Corpse Weed

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Corpse Weed
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Flora
Official Name Corpse Weed
Common Name Salt Snakes
Classification Plant
Common Use Culinary
Origins Daendroc
Habitat Coastal Regions

A long, thick, slimy plant that grow in massive clusters in coastal waters, Corpse weed colonies are often referred to as the forests of the sea. The plant itself consists of a length of pods, the first pod using roots to anchor itself into the sea floor, while every subsequent pod produces long slimy leaves. These chains can grow up to a hundred feet long, rising from shallow seabeds to float lazily on the ocean surface. These clusters are most known for giving sea predators a place to lurk during the day, as well as hiding sand banks and any other obstructions from view. Due to this, most seafaring people steer clear of corpse weed clusters with an almost superstitious weariness.

Origins

Encountered by Aloria’s earliest sailors, corpse weed has been one of the many daily struggles faced in the profession for centuries. Officially documented at the beginning of the Elven Empire, and throughout the entire span of it there-after, Corpse weed has been considered a nuisance by almost every sailor to encounter it. The thick slimy leaves of the plant, which float on the surface of the water, block the view of any potential dangers to the ship and its crew. Due to this fact, and the fact that they interrupt fishing by snagging nets, Corpse Weed clusters were avoided for hundreds of years. It wasn’t until 204 A.C that Ch’ien-Ji fishermen discovered the fact that Corpse weed was edible, and a close alternative to salt in taste when grated over meals. While this discovery did not revolutionize the way Corpse weed appeared to most people, it did begin the age of Corpse weed consumption. Small towns would spring up in the Yang-Tzu Isles, specifically revolving around the harvesting and drying of the sea plant. Eventually, these plants would be incorporated in the trade goods of the Ch’ien-Ji people. Corpse weed to this day remains one of the sole exports from the Yang-Tzu Isles. Dried Corpse weed is often sold in the ports of cities holding large Ch’ien-Ji populations. The practice of eating Corpse weed for the most part has remained specific to their race, though it has been discovered that Maiar races too, consume the sea plant as a staple food. Though curious nobles may wish to consume Corpse weed for its foreign flavors, it is uncommon to see other races eating such a food.

Etymology

Corpse Weed was given its name due to the sheer amount of death surrounding those foolish enough to sail into the plant’s coastal clusters. Often, sand bars, rocks, and other hazards are hidden in their slimy leaves. These hazards will often cause a ship to wreck. Once wrecked, sailors find themselves floating amongst the Corpse Weed plants. Soon after, the predators sheltered within these clusters make quick work of the sailors. “Corpse Weed” is used by most seafarers, with the exception of Ch’ien-Ji, who call the plant “Salt Snake”, due to its salty flavor and appearance. The latter of the names is picking up use in merchant ports.

Primary Use

Corpse Weed is currently considered a nuisance to most seafaring people. Unless prepared correctly, corpse weed smells of seawater and rotting fish. Corpse Weed is also exotic enough that few people eat it. Even with this stigma, Corpse weed’s primary use is consumption in food, either as a main component or a condiment.

  • One must orally ingest Corpse Weed.
  • The discovery of Corpse Weed’s edible nature stemmed from a dare amongst two Ch’ien-Ji fishermen.
  • Any race or species may eat Corpse Weed, though an individual may become sick if they are carnivorous in nature. Mostly Ch’ien-Ji and Maiar eat this food.
  • All human races must boil and dry Corpse Weed before consumption, not doing so may cause sickness. Maiar races can consume Corpse Weed with no prior preparation.

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Trivia

  • People who eat corpse weed often call it by its Ch’ien-Ji name, “Salt Snakes”, as they don’t enjoy visualizing corpses when they eat their meal.
  • Corpse Weed clusters are a pirate’s favorite place to make men “walk the plank”.
  • Corpse Weed is considered bad luck by many sailors, and often, most won’t board a ship containing Corpse Weed in the hold.
  • A Popular sea-shanty, “Hey, Nay!”, is about Corpse Weed.
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!

Accreditation
Writers DrakeRome
Processors Shayin, Plecy
Last Editor Buffycreepslayer on 01/5/2016.

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