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{{Info flora
{{Info flora
|officialname    = Corpse Weed
|officialname    = Corpse Weed
|commonname      = Salt Snakes
|commonname      = Corpse Weed
|classification  = Plant
|classification  = Grass
|origins        = Daendroc, Yang-Tzu Islands
|origins        = [[Daen]]
|habitat        = Coastal regions
|habitat        = Rivers, Coasts
|commonuse      = Culinary
|commonuse      = Utility
|}}
|}}
 
Corpse Weed is a type of marine seagrass that is native to the coastal waters and rivers of [[Daen]] as well as later spreading to [[Hadaria]]’s ecosystem. It grows in thick forests that blanket the surface of the water. The plant is notorious for obscuring water passages and entangling sailors who have fallen overboard. It is also known for very quickly enveloping and decomposing any corpse caught within its grasp, an ability generously used by nefarious individuals.
With long, slimy tendrils that can reach up to a hundred feet in length, Corpse Weed is most commonly found in colonies in the coastal waters of [[Daendroc]]. Its colonies are often referred to as forests of the sea, due to the thick, long leaves that easily hide obstructions and the sea predators that lurk within. Corpse Weed is most commonly consumed by [[Maiar]] as they are the only race that can ingest the plant raw.


==History==
==History==
Considered a burden by almost all sailors, Corpse Weed has been avoided by fishermen and pirates alike for centuries. The thick leaves of the plant float all the way to the surface of coastal waters, often blocking the view of any potential dangers from sailors, rendering itself as a frequent obstacle and nuisance for oceanic travelers. However, this saltwater-based plant provides a habitat for various Maiar, even sustaining a considerable section of their diet.
Corpse Weed has existed in the waters of [[Daen]] for centuries, where it covers entire stretches of rivers and coastlines in underwater forests of green, sticky tendrils. Corpse Weed feeds on both sunlight and dead fish or other animals that become entangled within their forests, which in turn experience cycles of shrinkages and blooms over time. As more animals get trapped by the algae, the forest grows and grows until it becomes nigh impassable. At that point, less fish swim through, decreasing the Corpse Weed's food supply and causing the forest to shrink back again until it once more allows passage and restarts the cycle. [[Elven]] boaters and fishermen have learned early on to avoid waterways with Corpse Weed as even small forests pose a threat to their travel. The tendrils of the algae are long and sticky like a net of thick hair, causing paddles to get stuck and swimmers to become entangled and drown. Areas thick with Corpse Weed also hide underwater dangers as well, including sharp rocks, sandbars, or reefs. Attempts have been made to craft special boats that could cut through the algae, but the sticky plant would stack up and clog the boat, impeding it even more. Eventually, Elven seafarers learned to avoid Corpse Weed altogether.


It wasn’t until 248 A.C. that a pair of [[Chi’en-Ji]] fishermen discovered that Corpse Weed was edible by other species too, serving as a decent alternative for salt when grated over a meal. Although not initially considered very appealing by most, the plant was slowly incorporated into Chi’en-Ji society, eventually becoming one of the sole exports from the [[Yang-Tzu Islands]] and a staple food in the Chi’en-Ji diet. Corpse Weed is, surprisingly enough, usually purchased by Ithanian nobles, as it is known as a lavish delicacy amongst them.
While sailing through Corpse Weed infested waters was not an option, a more gruesome use was found for these aquatic plants. Throughout the various wars fought on Daen, rivers of Corpse Weed would be used as graveyards and dumping grounds for the disposal of dead bodies. Interestingly, this fed into the wane and bloom cycles of Corpse Weed forests and caused them to coincide with the rising and ending of every war. This usage for Corpse Weed has been noted by many nefarious individuals who have attempted to import the algae back to their places of business, including the [[Regalian Archipelago]]. Though the algae cannot survive the freezing winters in [[Regalia]], during warmer seasons, rivers and waterways in the seedier areas can be seen covered with Corpse Weed.


==Appearance==
==Appearance==
Growing in massive, thick clusters in coastal waters, Corpse Weed consists of a length of dark pods that rise from the shallow seabeds and reach the surface of the sea, lazily. The first pod attaches itself into the sea floor, whilst the subsequent pods all produce long, slimy chains of leaves.  
Corpse Weed is a trailing aquatic plant that can grow over a hundred feet long. In shallow areas, the upper portion of the plant reaches and continues growing along the surface of the water, blanketing it like green, slimy hair. The plant itself has a dark, lime-green color and a tape-like consistency that makes it tough to tear, as well as a sliminess that makes it hard to cut. A rootlike structure anchors the algae to the seafloor, from which grows the thin, sturdy stem and sticky blades or algae leaves. The blades grow along the stem at short intervals; they can grow up to three inches wide and reach over a foot long. Each blade has toothed edges almost like a pond frond which, while not sharp, make it easier to tangle objects. All in all, Corpse Weed forests can be said to resemble thick green nets that cover the water.


==Uses and Abilities==
==Uses and Abilities==
Corpse Weed is exclusively employed through culinary means. It is most commonly consumed by the Maiar tribes that occupy the coastal areas where it flourishes, but is also harvested at the hands of Chi’en-Ji who utilize it. It is usually used for seasoning, though can also be consumed as it is after being boiled and dried.
Unfortunate individuals who fall into a forest of Corpse Weed will find it sticking to them. Panicked movement often causes further entanglement as the victim comes into contact with more of the algae, causing it to wrap around them like a mummy. In water, live Corpse Weed has the texture and strength of adhesive tape, causing it to be difficult to tear or cut. Victims usually have to be carefully pulled out by another person or risk immobilization and drowning. Corpse Weed is known to feed on dead bodies. Animals that become entangled often die by drowning or suffocation. The slime that coats the algae then works to break down the newly dead body, allowing the blades to feed on it.
 
Within merely a week, the body may start to become unrecognizable. Within a month, it may be reduced to bones. Criminals and clandestine organizations may take advantage of this plant by disposing of their victims in waterways where Corpse Weed forests are growing. Corpse Weed becomes less sticky and more accessible to handle when frozen. Rivers in Regalia that become clogged with Corpse Weed often have to be cleaned in the winter by breaking up large, frozen clumps of the algae, along with the remains of corpses that have been dumped into them.


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*Although Corpse Weed may be consumed by any race/species, if it is not boiled and dried before consumption, Corpse Weed may make the individual nauseous. Only Maiar can ingest Corpse Weed without any prior preparation.
*Corpse Weed doesn't seem to stick to inedible objects like stones, metals, or even wood. Sailors have tried to use it to patch holes in their boats with little success.
*Corpse Weed will not grow in fresh water.
*Relatedly, [[Yanar]] have a bit of immunity to the algae's stickiness, more so if their body are woodier, though they can still get tangled up within a forest.
*A popular sea-shanty, “Hey, Nay!” is about Corpse Weed.
*Corpse Weed loses its stickiness when out of the water for an hour. Fresh Corpse Weed have been known to be used as short-term bandages.
 
*Corpse Weed has the stench of salty rotten meat when dried. While it is edible, most people find it repulsive.
::''Hey, Nay, bring us some brave,''
::''Men who will sail the clusters!''
::''Hay Nay, Let them show us the way,''
::''to set sail without our mothers!''
 
{{Flora}}
{{Flora}}
{{Accreditation
{{Accreditation
|Writers = Eledana
|Writers = Enkiduu
|Processors = MantaRey, 0romir, Shayin
|Processors = HydraLana
}}
}}
[[category:Flora]] [[category:Daendroc Flora]] [[category:Ithania Flora]] [[category:Hyarroc Flora]] [[category:Teled Methen Flora]] [[category:Hadar Flora]] [[category:Yang-tzu Isles Flora]] [[category:New Ceardia Flora]]  [[category:Farah'deen Flora]] [[category: grasses]]
[[Category:Flora]] [[category:Grasses]]

Revision as of 13:57, 24 June 2018

Corpse Weed
Noimg.png
Flora
Official Name Corpse Weed
Common Name Corpse Weed
Classification Grass
Common Use Utility
Origins Daen
Habitat Rivers, Coasts

Corpse Weed is a type of marine seagrass that is native to the coastal waters and rivers of Daen as well as later spreading to Hadaria’s ecosystem. It grows in thick forests that blanket the surface of the water. The plant is notorious for obscuring water passages and entangling sailors who have fallen overboard. It is also known for very quickly enveloping and decomposing any corpse caught within its grasp, an ability generously used by nefarious individuals.

History

Corpse Weed has existed in the waters of Daen for centuries, where it covers entire stretches of rivers and coastlines in underwater forests of green, sticky tendrils. Corpse Weed feeds on both sunlight and dead fish or other animals that become entangled within their forests, which in turn experience cycles of shrinkages and blooms over time. As more animals get trapped by the algae, the forest grows and grows until it becomes nigh impassable. At that point, less fish swim through, decreasing the Corpse Weed's food supply and causing the forest to shrink back again until it once more allows passage and restarts the cycle. Elven boaters and fishermen have learned early on to avoid waterways with Corpse Weed as even small forests pose a threat to their travel. The tendrils of the algae are long and sticky like a net of thick hair, causing paddles to get stuck and swimmers to become entangled and drown. Areas thick with Corpse Weed also hide underwater dangers as well, including sharp rocks, sandbars, or reefs. Attempts have been made to craft special boats that could cut through the algae, but the sticky plant would stack up and clog the boat, impeding it even more. Eventually, Elven seafarers learned to avoid Corpse Weed altogether.

While sailing through Corpse Weed infested waters was not an option, a more gruesome use was found for these aquatic plants. Throughout the various wars fought on Daen, rivers of Corpse Weed would be used as graveyards and dumping grounds for the disposal of dead bodies. Interestingly, this fed into the wane and bloom cycles of Corpse Weed forests and caused them to coincide with the rising and ending of every war. This usage for Corpse Weed has been noted by many nefarious individuals who have attempted to import the algae back to their places of business, including the Regalian Archipelago. Though the algae cannot survive the freezing winters in Regalia, during warmer seasons, rivers and waterways in the seedier areas can be seen covered with Corpse Weed.

Appearance

Corpse Weed is a trailing aquatic plant that can grow over a hundred feet long. In shallow areas, the upper portion of the plant reaches and continues growing along the surface of the water, blanketing it like green, slimy hair. The plant itself has a dark, lime-green color and a tape-like consistency that makes it tough to tear, as well as a sliminess that makes it hard to cut. A rootlike structure anchors the algae to the seafloor, from which grows the thin, sturdy stem and sticky blades or algae leaves. The blades grow along the stem at short intervals; they can grow up to three inches wide and reach over a foot long. Each blade has toothed edges almost like a pond frond which, while not sharp, make it easier to tangle objects. All in all, Corpse Weed forests can be said to resemble thick green nets that cover the water.

Uses and Abilities

Unfortunate individuals who fall into a forest of Corpse Weed will find it sticking to them. Panicked movement often causes further entanglement as the victim comes into contact with more of the algae, causing it to wrap around them like a mummy. In water, live Corpse Weed has the texture and strength of adhesive tape, causing it to be difficult to tear or cut. Victims usually have to be carefully pulled out by another person or risk immobilization and drowning. Corpse Weed is known to feed on dead bodies. Animals that become entangled often die by drowning or suffocation. The slime that coats the algae then works to break down the newly dead body, allowing the blades to feed on it.

Within merely a week, the body may start to become unrecognizable. Within a month, it may be reduced to bones. Criminals and clandestine organizations may take advantage of this plant by disposing of their victims in waterways where Corpse Weed forests are growing. Corpse Weed becomes less sticky and more accessible to handle when frozen. Rivers in Regalia that become clogged with Corpse Weed often have to be cleaned in the winter by breaking up large, frozen clumps of the algae, along with the remains of corpses that have been dumped into them.

Trivia

  • Corpse Weed doesn't seem to stick to inedible objects like stones, metals, or even wood. Sailors have tried to use it to patch holes in their boats with little success.
  • Relatedly, Yanar have a bit of immunity to the algae's stickiness, more so if their body are woodier, though they can still get tangled up within a forest.
  • Corpse Weed loses its stickiness when out of the water for an hour. Fresh Corpse Weed have been known to be used as short-term bandages.
  • Corpse Weed has the stench of salty rotten meat when dried. While it is edible, most people find it repulsive.

Accreditation
Writers Enkiduu
Processors HydraLana
Last Editor HydraLana on 06/24/2018.

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