Air plants

An Air Forest typical of the valleys to the east of 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.

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. These forests grow on immense gourds, each trailing tendrils of vines, their size and appearance dependent on the location. There are regions on 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.

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.

The cleverest of 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. Necrosis has made some headway into re-purposing the gourds for aerial scouting and surveillance.

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.