Take a dive into lush, ever-growing consciousness
for all botanical related aspects across the world of Xeirin.
Syliis:
Syliis are found flying around in forests and joyfully taking care of them. Born purely of magic, these small creatures are normally passive as they merely absorb ambient magic around them for sustainment. Syliis appear to be made of leaves, flowers and other parts of smaller plants, and rarely grow over 30cm tall. Their flower petal dresses come in all shapes and colors of the local plant life, and their wings take up various leaf shapes. They lack true limbs and instead have stamen or vines that grow from under their flowery dresses, or out the side for “arms.” These limbs are rarely used for much more than anchoring themselves to a position they desire to remain during high winds. While they have joyful little mouths and show various expressions of jubilance and happiness, they lack eyes as they only sense the magic around them.
Their attunement with Sylvan magic causes them to collect around locations and individuals with strong magic auras. Accompanying such travelers with cheery expressions and innocent songs of chirps and squeaks. These small creatures serve a very important role within the forests of Xeirin. As sSylvan magic increases, it causes plants and wildlife to grow rapidly. Overgrowth quickly becomes an issue and the forest will begin to ruin its own ecosystem as the increase of life strengthens the area's latent Sylvan magic. This creates a cycle that can rapidly spiral out of control without the help of the Syliis. These small magical creatures are the forest’s answer to keeping the growing magic in check. They are formed from the excess Sylvan magic in the area and live off continual absorption of the magic around them. They in turn tend to plants in a controlled manner so the forest can thrive. It is rumored when a forest with Syliis is attacked, the Syliis will help protect their home, but this has never been confirmed.
Belicheep:
The Forest Chime to many Southern villages, these plants emit a sound similar to a bell clink when they move, whether when they move across the forest canopy or are fleeing from predators. Though they act similarly to beasts in their actions and ability to defend themselves, they are in fact plants that are magically enhanced from the trees they grow off of.
These plants are known for having healing abilities, with their sounds known to calm negative thoughts and soothe headaches. The leaves that grow on their heads are known to pass these soothing capacities into recipes when ground up or added to heated beverages, leading to a rise in herbal potions utilized for long voyages.
Although they appear in many nations in the Southern hemisphere, the Belicheep are native to the rainforests of Salanada. However, due to their healing properties, these plants were exported and traded by the naval traders and pirates of the region, expanding these plants across the forests of Xeirin, into environments not prepared for their inclusion. As such, these plants, despite their timid nature and minuscule appearance, are an invasive species; their seedlings spread as the adults travel, latching onto nearby trees. As they grow, vines wrap around the tree from the bottom up, draining some of the magic from the tree’s roots to continue the growth of the Belicheep. Once the vine reaches the canopy, the flower begins to develop, until it becomes a fully formed Belicheep.
Belicheep are timid plants that are not known to fight. If they sense a predator in their area, they will attempt to attach themselves to an overhanging branch, using their miniature wing-like appendages, to avoid notice. If they are being chased, the Belicheep can use its limited magical prowess to camouflage itself, or emit an echoing cry that can stun a predator for a moment. Despite their adorable appearance and health promoting effects, these plants are not known to be kept by humans, due to their tendency to attempt to flee, hide, or damage fragile property.
Mellanza:
Born from the Sylvan magic of many nations, these living fruit organisms are a favorite sight to many villages and marketplaces. These plants begin life as single sprouts, growing from the Mellaness Trees. Unlike other fruits, however, the Mellanza sprout off of the roots of their host tree, growing upward from the soil. Once their signature twin-leaved sprout grows above the soil, the fruit is ready to be harvested.
Harvesting takes some skill, as the sprouts can be removed if too much force is applied. These plants do not feel pain, and are known to be harvested and eaten in many villages in the Southern hemisphere. They appear to be living, due to the magical influence from their development, and have shown to have personalities, ranging from giggling and childish to moody and sour. These personalities impact the flavor of the plant, which is said to be an equally diverse range, from sweet as the sweetest pastry, to sour as the ripest citrus. It is these personalities that keep some from consuming them, though even with half of their body removed, they will be as joyful or as sour as if they were whole.
There are many who decide to not eat these plants, and instead keep them as pets. In addition, if their sprout gets too large, they will be lifted from the soil and become wild Mellanza. Once removed from the soil, they develop appendages similar to hands and feet, though they have no fillanges to grab anything, and aren’t known for moving faster than a toddle. Still, with some innate Sylvan magic, they can manipulate vines to help them move around in the wild, and small roots and plants in more rural areas.
Whispering Silobyn:
A native fungal colony of the Halosian Peninsula, these mushrooms are found within the vast forests of Illyria and the Deathforest in particular. The most notable feature of these fungi are the latticed sporocarp adorning their stems, surrounding a soft, fleshy pod that is known to emit a light hum when touched, and a gentle glow in the presence of magic. Due to their common distribution in the Magikingdom in particular, these mushrooms are often referred to as the Fae’s Pathway, and are thus mistrusted by travelers when encountered.
The latticed sporocarp is said to vibrate when interacting with another physical form. These vibrations bounce off of the pod within its basketed appearance, and echo back outward, coming out as a soft hum. These hums are often mistaken as the sounds of insects or even low whispers, leading many already lost travelers to become even more lost.
The only part of these mushrooms that are considered edible are the stems; the sporocarp shell is lined with mildly toxic spores, which are released when the body vibrates. While eating the bitter tops of these fungi will lead to vomiting and confusion, it is the spores that can lead to more serious ailments, including paralysis; a single spore, if it comes in contact with an eye or open wound, can result in numbing to the affected region. Higher concentrations of these spores increase the numbing effect, and can impact more fortified portions of the body if enough spores make contact.
The orb, meanwhile, is said to absorb the magic from around it, including draining some of the magic of the being that touches the host mushroom. If there is enough magic absorbed, the pod will emit a glow said to be able to light an area of 1 meter around it, and visible at a distance of about 10 meters. Because of its natural inclination to absorb magic, attempts to consume the pod result in the continued absorption within the body, draining one of their abilities and, in some cases, even their Elemental affiliation! The stem, meanwhile, is said to taste of savory meat, and goes wonderfully with a wine reduction.
Clemmedeus' Tear | Moonberries:
The Clemmedeus bush is said to have originated in the spots where a great deity let loose tears over the loss of their beloved. These tears splashed onto the northern regions of Xeirin, sprouting mighty ivory-leaved bushes. Yet, despite originating in the cooler northern parts, these bushes are able to grow in much warmer areas. These bushes begin to flower after six weeks of growth, with green bulbs appearing overnight. Within a night or two of appearing, these bulbs absorb the magic from Clemmedeus above, and open up, revealing the Berry within.
From the legends told, these berries are referred to as Clemmedeus’ tears, though more commonly are called Moonberries. These violet berries begin as small, Star-shaped fruits that are slightly sweet. Though these can be eaten as soon as they reveal themselves, they are too hard to be properly enjoyed, but do pair nicely with the juices of a ripe Sunberry, which softens the skin of the Moonberry, allowing the sugars within to balance the tartness of the Sunberry. These unripened specimens do provide consumers with a small boost of energy, due to their higher than average sugar content.
As the Clemmedeus bush grows under Clemmedeus’ gaze, the berries continue to absorb the celestial magic and continue to grow. This magic sweetens the berry, while increasing its size and softening its flesh. At peak ripeness, the star-shape of the Moonberry is lost to become more bulbous, filled with sweet juices. These ripe Moonberries are desired by all as a delicious dessert, and are often used to bring a sweet flavor to a dish or potion, or even disguising a poison behind a sweet flavor.
Moonberries are known for their restorative properties, being able to soothe one’s soul. The sweet odor emitted from these berries has calming effects, capable of spreading as they are sliced, said to even relax opposing parties when in proximity to especially ripe specimens. The larger the Moonberry, the more soothing of an effect it has when consumed.
Cressedeas' Kiss | Sunberries:
In contrast to it’s sibling bush, the Cressedean bush is said to have originated in the spots where a great deity blessed Xeirin with her kindness and bounty. As such, these bushes are far more plentiful than the Clemmedeus bushes, and are often found in locations with little overhead cover that could affect the amount of light impacting these bushes. Though said to originate along the equator of Xeirin, due to the stronger effects of Cressedea, these cerulean leaved plants appear on nearly every landmass on the planet. The rounded leaves of these bushes are known to emit a faintly sweet aroma in direct sunlight, and appear to turn themselves in the direction of Cressedea. When these leaves draw in enough light, several green flowers, with their centers covered by sharp teal petals, develop and grow within the foliage. The average number of flowers grown is four, though warmer, sunnier locations are said to develop up to seven flowers. After several weeks of growing, the flowers lose their petals, and a golden yellow berry is revealed.
From the legends told, these berries are referred to as Cressedea’s kisses, though more commonly are called Sunberries. These yellow berries begin tiny, though they are hidden by the petals of their associated flowers (Cressedea’s Veil) when in this state. Once the Sunberry has developed sharp protrusions across their skins, the weight and size of the Sunberry causes the petals to descend, revealing the berry. Unlike the bushes themselves, these berries emit a foul odor, leading many to wince if smelled too closely. The hard shell of the berry makes consumption difficult, though this does allow the berry to be used as a bowl in a pinch.
The Sunberries achieve peak ripeness after three weeks of being revealed, though they are considered ripe a week after their reveal. While the Berry itself emits a rank odor, the juices within are said to be slightly sweet, with a salty aftertaste that pairs very nicely with its counterpart, the Moonberry. If you allow an unripened Moonberry to soak in the juices of the Sunberry, the taste is said to soothe many wounds, including those affecting the soul.
Sunberries, as evident from the foul stench they create, are known for their degenerative properties, being able to rattle one’s soul. The riper the Sunberry, the more devastating the effect of both its scent, and the bitterness of the flesh. The salty, yet slightly sweet, juices within the berry do have some regenerative properties when properly used, but on its own the juice does little more than dehydrate and stress the soul. Much like the mighty orb of light it is named after, these berries look beautiful and inviting, yet prove to be powerful and dangerous if one tries to conquer them. Though when paired with its sibling fruit, these berries can be a welcomed addition to any meal. It is safe to say these plentiful bushes are nice to look at, but not a tasty alternative without proper planning.