Shadowwort

Properties

Material Characteristics

Shadowwort is a deep green, oily moss.  It is stringy and tends to cling tightly to the surfaces it grows on.  Shadowwort may be difficult to distinguish from moss or mildew at first glance, but the oily texture is a dead giveaway.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Shadowwort can become a crumbly, dry powder when in the wrong conditions for growing, but when it is healthy its greasiness is evident.  It is highly flammable, and when burnt it can cause Shadowwort Possession in nearby individuals from the smoke.  Shadowwort also has strong anti-magic which will negate the properties of most Lyniettie Bubbles, besides those made with Sunset Pearl Lyniettie or Purple Filigree Lyniettie .

Compounds

Unlike lyniettie, shadowwort does not easily mix with water, and it will not mix with Lyniettie Juice unless a binding agent is used. The only known binding agent to combine lyniettie and shadowwort is ground human bones, which will result in Shadowwort Mix  when successfully combined.

Geology & Geography

Shadowwort grows in damp, dark conditions, but will also grow in more light, albeit less abundantly.

History & Usage

History

Shadowwort was discovered much earlier than lyniettie, which means its anti-magic properties were not known at the time.  Once lyniettie bubbles became more widely used, shadowwort's anti-magic became notorious as an unusual nuisance. However, when Vanna began to experiment with shadowwort, she also discovered the way to combine it with lyniettie, and a whole new set of problems emerged.

Hazards

Shadowwort's major hazard is its flammability and the resulting Shadowwort Possession. However, even if no one is nearby, shadowwort fire can be a danger as it is difficult to extinguish.

Type

Organic

Odor

Bitter and a bit like mold or mildew

Taste

Bitter and oily

Color

Deep green, almost black

Common State

Solid