Nimbus Nettle

Serenia nubilum, renowned for its deep numbing properties when processed by skilled botantical alchemists, is one of the most important plants in a healer's satchel. The small, thorny plant, typically referred to as the "Nimbus Nettle" in the common tongue, possesses a mild neurotoxin in it's leaves and stem where small, hairlike thorns on the underside of it's leaves give the plant it's name.

The plant boasts lush, silver-blue foliage in delicate fans similar to ferns, shimmering like the wispy tendrils of a cloud. Its showy white flowers, which bloom exclusively in the spring at the start of the the thaw, boast delicate, semi-transluscent petals reminiscent of ethereal mist. Nimbus Nettle thrives in the shadow of old-growth woodland, blooming only once winter has lost it's edge.

As useful as the plant is, both for medicine and nefarious purposes, it's growth habit makes it difficult to find and rare to cultivate outside of the secluded groves it favors.

Basic Information

Biological Traits

When the leaves and stems are harvested and carefully processed into a crystalline powder by alchemists, Nimbus Nettle yields a unique compound that exhibits potent numbing properties. This extract, known as "Nim Powder," possesses the ability to temporarily numb physical sensations upon application. The numbing effect, while powerful, is selective, targeting specific areas or regions of the body as magically directed by the skilled hands of magically gifted healers. Notably, the powder can be added to a magically activated jelly-like salve and used to soothe minor aches and pains without a healer's accompanying touch. Many non-herbalists herbalists sell the salve, though only alchemists market the pure powder - typically for exorbinant sums.
Skilled healers utilize it as a valuable tool in alleviating pain during surgeries, treating wounds, or providing relief for patients enduring chronic discomfort. Its numbing qualities have also even been known to aid in the setting of mental ailments when carefully added to liquid tonics and brews.
However, caution must be exercised when working with the pure powder. Improper handling or reckless application can result in undesired effects, such as prolonged numbness or numbing of vital body parts.
Most notably, when improperly mixed into tonics or inhaled nasally in it's powdered form, the neurotoxin becomes a powerful hallucinogen, causing users to enter a state of delerium known as 'Nettledream.' Alchemists who specialize in processing the Nimbus Nettle and selling it to those seeking entry into the Nettledream are known to be fiercely protective of their source groves and their particular refining methods. Violence follows wherever Nim Powder is misused, leading the plant to be strictly regulated in countries such as Larane and Risyverio.

Conservation Status

Endangered due to exploitation