Flaxen Fields of Senmir
Geography
A relatively flat plain with a few rolling hills spread throughout. The plains are covered with many different types of grasses and grains that seem to grow homogeneously together. Few have ventured into the Flaxen Fields, but those that have made it back successfully report colorful flowers and herbs that grow in abundance. Also reported is the fact that the Fire Clay River runs through the vast area of the Flaxen Fields. This is not so surprising as it exits on the East side of the Fields where the river town of Yaclart. Most reports of what lies within the Flaxen fields comes from the town and their interactions with the wildlife. Other reports come from the brave few who venture inside and return. Although much was learned during the Great Burning of 2368 when varying states vied for control of the Flaxen Fields. Only to learn that the Flaxen Fields can't be controlled.
Fauna & Flora
When one looks at the edge of the Flaxen Fields they may assume incorrectly that nothing else could grow inside, but golden grain. They would be mistaken however, since deeper in other colors do exist inside in the form of flora both beneficial and deadly. Herbalists have come back from the fields with red, yellow, pink, and rare blue flowers. Fire Flower, Summer's Joy, Lover's Heart, and Midnight's Moon Blossom as they are named are the most common herbalists will bring back.
Fire Flower is a plant that grows in a small bush with tall stems growing up to 3ft in length. The buds will produce a bright red flower that if eaten can help break a fever. This should be used under expert supervision as too much Fire Flower can kill with overheating those who eat it that they can burn up from the inside.
Summer's Joy spreads out in clusters of 6 - 12 ft and grows to 5 inches in height. Colorful yellow flowers bloom with 4 - 5 round petals and an orange center. Used to relieve minor aches and pains, however this is another flower to be used with supervision. Too much Summer's Joy can cause severe hallucinations.
Lover's Heart is a spiky red flower sprouting from thick stems growing up to 6ft in height , the stems are 3 ft in diameter and the flowers themselves grow 5 inches in diameter. Used to bless marriage ceremonies across Senmir. Couples far and wide will pay a high price for the herbalist who can bring them a Lover's heart which is said to bring good fortune to the couple's marriage. The price is rather high for this flower as the Lover's heart thick stem can be home to the fierce Jaw Crusher insect. Aptly named because their size is so immense that they have no problem crushing the jaws of most humanoids with their powerful mandibles.
Midnight's Moon Blossom while a common flower that herbalist's will bring back it is perhaps considered the most rare of all the plants the grow in the Flaxen Fields. Revealing itself at midnight under a full moon the flower itself glows softly in full bloom. The flower is bell shaped with broad leaves and sprouts from a thin vine like structure. From the flower during bloom a sweet smelling nectar will slowly drip down from within the flower causing small puddles near the base of the vine. The puddles will evaporate once the moon sets. The nectar also glows with a faint blue light even when separated from the flower. Herbalists will collect the nectar and dilute it. The nectar can provide brief glimpses into the future when drunk, but it must be diluted first. Failure to do so will cause whoever partook to be driven insane by the possible futures they will see. The solution must also be placed within a solid flask that will not allow light in and must be drunk at night with moonlight being the only available light. Some herbalists speak of a creature that seems to be able to drink the Midnight's Moon blossom nectar with no ill effects. Details of the creature are limited except that it seems to be a small four legged creature based off of the tracks located around dried puddles of the nectar. Tufts of grey fur are also found around the vines, but little else is known about the creature. Perhaps if they truly suffer no side effects from the nectar then they can see into the future and avoid being detected.
The Jaw Crusher and the elusive midnight creature are not the only things inside of the Flaxen Fields. However, not many creatures have been seen closely to warrant full reports. Birds, insects, small lizards, and mammals have been glimpsed inside the Fields.
A few have reported sleek dog like creatures with long pointed noses and pointed ears. Their tails hang low, but are fluffy with tan fur. They are called Blender Dogs since with their fur color they blend in with their surroundings and could be right next to you without you ever knowing. They keep to themselves mostly, but have been known to attack those that are by themselves or those that hang back from the group.
The only other creature known to be in the Flaxen Fields is a parasite called The Little Drinker. This small minuscule bug, difficult to see, has been known to latch onto those traversing the Fields. Once they latch onto their victim the parasite will slowly drink their victims blood, which enlarges the parasite. If The Little Drinker becomes big enough without detection or removal they will insert their own will into their victims taking them over. Once under the control of the parasite the victims lose all sense of self and do whatever the parasite wishes of them. It is very difficult to remove The Little Drinker once they have latched on, but in some cases with great care the Fire Flower can be administered to the victim. The flower will cause the victims' blood to become undesirable to the Little Drinker and they will let go.
Natural Resources
The flowers that herbalists gather are just one resource of the Fields. The other popular resource is the grains that farmers will harvest around the edge of the Fields. The Vittles grain makes up the majority of the Flaxen Fields. It towers to 11ft in height with 2in stems with the ears of the grain sprouting almost down the entire stem. The grain is always a golden color, but duller looking during the colder months. The grain is tough and requires soaking in water overnight to loosen the grains from the stems and then dried out completely before it can be ground into a fine powder to make bread and other food.
The other resource comes from the Fire Clay River. Red clay deposits near the river are collected by potters' from Yaclart to make some of the world's most renowned pottery. Some have said that pottery from the town of Yaclart seems to have some sort of extra property compared to items made with other clay. Most potters' say they have better results when they collect clay closest to the Flaxen Fields.
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