Caffeine
Pyronites get their caffeine fix, primarily from the caffeine root. This root grows across the southern regions of the continent in the chaparral zones along the southern coast. Caffeine root can be consumed whole, candied, or crushed into a powder. Powdered caffeine root can be brewed into a drink reminiscent of hot chocolate in consistency. It is also commonly used as a spice on foods. The root has a strong, savory flavour. Caffeine is a favourite among magi, who use it to help maintain their concentration while casting spells.
Whispering Moss
A particular species of moss commonly found in the taiga that dominates the northern regions of the continent. Whispering moss is notable for the distinct sounds it makes, from which it takes its name. The moss, in its mature state, expels its spores with significant force. This expulsion, using compressed air within the spore chambers, creates a sound similar to a human whisper in the distance. Areas thick with whispering moss are rumoured to be haunted, and humans attempt to avoid them at night or during the spring when the whispering is at its most fierce. Local legends hold that the whispers of the moss are the voices of Pyron’s faithful preparing to join the Mother in Its efforts to retake the world.
False Firefly
This species of plant is carnivorous. It primarily consumes the species of insect that, themselves, prey upon the pollinating fireflies. The false firefly appears to be a flower, with several glowing spots that mimic the appearance of fireflies. The structure of the flower consists of fine strands, or stalks, that allow prey to enter the digestive chamber, but not to leave again. The digestive chamber is held within a bulb below the false flower. Although the false firefly primarily lures in and consumes the predators of fireflies, it will also consume any fireflies themselves that become trapped. The species is widespread across the continent and is farmed by alchemists. The compound that creates the glow of the flower is used to create the liquid light alchemical item.
Drowned Weed
An invasive species brought to Pyron by hadavaran colonists. Drowned weed is cultivated by dragons in the Drowned Lands as a nutrient dense food supply. The plant grows in broad sheets that rise through the water, stopping just short of the surface. The waving sheets of drowned weed are a notorious hazard for shipping and are a secondary reason that Meridian’s navy is forced to rely on the flat-bottomed drowned ships to navigate the Drowned Lands. While drowned weed is highly nutritious for dragons and other creatures from their homeworlds, it is toxic to humans and other natives of Pyron. Finding drowned weed in any large quantities is a sure sign that one has stumbled on a hadavaran settlement.
Weeping Maple
A common species of tree found throughout the forests of the western basin and the southern portions of the Tywean empire. This species of maple tree does not produce syrup or sugar, but instead has a clear and thin sap. The sap can be consumed safely by humans and is hydrating. Gathering the weeping maple’s sap requires tapping the tree. Weeping maple sap is easily available in the warmer months of the year, but can also be gathered in the winter if the tree is prepared by a magus using healing or elementalism school magic. Many weeping maple groves are maintained near common roads in Celanmoor and Tywe as public goods; these groves have taps on hand, and enchanted tools for using the trees in the winter. The groves make up a key component of Pyronite travel in the areas where they grow.
Manna Bloom
A rare species of flower native to the Spring. This flowering plant developed in the manna rich environment of the Spring, and incorporates manna into its lifecycle. Manna blooms are able to draw in ambient manna from the soil and atmosphere as an additional source of energy. This results in a plant that has traces of manna within it, which can brew an herbal tea that is suited to staving off manna cravings for magi. The flower doesn’t contain sufficient amounts of manna to restore a magus’ burnout pool, but it takes the edge off manna addiction. Manna blooms have been exported from the Spring to Meridian, and from Meridian to the mainland. They are often a part of a College’s gardens, and can sometimes be found in the gardens of wealthy nobility. Manna blooms do not grow wild on the mainland.
Ink Blossom
A variety of flower found commonly across the central plains of the continent. Ink blossoms were native to the Myraean basin, and have spread across the continent to all areas with a suitable climate. They were brought along with conquering Myraean armies and traders. The petals of the flowers come in a variety of colours; when ground to a paste and mixed with water, it creates a quality coloured ink. The flowers, and the inks made from their petals, are prized by scholars and artists across the continent. Colleges and nobility outside of the blossom’s primary habitat use elementalism magic to grow the flower.
Steak Fruit
A curious species of plant that produces a fruit popular across the continent. The steak tree, more appropriately known as the royal fruit tree, is a deciduous tree. It matures in roughly three years of growth, at which point it bears fruit. The leaves of the tree are a deep purple, making the tree stand out amongst its fellows. The fruit, from which the tree takes its informal name, is large and round, encased in a thick, red rind. Once peeled and cooked, the flesh of the fruit has a consistency and taste similar to meat. It is moderately high in proteins for a fruit and is a popular food for the lower classes of the continent. The royal fruit tree originated on the Farivik homeworld, and was brought with them to Pyron during their arrival. It has since spread across the continent.
