Yellow Molnis

When I first started as a caravan guard I hated camp guard duty, especially the middle shift. Never anything interesting to do, just tend the fire and walk rounds to try and stay awake. I'll admit I managed to dose of a few times in the first months, at least until one of the other guards let me in on the trade secret, wakeroot. At first I thought the taste was horribly bitter, but after having chewed it for so many years I find I miss the taste now that I'm retired.

— from "Memories of a Caravan Guard" by Clais Hiltprandt

Yellow Molnis is the most common of the molnis flowers. It can be found in the wild in areas with enough warmth and sun, but is also a common plant in many herb gardens and is grown in small fields on some of the southern farms.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Fully grown Yellow Molnis is 10 to 15 centimeters high. Around a dozen long, narrow , green leaves spring from a central point. Typically two or three thin flower stalks spring from the same point. When in bloom the single bud on each stalk unfolds to reveal a flower with broad, bright yellow petals and a dark yellow center. Each flower is typically 3 to 4 centimeters in diameter. Below ground a single central root extends about as far down as the leaves rise. The root is dark brown, very fibrous and around 1 centimeter in diameter.

Growth Rate & Stages

Yellow Molnis is a single year plant that typically sprouts at the end of Gaea's Bloom or beginning of Green Fields from small seeds. For the first two months only the green leaves grow until they reach full length. The flower stalks then grow rapidly before they bloom in early Golden Grass. A flower typically lasts for 5 to 6 days before it wilts and releases new seeds that are carried off by the wind.

Ecology and Habitats

The plant prefers a slightly dry climate and can survive for weeks without water. Too much water on the other hand can cause the root to rot, killing the plant. It prefers warmer climates and is very common in the southern reaches of the Imperial continent. In colder climates the leaves and root will still grow, but it will not produce any flowers, preventing it from spreading naturally. Few animals eat the plant due to the bitterness of both leaves and root.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

When chewed the root of the Yellow Molnis has a bitter taste but acts as a mild stimulant, promoting wakefulness. Often called "Wakeroot" or "Watcher's Aid" it is commonly used by guards, soldiers, and others who need to stay awake for an extended period of time. The effect persists as long as the user is chewing the root, but quickly fades afterwards. Used over a long period of time the root is mildly addictive and leaves a brownish stain on the tongue.

If dried and powdered, the root can be used to brew an extremely bitter tea that relieves exhaustion for a short time. When the effect wears off the drinker typically experiences increased exhaustion as the body tries to cope. Extended use of the tea can be dangerous as the continued strain on the drinkers body can cause heart failure.

The petals of the flower can be dried and used to brew a surprisingly citrus-like tea that induces mild drowsiness. This tea is popular among mothers trying to get difficult children to sleep. Some people claim that they experience more vivid dreams after drinking tea made from Yellow Molnis petals.

Game Rules

A piece of Wakeroot costs 1 cp. While being chewed it grants advantage on Constitution rolls to avoid falling asleep. This does not work against magically induced sleep. A single piece of Wakeroot is large enough to work for 6 hours.

A dose of Dried Wakeroot costs 1 sp. A single dose produces enough tea for 1 medium or small person. When drunk the tea allows the drinker to ignore the effect of up to 2 levels of exhaustion for 1d4 hours. When the tea wears off the drinker needs to make a DC 14 Constitution save or suffer an additional level of exhaustion. Drinking another dose of tea before the first wears off extends the time by another 1d4 hours but also increases the save DC by 2. The save DC cannot be increased beyond 24. Instead. each new dose of tea adds an additional level of exhaustion on a failed save.

A dose of Dried Yellow Molnis costs 5 sp. A single dose produces enough tea for 1 medium or small person. When drunk the yea imposes disadvantage on any saves to resist sleep, normal or magical, for 1 hour.

Lifespan

1 year

Average Height

10 - 15 cm

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Green leaves with a bright yellow flower