Yhastor Mana-Orchid
The mana-orchid as recorded in Francis Radcliff Journals' during the Cromwell Expeditions of c. AoD 2E440 was "a beautiful flower potent with lyrium. Its purple and blue petals glow in the night with the aura of arcanum." The Radcliff Mana-Orchid, as it was known for the time, was found in several other remote locations along the Aashaen coast. The flower was thought to have gone extinct in the time since the Age of Ruin, but various accounts have revealed the mana-orchid's survival within the Kingdom of Yhastoria, once know in ages past as the World Scar.
The orchid's flowering bud forms by the new moon of Second Seed. From here, the life cycle of this Orchid follows the ambient flow of Sevi in the environment, blooming during the fulls of the moon from Second Seed til Sun's Dusk. The plant withers and dies during the Darkening at the end of Long Night expelling its stores in spectacular light show producing a similar effect to the Colorspray spell. The magicka from the plant is consumed by the void of the twin new moons. Even in death, the plant's death-throws scatter light seeds far into the air for the next generation.
Radcliff described the process in his journals as they prepared to leave that second year of the expedition: "Even as the tides fall, and the skies darken, [the seeds] shown forth in the sky like the stars on a moonless night; they dance like a great ball with only the breeze to direct the rhythm and sway. The sight of which will enchant my being with their beauty for the rest of my days."
Further notes on the life cycle of the Mana-Orchids reveal that growing in areas of higher ambient magicka, known to commonfolk as Places of Power, prevent the plant from dying during the Darkening. At first glance, one would expect that such areas would be filled with flowers benefiting from the additional magicka, but without the depleted ambient mana, the orchids never trigger the seeding stages of propagation.
Depending on the Alchemists skill and need, a Mageblood potion requires ground petals of Mana-Orchids in bloom. The moon phase in which they are harvested affect the purity, and most be used for alchemical purposes within a 10-day.
Alchemists and mages alike have developed secreted spells and techniques to foster the growth of mana-orchids in specialized gardens or a Lustratorium. Those that have ready access to Aspyrian Mana Orchids have these exotic flowers as the prides of their collection. While not openly verified, Transmuters may have developed spells to temporarily assist with the alchemical preservation of these flowers, but if such magical weaves exist, they are closely held trade secrets.
Discovery
While the orchid is recorded in the Elyrian lexicon before the arrival of man, the common discovery of this Mana-Orchid is attributed to Francis Radcliff. Radcliff, while not an arcanist himself, was one of the Dovrani naturalists working in association of the magisters of the Arcane University for its expeditions into southern Esric. They were first discovered deep within the tropical jungles of southern Esric, nearly a hundred leagues inland at the ancient ruined temple site natives called the Fnouk Karnrrg. Live Orchid specimens were cultivated and attempted transpant for the Lustratorium back in Valencia, however, none survived the trip back to the Arcane University.Life Cycle
Papers on the Orchid from Imperium and Aspyrian scholars lists the various details of the Mana-Orchid's life cycle. The seeds lie dormant for the first several months of the year, typically only taking root around Full Moon of First Seed. For the next lunar cycle, the Mana-Orchid grows extremely slowly. It continues to grow with the rising ambient mana level during months closer to the Midyear SolsticeThe orchid's flowering bud forms by the new moon of Second Seed. From here, the life cycle of this Orchid follows the ambient flow of Sevi in the environment, blooming during the fulls of the moon from Second Seed til Sun's Dusk. The plant withers and dies during the Darkening at the end of Long Night expelling its stores in spectacular light show producing a similar effect to the Colorspray spell. The magicka from the plant is consumed by the void of the twin new moons. Even in death, the plant's death-throws scatter light seeds far into the air for the next generation.
Radcliff described the process in his journals as they prepared to leave that second year of the expedition: "Even as the tides fall, and the skies darken, [the seeds] shown forth in the sky like the stars on a moonless night; they dance like a great ball with only the breeze to direct the rhythm and sway. The sight of which will enchant my being with their beauty for the rest of my days."
Further notes on the life cycle of the Mana-Orchids reveal that growing in areas of higher ambient magicka, known to commonfolk as Places of Power, prevent the plant from dying during the Darkening. At first glance, one would expect that such areas would be filled with flowers benefiting from the additional magicka, but without the depleted ambient mana, the orchids never trigger the seeding stages of propagation.
Use
While a beautiful flower in itself, the mana-orchid is highly sought after by skilled alchemists. It is can be used as a primary ingredient for Mageblood potions (also known as Lyrium). The alchemical preparations are used to restore the strain upon the mind and restore the balance of an arcane caster allowing for further channeling of weaves safely. The mana-orchid is a more consistant and reliable source to produce Lyrium that the raw ore rarely recovered in the current era.Depending on the Alchemists skill and need, a Mageblood potion requires ground petals of Mana-Orchids in bloom. The moon phase in which they are harvested affect the purity, and most be used for alchemical purposes within a 10-day.
Alchemists and mages alike have developed secreted spells and techniques to foster the growth of mana-orchids in specialized gardens or a Lustratorium. Those that have ready access to Aspyrian Mana Orchids have these exotic flowers as the prides of their collection. While not openly verified, Transmuters may have developed spells to temporarily assist with the alchemical preservation of these flowers, but if such magical weaves exist, they are closely held trade secrets.
Names: Yhastor Mana-Orchid; also called Lyriac Orchid; Apyrian Sevi Blossom; or Radcliff Mana-Orchid
Lexicon Designation: Beloglottis Sevilarium
Life Cycle: Annual
Habitat: Locations with above average ambient-magicka, humid, and warm, not photophilic.
Known Locations: Yhastoria, Coastal Regions of Aashae, Remote islands along the Jyn'ani coast
Use: Primary ingredient for Lyrium Potions. Domesticatable: In specialized gardens, typically mage-tended Lustratriums.
Lexicon Designation: Beloglottis Sevilarium
Life Cycle: Annual
Habitat: Locations with above average ambient-magicka, humid, and warm, not photophilic.
Known Locations: Yhastoria, Coastal Regions of Aashae, Remote islands along the Jyn'ani coast
Use: Primary ingredient for Lyrium Potions. Domesticatable: In specialized gardens, typically mage-tended Lustratriums.
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