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 wider dispersal. Essentially a symbiotic ecosystem, these gardens lean on each other to flourish, proliferating in various ways. Birds, insects and other wildlife help to pollinate the numerous plants that grow on the gourds. In the illustrated example, a [[Dunefolk]] scales the vines in a risky gambit 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. These forests grow on immense gourds, each trailing tendrils of vines, their size and appearance dependent on the location. There are regions on [[Lands of Lume|Lume]] where entire fields of interlocking orbs stretch out to the horizon. Surprisingly, the plains and deserts also sport numerous forms of Air Forests, albeit of a less tropical, and spikier, persuasion.  
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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. 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, their aerial trait 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 also contain an alternate strain of pollen that serves a second purpose; self-defense against herbivory, and any opportunist gatherers. Creatures that damage the sensitive, nutrient-rich tendrils enveloping the gourd find themselves the target of a small jet of irritant gas, pocketed inside the gourd. The itch and choking this causes is enough to rebuke all but the hardiest of creatures. Effects such as temporary blindness, nausea, and difficulty breathing, have 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 the offended herbage. And though these irritants are not typically fatal, stumbling blind and choking at great heights is certainly a formula for a brief, if exciting, life.
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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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The cleverest of [[Lands of Lume|Lume's]] aerial creatures have evolved specialised methods that allow them to benefit from the Air forests; not only for nourishment, but as shelter from predators, and as invaluable sanctuaries during breeding cycles. Furthermore, several [[Folk]] cultures - and spirited individuals - have developed safer methods of extracting rare ingredients, or re-purposing the gourds for limited flights. The children of these communities grow nimble and confident playing among the orbs, swinging deftly between the orbs. Trials and feats of daring among these [[Folk]] are spoken of by travelers, though at time of writing this remains hearsay.<s> [[Necrosis]] has made some headway into re-purposing the gourds for aerial scouting and surveillance.</s>
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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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'''''Born of the genetic manipulation typical of the ancient [[Deumana]], these majestic, elevated gardens have flourished in the skies unopposed, long outlasting their proud landscapers.'''''
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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?'''''

Revision as of 11:30, 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

Across the 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. 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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