Sylphium
Racial Magic
☀️Rithaldis' Diet
☀️
Able to consume or absorb radiant energy (sunlight, solar plasma, ionizing radiation) as sustenance, to heal or to replenish their magic energy. Sylphium grows by absorbing the strong sunlight in the Shamsi Desert and consuming parts of this plant grants one the same ability for a stretch of time, converting any radiant energy in their body or environment into energy and/or healing any damage caused to the consumer.
Mpertem's Aura
Can generate emotions, states and thoughts related to Mpertem to those around it or to those who consume it. Generally imparts euphoria and eases the pain of injuries, aches and pains.
An important and highly valued flower in northern Alkelbulan as seasoning, perfume, aphrodisiac and medicine. This was a prized plant amid the Quiris-Hellenes empire and is still valued in Kemet and Kna'an. The most valueable part of the plant is its resin, called laser or laserpicium. Legend claims the plant was a gift from Lithmor to the peoples of the Shamsi Desert. So highly prized is this herb that it is often quite expensive, bought and transferred to the Quiris and Turkler in small amounts. The herb itself will only grow in Libu, in a range stretching 125 by 35 miles (201 by 56 km). In fact, the species had once gone extinct but was revived by Fliris and Lithmor. It is believed that Rithaldis' Plane is home to entire fields of Sylphium!
Anatomy
Silphium is a plant with a thick stalk and golden flowers. It possesses stout, branching roots and stalks which are grooved and striated. Its basal leaves are heart shaped and resemble celery leaves. The characteristic golden flowers are umbel, many small flower stalks spreading into an umbrella like shape. Dry and papery fruit are also shaped like inverted hearts.
by Lee Stepp
Original Ancestor
Size
Diameter 1-3 in (3-8 cm)
Coloration
Habitat
Sylphium cannot be cultivated, growing only as a wild herb. They also only flower and go to seed once before dying, sprouting up quickly after spring rains. Difficult to transplant, they need cold stratification to germinate which means exposing the seeds to wet and wintry conditions. Sylphium will only grow at altitudes between 5,000-7,700 ft (1,500-2350 m), preferring rocky, chalky soil. It takes at least ten years for the plant to fully mature, dying shortly after going to seed. It grows best on mountains and high steppes and needs to be protected from grazers like sheep and goats who are attracted to it, despite the plant's tendency to make them sneeze!
Uses
Whether it is crushed, roasted, sauteed, boiled, made into a poulstice or its resin is extracted, sylphium is most used to treat radiant poisoning, the contemporary term for radiation sickness. It is also known to generate a sense of bliss, euphoria or even pain relief whether used as a medicine, made into perfume or even just kept live. Aside from its Racial Magic, the plant contains multiple medicinal purposes too. Sylphium can treat cough, sore throat, fever, indigestion, aches and pains and warts all while healing those who sunbathe and relieving chronic pain. It can even be used as contraception or for abortions. This has led to the herb being used as symbol for sexuality and love. It is the resin or leaves which can be ground up and taken as a contraceptive. A small dose the size of a pea is given to either prevent pregnancy or abort, triggering immediate menstruation. Overall, the flower is a major symbol for Rithaldis and has many positive assocations despite its rarity. Due to its high price tag, some even call it the King's Flower and one might just find a popular drug in black markets derived from Sylphium, possessing an equally golden price tag.
by Lee Stepp
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