small white bloom. Pass the info on. If you have no knowledge of plants, please stay away from red lipped plants. Report to nearest outpost leader.

Scientific Name

Unclassified. Suspect a mutant variation of Psychotria Elata or Hooker's Lips

Origin/Ancestry

Alien hybrid - strongly suggested it was released from the tropical impacts of Africa

Lifespan

Unknown

Conservation Status

Sadly, the authentic native-born Hooker's Lips flower is becoming extinct. This flower needs to be preserved because it has medicinal properties of which we all can benefit.

Average Height

3 foot tall

Average Length

They have been known to span more than 50 acres according to our most recent sightings.

Gaming Use:
Treat the Deathflower as a Tri-Flower Frond. However, it does not have tendrils, acid or fluid draining skills. For all intents and purposes, the flower's pollen is what is of value for the Gamemaster.
If the pollen is weaponized - unless otherwise stated it is a 10th level Mass Suggestion spell in potency.