Ysaeril (prime)/Plants of the Sea of Fire

This is a creative work set in the world of Elanthia, attributed to its original author(s). It does not necessarily represent the official lore of GemStone IV.

Title: Plants of the Sea of Fire

Author: Ysaeril Illistim

You glance down to see an aged leather compass-clasped notebook in your right hand and nothing in your left hand.

You carefully open your compass-clasped notebook, revealing the smooth pages within. Bound into the notebook are some pages of grid-lined parchment.

The page, written in Common, reads as follows:

_______________________

  Plants of the Sea of Fire



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  Ysaeril E. Illistim
  Caeruil Publishing
   @5102-5122


You turn to the next page of your notebook.  You're now on page 2.
The page, written in Elven, reads as follows:







   Page left intentionally blank









You turn to the next page of your notebook.  You're now on page 3.
The page, written in Common, reads as follows:



   Chapter One

   Cactaceae



Cactaceae, cactus, or gograz, as they are known to the Tehir who live there, contain varieties that range from globular masses hugging the ground, to tall columnar cacti that jut from the desert sands, to specimens with branching habits that resemble leaf-barren trees more common in temperate climes.  Enclosed is an illustrated selection of applicable species' cultural relevance to the Tehir who live in the Sea of Fire.


You turn to the next page of your notebook.  You're now on page 4.
The page, written in Common, reads as follows:

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Tehir: Oqigograz (Ah-KWEE GO-grahz)
Scientific: Echinopsis chamaecereus
Common: peanut cactus
Description: Echinopsis chamaecerus is a succulent formed in finger-like stem clusters, growing 4 inches in height and one to two feet around.  After the plant drops its fruits, the stems wilt to the ground, with new growth coming out from the fallen flesh.  Flowers are a deep orange, and crested fascination of stalks can lead to curious, brain-like formations.
Cultural significance: This species is a delight of children, due to its relatively accessible size and peculiar growing habit.  A Tehir children's parable suggests this about its naming origins: "When a babe is learning to walk his gait is unsteady.  Eyes so mystified by new sights at the dawn of his journey, he is unable to focus on his steps and quickly tumbles."   Those eyes, filled with awe, are called "oqi" among the Tehir.


You turn to the next page of your notebook.  You're now on page 5.
The page, written in Common, reads as follows:


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Tehir: Kaddum (pronunciation: kad-OOm)
Scientific: Epithelantha micromeris
Common: button cactus
Description: Epithelantha micromeris is characterized by thin, hair-like spines growing on a stout, globular stalk.  Its green flesh is often obscured beneath the dense grey wool.  The cactus produces tiny pale pink flowers, yielding tall, bright red fruits with black seeds.
Cultural significance: This species name is derived from the manner in which its new growths are most commonly formed: the seeds are distributed by termites nesting near the plants, but they do not stray very far.  As such, the plant's offspring spread outward from the parent specimen like buttons down a garment.  The fruit is avoided by pregnant women among the Tehir.


You turn to the next page of your notebook.  You're now on page 6.
The page, written in Common, reads as follows:

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Tehir: Kabagograz (pronunciation: kah-bah GO-grahz)
Scientific: Ferocactus cylindraceus
Common: barrel cactus
Description: Each globular stem measures upward of three feet in diameter at maturity.  Long, curvilinear spines protrude in whorled patterns to form a tangled ball around the plant's fleshy lobes.  As the cactus barbs age, they turn from a greasy white to a dark red.  Their rich yellow flowers bloom late in Fashanos and are encapsulated neatly within the nest of thorns.
Cultural Significance: Two traditions among the Tehir were observed for this species: First, some tribes divide and replant kaba atop the deceased's burial mound along trade routes.  Secondly, some Tehir keep this species' small fruits or seeds in pouches worn around their necks as emergency ration.  Their presence in large numbers harbor rumors of ill spirits.


You turn to the next page of your notebook.  You're now on page 7.
The page, written in Common, reads as follows:

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Tehir: Aammagograz (pronunciation: ah-ahm-mah GO-grahz)
Scientific: Echinocactus platyacanthus
Common: giant barrel cactus
Description: This species has a spherical growth habit, with older specimens reaching a width in excess of five feet.  Spines run the vertical length of each rib (rather than in a whorl pattern), and new spiny yellow growth turns grey with maturity.  Inflorescence blooms in brick red with yellow hearts, which angle themselves to face the sun.  The largest specimen observed measured nearly eight feet in diameter.
Cultural Significance: Not to be mistaken for the kaba, aamma is edible and candied treats are produced from its flesh.  Hairs may also be used in weaving, though the spiny body is more traditionally utilized to card long agave fibers in preparation for spinning thread.