Difference between revisions of "Air plants"

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==Air plants - ''Tillandsia aeranthos''==
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[[File:2021_04_10_airPlantA_master2k.jpg|thumb|600px|border|right|An Air Forest observed in the valleys of eastern Lume, the parachute seeds employing wind currents for wider dispersal. A [[Dunefolk]] scales the vines in a risky gambit for rare ingredients. ]]
  
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Across the [[Lands of Lume|Continent]] there floats a particular variety of vegetation, hovering anywhere from a few [[spans]] to hundreds of [[paces]] above the ground. The largest of them resemble gourds, each trailing tendrils of vines, their size and appearance dependent on the location. Surprisingly, the plains and deserts sport as many forms of ''Tillandsia'' as any other region. There are entire fields of floating, interlocked orbs, stretching out to the horizon.
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==''Tillandsia aeranthos''==
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Hovering anywhere from a few [[spans]] to hundreds of [[paces]] above the ground, these incredible Floating Forests pepper the skyline, filling the skies with life. Born of the genetic manipulation typical of the ancient Deumana, these majestic, elevated gardens have flourished in the skies of Lume unopposed, far outliving their proud landscapers. The plants are anchored to immense, floating gourds, each tight with internal gases; the source of their air-borne particularity. There are regions of the Continent where fields of interlocking orbs stretch to the horizon.  
  
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The floating gourds are tight with internal gases, the source of their particularity. Occasionally they will spout a pollen-rich gas from an opening on their summit, which travels on the breeze, fertilizing the landscape. This pollen serves a second purpose; self-defense. Any herbivore or hapless individual interested in the soft, nutrient-rich vines, will find themselves the target of a specialised pollen-imbued gas jet. Kept in pockets inside the gourd, and differing from the reproductive pollen and floating gas, this strain is weaponised. Whilst not lethal, the intense itch it induces, as well as the irritation caused to exposed skin, is enough to rebuke all but the hardiest of creatures. The duration and severity of this rash depends on the individual, the duration of exposure, and the strain of ''Tillandsia''. It should be noted that no fatalities have been recorded directly due to this, though many beings have stumbled and fallen from the forest heights. Temporary blindness as well as nausea and difficulty breathing have all been documented in [[Folk]] patients.
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Seasonally, these volar flora emit a pollen-rich effluvium that travels on the breeze. The resulting seeds drop to the soil below, where the infant plants grow rotund on nutrients before taking to the skies, briefly tethered on root-like vines that eventually sever.  
  
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Despite the hundreds of varieties, the ''itch-jets'' and gaseous floating ability remain common traits among the genus. Certain creatures have adapted to benefit from the ''Tillandsia'', not only for nourishment, but as homes for their colonies. It serves as an invaluable sanctuary for aerial species during breeding. Certain cultures, and individuals, have developed safe methods of extracting nourishment, or re-purposing the gourds for limited flight. The children of these communities grow up playing among the plants, using the vines to swing between them, climbing to great heights and drifting on the currents. Trials and feats of daring have been chronicled, though at time of writing this remains hearsay. [[Necrosis]] has made some headway into re-purposing the gourds for aerial scouting and surveillance.
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The gourds may also release an irritant pollen that serves as self-defense against herbivory, spraying any opportunists looking to harvest them. When the sensitive roots that encompass the gourds are disturbed, the transgressor is doused with an aerosol effective enough to rebuke the hardiest of creatures. Ill-effects such as sneezing, nausea, severe itching, temporary blindness, and difficulty breathing, have all been documented by Folk healers. Though these symptoms are not typically fatal, wheezing and stumbling around blind at such heights is certainly a formula for a brief, if exciting, life.
  
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'''''Unmistakably born of the genetic manipulation performed by the ancient [[Deumana]], the Library of [[Motometro]] notes many examples of vast, beautiful floating gardens. For unrecorded [[Rotations]] they flourished in the skies unopposed. The weaponised pollen ''itch'' is likely a throwback to an ancestral mutation, developed in order to defend from predators. Initially their flowers were most likely needed for procreation, and these were doubtless enhanced by the [[Deumana]] for their aesthetic quality; their presence now is only vestigial.'''''
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The cleverest of [[Lands of Lume|Lume's]] aerial creatures have evolved specialised methods to safely benefit from these forests; not only for nourishment, but as shelter from predators, and invaluable sanctuaries during breeding cycles. Additionally, some [[Folk]] cultures have developed alongside the large air plants, even re-purposing the gourds for limited flight. The children of these communities grow nimble and confident playing among the orbs, swinging deftly between the orbs. Feats of daring among these [[Folk]] are spoken of by charmed travelers.
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'''''If an air tree falls, what sound does it make?'''''

Latest revision as of 11:37, 9 September 2022

An Air Forest observed in the valleys of eastern Lume, the parachute seeds employing wind currents for wider dispersal. A Dunefolk scales the vines in a risky gambit for rare ingredients.

Tillandsia aeranthos

Hovering anywhere from a few spans to hundreds of paces above the ground, these incredible Floating Forests pepper the skyline, filling the skies with life. Born of the genetic manipulation typical of the ancient Deumana, these majestic, elevated gardens have flourished in the skies of Lume unopposed, far outliving their proud landscapers. The plants are anchored to immense, floating gourds, each tight with internal gases; the source of their air-borne particularity. There are regions of the Continent where fields of interlocking orbs stretch to the horizon.

Seasonally, these volar flora emit a pollen-rich effluvium that travels on the breeze. The resulting seeds drop to the soil below, where the infant plants grow rotund on nutrients before taking to the skies, briefly tethered on root-like vines that eventually sever.

The gourds may also release an irritant pollen that serves as self-defense against herbivory, spraying any opportunists looking to harvest them. When the sensitive roots that encompass the gourds are disturbed, the transgressor is doused with an aerosol effective enough to rebuke the hardiest of creatures. Ill-effects such as sneezing, nausea, severe itching, temporary blindness, and difficulty breathing, have all been documented by Folk healers. Though these symptoms are not typically fatal, wheezing and stumbling around blind at such heights is certainly a formula for a brief, if exciting, life.

The cleverest of Lume's aerial creatures have evolved specialised methods to safely benefit from these forests; not only for nourishment, but as shelter from predators, and invaluable sanctuaries during breeding cycles. Additionally, some Folk cultures have developed alongside the large air plants, even re-purposing the gourds for limited flight. The children of these communities grow nimble and confident playing among the orbs, swinging deftly between the orbs. Feats of daring among these Folk are spoken of by charmed travelers.


If an air tree falls, what sound does it make?

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