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{{Info flora
{{Info flora
|officialname    = Corpse Weed
|officialname    = Corpse Weed
|commonname      = Salt Snakes
|commonname      = Morrlond's Hair
|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 travellers. 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, and was identified by the [[Altalar]] very early into the exploration of their continent. It was originally viewed as a creation of [[Sca'Elle]] and [[Tal'Sieth]], a watery plant with little significance. However, the emergence of the [[Fin'ullen]] and the growing conflict between Altalar principalities sharply twisted the plant's perception. Due to its extremely sticky and entrapping structure, many sailors and slaves who went overboard in coastal or river battles between Altalar vessels did not resurface. Instead, their corpses came to be trapped in the plant and rot, giving the plant its name in [[Common]] (as slaves carried this knowledge with them centuries later when they were freed). But to the Fin'ullen, the plant was demonized for this ability, and associated with the [[Unwritten God]] [[Morrlond]]. It became his grasping reach up into the light of Tal'Sieth, and the "hair" of his tendrils lurking far deeper into the water. This fervor of belief among Fin'ullen, especially in [[Talant Ilha Faial]], has resulted in a noticeable reduction in the plant's population in Daen. But, for the first time in centuries, the plant has been noticed in Hadaria where it is slowly expanded, though for now, it remains low in population in the tropical area.
 
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.


==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 though most strands are anywhere from thirty to fifty feet. 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.
*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 will not grow in fresh water.
*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.
*A popular sea-shanty, “Hey, Nay!” is about Corpse Weed.
*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, HydraLana
|Processors = MantaRey, 0romir, Shayin
|Processors = HydraLana
}}
}}
[[category:Flora]] [[category:Culinary Flora]] [[category:Maiar]] [[category:Chi’en-ji]] [[category:Daendroc]] [[category:Yang-tzu Isles]] [[category:Trees, Bushes, and Grasses]]
[[Category:Flora]] [[category:Grasses]] [[category:Teled Methen Flora]] [[category:Teled Varren Flora]] [[category:Hyarroc Flora]] [[category:Daendroc Flora]] [[category:Ithania Flora]] [[category:Ashal Isles Flora]] [[category:Oceans Flora]]

Revision as of 20:23, 16 March 2022

Corpse Weed
Noimg.png
Flora
Official Name Corpse Weed
Common Name Morrlond's Hair
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, and was identified by the Altalar very early into the exploration of their continent. It was originally viewed as a creation of Sca'Elle and Tal'Sieth, a watery plant with little significance. However, the emergence of the Fin'ullen and the growing conflict between Altalar principalities sharply twisted the plant's perception. Due to its extremely sticky and entrapping structure, many sailors and slaves who went overboard in coastal or river battles between Altalar vessels did not resurface. Instead, their corpses came to be trapped in the plant and rot, giving the plant its name in Common (as slaves carried this knowledge with them centuries later when they were freed). But to the Fin'ullen, the plant was demonized for this ability, and associated with the Unwritten God Morrlond. It became his grasping reach up into the light of Tal'Sieth, and the "hair" of his tendrils lurking far deeper into the water. This fervor of belief among Fin'ullen, especially in Talant Ilha Faial, has resulted in a noticeable reduction in the plant's population in Daen. But, for the first time in centuries, the plant has been noticed in Hadaria where it is slowly expanded, though for now, it remains low in population in the tropical area.

Appearance

Corpse Weed is a trailing aquatic plant that can grow over a hundred feet long though most strands are anywhere from thirty to fifty feet. 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

  • 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, HydraLana
Processors HydraLana
Last Editor HydraLana on 03/16/2022.

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