Hemalilia, "Bloody Nettle"
In all my years of travel and documentation, never have I happened across something so grotesquely gorgeous. A strange plant that grows from the corpses of its virus-inflicted victims - how horrid! How exciting! I wonder what else may be just around the corner...The Hemalilia plant, commonly known as and referred to as "Bloody Nettle," is a strange, red and white colored thorn-shrub with an exceptionally unique reproductive cycle. By some unknown means, the plant has become capable of "piggy-backing" its own DNA onto the DNA of an equally unique type of virus that it produces, allowing it to bloom from the corpses of its victims.
This process alone has generated horror stories and folk-lore from cultures all around the world, everything from it actually being a sentient demon come to avenge the death of Balraious-Kaneig, to a creation of Byalijhoar, The Wild One, sent to cull the civilized lands. Whatever the case may be, should you come into contact with one of these plants, seek immediate medical attention, as without it you are likely to perish within forty-eight hours.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Genetics and Reproduction
The reproductive cycle of Hemalilia is perhaps one of the most horrifying things I have been unfortunate enough to witness. What it does to an individual's form is nightmarish - a parasite perfectly made to kill any form of blooded-animal...Perhaps the most frightening aspect of the plant is its unique manner of reproduction, thanks to the bizarre symbiotic relationship between the plant and its virus. When a victim is infected with the virus, either by contact with a living specimen of Bloody Nettle or through other infected material, the virus immediately seeks out and targets blood cells in hemoglobin-based blood. Once there, it spreads both its DNA and the Hemalilia DNA into the target, which begins a standard viral producing practice but with some notable differences. The virus is produced in mass quantities of course, but it also forces the cell to create parts of Hemalilia cells, which divert the immune system's response away from the virus. This allows the virus to continue nearly unabated in all but the strongest of immune system cases, often causing death by overheating several areas of the body at once - this is the reasoning for the name of the condition it causes: Blood Fever.
Once the virus has run its course and slain its victim, the remaining Hemalilia cells begin to spread through the now stagnant blood vessels, eventually growing into a full specimen of Bloody Nettle atop the now desiccated corpse.
Ecology and Habitats
Whether its in the forests of Ysrailore, the deserts of Tyrralore, or the tundras of Saeralore, so long as any form animal life exists in a location, Hemalilia can crop up.
Additional Information
Uses, Products & Exploitation
However, this manner of trap does eventually create a horrible smell of rot once enough creatures fall victim to it. To counteract this, the traps are placed far enough from the town for the smell to not become bothersome. In locations were this distance tactic is unable to be suitably preformed, the use of pungent smelling plant materials will typically be used to mask the smell of rot and decay. Eventually, the pits would be cleaned out with fire of some kind, then replanted to ensure the efficacy of the traps.
Cultural Perception
For many of the world's cultures, Bloody Nettle serves as a warning against nature, and as reasoning and justification for the necessity of society and civilization. Other cultures or individuals simply view it as a tool provided by nature to be used in some way, whether it be in the defense of one's village and homestead, or as a potential treatment of an incurable condition. But perhaps those who view it most importantly are those of faith - specifically, the faith of the Wild one - who view it in the light of natural teachings. Or more precisely, that it is a gift from their lord that is emblematic of nature itself: it grows, well adapted to its unique method of reproduction, it sustains itself from the world around it - mostly the foolish who pay it little mind - then it dies to make way for other lives.The effects of the Hemalilia plant when applied in this manner can only be described as wholeheartedly gruesome. But, I am convinced that the unique interactions between this virus and hemoglobin could be the key to creating fake blood that can actually sustain Vampires of any breed. No matter the cost, this treatment will ultimately save more lives than my experiments can ever claim. Besides, no one will miss a few bandits or vagabonds.
Additional Details: Research of Dr. Margrave
Dr. Margrave, an equally well-respected and hated figure of the Ysrailorean town of Heartspire, has dedicated her life to the study of these plants for the purpose - she claims - of creating a form of treatment for Vampirism. Though her means may be morally questionable, she has managed to garner a surprising amount of information regarding the plant and the effects of its accompanying disease.- Firstly, due to the plant's unique interaction with blood, Vampires and similarly afflicted creatures appear to be immune to the effects of Blood Fever.
- Second, the exsanguinated blood from the victims of Bloody Nettle carries a large enough amount of viral material to be just as hazardous as the plant itself
- And thirdly, while her research has thus far been inconclusive in this regard, she remains confident that Bloody Nettle can be used as a sort-of plant based "fake blood" that is suitable enough for Vampires to subsist on sustainably.
Thank you for the nightmare fuel! It is absolutely terrifying and explained fairly well so that it feels somewhat plausible, especially in fantasy-themed worlds. I also like the morally questionable attitude of this Dr. Margrave.
Of course! That is my intent with this entire project to be honest - just because its not real doesn't mean it can seem real. I want to ensure that most, if not everything I produce here has reason in some way. Thank you for the comment!
Your welcome! I did think of one last thing that might add to the article: an image of the plant. I find that it sticks longer than a description. Just a quick sketch should be enough. ;)