Shadowthorn
Basic Information
Anatomy
The Shadowthorn, small, perfectly spherical flowers, resembling little balls or pompons. Each bloom is formed by countless tightly rolled petals, creating a compact, globular shape. These petals curve inwards, forming blooms typically smaller than 2 inches in diameter. The flowers are usually a silvery blue, though other soft blues have been observed, and this hue is the most common. Along the stem, sharp, pointed outgrowths of the plant's stem epidermis add to its menacing appearance, resembling tiny, sinister thorns.
Growth Rate & Stages
The Shadowthorn Blossom's growth stages are slow and deliberate, reflecting its deadly nature. It begins as a tiny, white nub within the moist, dark soil of caves or the Underdark during late autumn. In winter, the plant remains dormant, its roots quietly anchoring into the subterranean earth. As temperatures and moisture levels favor growth, the bud slowly forms in early spring, developing gradually over several weeks without haste. The bloom reaches its full, compact form—an silvery blue blackish-blue flower—at the height of summer, within the protected shades of caverns and the Underdark. Once fully developed, the Shadowthorn maintains this form for several nights, then gradually wanes, seeding itself with spores or small pups before returning to dormancy, completing its cycle every few years.
Ecology and Habitats
The Shadowthorn Blossom prefers the dark, humid environments of caves and the Underdark, thriving in shadowy alcoves, crevices, and underground tunnels where minimal light reaches. It favors areas with rich, moisture-retentive soils and limited airflow, often growing in proximity to mineral deposits or underground water sources. These plants have adapted to low-light conditions, making them resilient in the perpetual gloom of subterranean realms. Their presence in such environments suggests a symbiotic or at least resilient relationship with the unique ecosystem of these shadowed worlds.
Civilization and Culture
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
Due to its dangerous nature, the Shadowthorn is rarely used openly in rituals or ceremonies. Instead, it is mainly handled in secret by assassins, poisoners, or those who delve into the darker arts. Cultures that are aware of its deadly properties often have strict taboos against handling or even mentioning the plant openly, fearing inadvertent poisoning or curses. Sometimes, remnants of Shadowthorn are hidden in the depths of caves or buried away from common paths as a warning or as part of protective wards against intruders or enemies seeking forbidden knowledge.
Common Myths and Legends
One legend speaks of a high-ranking noble known for his arrogance and greed, a man who believed he could take whatever he desired—including the virtues, affections, and secrets of several women—without consequence. His cruelty finally caught up with him when a cunning adversary, employing the deadly Shadowthorn, laid a trap that whispered his betrayal and hubris back to him. According to the legend, the noble fell victim to a venom derived from the plant—ground into a lethal powder and stealthily administered—serving as a brutal reminder that hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, and that even the most powerful cannot escape the retribution of those wronged.
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