Starhelm hosts all manner of flora and fauna, some unique to its environments but most can be found elsewhere on Aerith. As Starhelm contains all the different environments on the continent it contains the greatest variety of flora and fauna, however, some other continents on Aerith may contain more of one type.
Vegetation
The forests of Starhelm hold many types of trees and vegetation including firs, pines, spruces, redwoods, maple, oak, birch, magnolia and beech trees. Some of those trees grow very large and they interweave and merge with each other so fully that they take on the aspects of a singular organism. Lichen, moss, ferns, and wildflowers carpet the forest floor, while shrubbery fills in the gaps.
The Elves of Starhelm have made great use of the trees of their region and will fashion bulwarks to protect their cities or regions. Redwoods, mighty oaks and maple trees are used frequently in the construction of Elven bulwarks, but often they will imbue their creations with magic to make them even stronger. In the north the bulwarks are made of firs, pines, spruces, and redwoods, but in the southern part of that forest the aspen tree is in great abundance.
Some plants on Starhelm are sought after to make poultices, healing potions, or medicine and they are highly effective. Rangers and Druids know the value of harvesting plants for different effects and they often use them in the casting of their spells. In Hope’s Oasis, for example, the vegetation and water there produce excellent Holy Water, heal wounds more effectively, and affect Undead more negatively. As such it is very valuable and well protected.
There is a species of lichen that grows in the warrens and tunnels of the Undersands that the Goblins prize greatly. It is called Greenbeard and it is a main source of food for Goblin tribes. Many other races cannot stomach it as food, but it ferments into very strong wine. Only the rich and brave dare drink it regularly.
Moonmoss grows around the rocks and ground near Meadowspring all the way down to the Lake of Battered Helms, and along the interior edge of the mountains. It glows brightly in the light of the moon, giving it its name, and it has many uses. Moonmoss is incredibly strong when woven together and the Halflings of Meadowspring use it for crafting clothes, ropes, even binding for books. Its natural property of glowing in the moonlight can be removed but it is a delicate process and most people do not bother. Glowing books, cloaks, ropes, and even necklaces can be seen all around Starhelm, thanks to Moonmoss. The Lake of Battered Helms has many pockets of Moonmoss, making sections of it glow each night and making travel to and in the lake easier. Fishing is a popular pastime near the lake and the glowing fish are easier to see, but not necessarily easier to catch.
There is an odd shrub that grows near the Scar of Fire that is blackened almost constantly by the ash or heat around it. If it can be cultivated Scarwood and Scarwood leaves are worth owning. The wood is used to craft flame resistant staves, or used in spells of protection. Shields made of this wood have been known to protect its owners even from Dragon Breath. Scarwood leaves are used to make Potions of Fire Protection, brewed in a tea it can grant the drinker resistance to fire for a limited amount of time. Some crafty Sorcerers have even learned how to use Scarwood leaves to improve their ability to control fire and fire spells.
In opposition to Hope’s Oasis, the Oasis of Pestilence has a plant that is poisonous to many species. The Goblins of the area cultivate it to keep unwanted visitors away and they often make poisons of varying degrees out of it.
The swamps all through Starhelm have many poisonous plants and the Toxic Grippli in particular are very good at cultivating and avoiding them. Many herbalists and botanists greatly treasure the plants they gather.
The Underdark has a variation of Moonmoss called Shadowmoss. Vines that not only dimly radiates light in the tunnels but is also used to make very effective antidotes for many types of poisons. The Underdark also contains a very powerful poison that the Fallen have cultivated called Midnight’s Kiss, which induces sleep and eventually death with prolonged exposure.
In the desert there is a plant called the Kortan flower. Its pollen is a powerful hallucinogenic, which can put people in a catatonic state. This flower is used in the creation of the drug Mindlock.
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