Difference between revisions of "Air plants"

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[[File:2021_04_10_airPlantA_master2k.jpg|thumb|600px|border|right|An Air Forest typical of the valleys to the east of [[Land of Lume|Lume]]. Note the 'parachute' seeds, produced by apomixis, that make use of wind currents for wide dispersal. Dependent on a symbiotic ecosystem, these gardens procreate in various ways. Birds, insects and other wildlife also help to pollinate the numerous plants that grow on the gourds. A [[Dunefolk]] scales the vines in a risky attempt to gather rare ingredients and foodstuffs.]]
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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. ]]
  
 
==''Tillandsia aeranthos''==
 
==''Tillandsia aeranthos''==
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Across the [[Lands of Lume|Continent]], and hovering anywhere from a few [[spans]] to hundreds of [[paces]] above the ground, incredible Floating Forests pepper the skyline, filling the skies with life. The large founding plants these forests grow on resemble gourds, each trailing tendrils of vines, their size and appearance dependent on the location. Surprisingly, the plains and deserts sport numerous forms of ''Tillandsia'', albeit of a less tropical persuasion. There are regions on [[Lands of Lume|Lume]] where entire fields of interlocking orbs stretch out to the horizon.
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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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After [[Cycles]] of research, the cause of their quintessential flight is better understood. The floating gourds are tight with internal gases, the source of their air-borne particularity. Seasonally they emit a pollen-rich effluvium from an opening on their summit that travels on the breeze, fertilizing the landscape. The gourds contain an alternate strain of pollen that serves a second purpose; self-defense against herbivory, or host-plant resistance.. Any creature damaging the soft, nutrient-rich tendrils enveloping the gourd will find themselves the target of a small jet of irritant gas pocketed inside the gourd for just this occasion. The intense itch induced to exposed skin, and choking caused from inhalation, is enough to rebuke all but the hardiest of creatures. Temporary blindness, nausea and difficulty breathing have all been documented in [[Folk]] patients. The duration and severity of the ill-effects depends on the individual, the duration of exposure, and the strain of ''Tillandsia''. Though not fatal, many who  aspire to gather from these fruitful gardens stumble and fall from the verdurous heights.  
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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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Certain creatures have evolved specialised methods that allow them to benefit from the ''Tillandsia'', not only for nourishment, but as homes for their colonies. The forests serve as an invaluable sanctuary for aerial species during breeding. Some [[Folk]] cultures, and shrewd individuals, have developed safe methods of extracting nourishment, or re-purposing the gourds for limited flight. The children of these communities grow confident playing among the orbs, using the vines to swing and climb to great heights, all while 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]], these majestic, elevated gardens have flourished in the skies unopposed.'''''
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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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