Drainroot

A parasitic plant that feeds on a living creature's essence.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Drainroots have a short, thick stem of a dark pink color. Several long and flattened roots grow from the stem, turning red towards the end.
They develop a single large flower with round black petals. This plant has no regular leaves, only a ring of pointy purple sepals that will later turn into the equivalent of fruits.

Ecology and Habitats

The plant is native to Selviatun, the home continent of the Vampires. Through portal travel and trade, it spread to many different regions where it is seen as a threat to local ecosystems.
Most cultures implemented strict safety measures for importing goods from Selviatun, and drainroot plants in the wild are exterminated as soon as possible. Some governments grant permissions for cultivating research specimens, but only to certified alchemists.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Drainroots can survive as epiphytes, growing on trees and feeding on the life essence in their sap. However, they will quickly latch on to larger animals or people when given the opportunity.
Once they detect a suitable prey creature, they detach themselves from the host tree and drop down. Their roots can move with eerily animal-like speed, wrapping around the nearest limb to secure their position. Next, the tips of the roots pierce the skin above the nearest arteries, and the plant will start growing finer roots from there to further anchor itself and feed more efficiently.

Additional Information

Domestication

The plant is very challenging to domesticate. It is typically content to stay in a pot with fresh blood, which eliminates its need for hunting. However, it is highly recommended to keep it supervised at all times.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

There are a few records of using it in biological warfare, but its most notable application is in the context of golem research. Life essence is hard to extract from blood by artificial means, so the plant became a valuable tool in the harvest of this key ingredient. Its fruits are saturated with this substance and can be processed using traditional alchemy.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

These parasites react to light and warmth. In particular, they seek out the body heat of animals or people.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

Drainroots prefer larger mammals, but have also been found on reptiles such as monitors or crocodiles. While they typically start life on other trees, they never attach themselves permanently to those.
However, on a sentient creature, they grow additional roots that bury deep into the flesh. Those are nearly impossible to remove by surgical means after as little as an hour. Fragments that remain inside the body can easily cause infections, so Plant Turning is the preferred method for detaching the drainroot from its host.
Depending on the growth stage of both creatures, the effect can range from mild fatigue to partial paralysis. If the plant feeds on the host for too long, the latter may fall into a coma and even die.

by Kathrin Janowski

Lifespan

3 months

Average Height

20 - 45 cm

by Kathrin Janowski

by Kathrin Janowski