Botany (Otan)

There are thousands of species of plants on the continent of Otan. This section will attempt to cover those plants that are used either for magical or industrial use. Some of the plants listed here may have the ability to defend themselves from harvesting, with defenses ranging from spikes to poison to carnivorous behavior. A local botanist should be consulted before harvesting plants of any kind, for safety's sake.

Trees

Balagash tree

This tree, most abundant in western Ortalyk, produces colorful leaves and large seed pods that are edible by wild animals. The trees are harvested for their wood and their spikey thorns can be used to protect paths from intruders. The fruit is often used for both magical and non-magical elixirs related to trapping or slowing things, be it love, souls, pests, etc.

Gum-gum tree

A branch of a gum-gum tree.

This tree, native to southern Aydahar, can grow to be very tall and it is often harvested for lumber. Of more value however are its leaves which produce a very aromatic oil, which is often used in both magical and non-magical elixirs for a range of uses. The gum-gum tree's bark also releases a very sticky sap that protects it from insects. This sap has also been known to be used in both magical and non-magical elixirs related to, among other things, the repelling of insects.

Shrubs and Small Plants

Agave

A succulent with medicinal and magical power.

Mistletoe

Mistletoe is the common name for parasitic plants found in northern climates. They attach themselves to host trees or shrubs by a structure called the haustorium, through which they extract water and nutrients from the host plant. Mistletoe has smooth-edged, oval, evergreen leaves borne in pairs along the woody stem, and waxy, white berries that it bears in clusters of two to six.

Stinging nettle

While not a particularly dangerous plant in the wild, the stinging nettle is an unpleasant plant to come across unawares. Its leaves do contain a mild venom that can irritate the skin of anything that comes in contact with it. These plants are often used in protection spells and elixirs.

Aquatic Plants

Lotus

One of the most recognizable of all aquatic plants is the Lotus, which flourishes in shallow freshwater lakes and ponds. All varieties of Lotus are recognized for their medicinal and magical potential. Lotus flowers, come in three varieties, white, pink and black. Certain spells may call for a specific kind and may not work (or work in surprising ways) when the color is substituted. Black lotus flowers are the most rare of the three.

Player's Notes

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