Spryndril Cloth
This cloth is made of the spryndril creeper by weaving the thin tendrils together producing a textile used to make clothing in the jungles of Dakshinaatl. The vines are woven in such a way that they continue to wind back into the clothes as they grow. Small tears and other wear can be remedied by providing additional water to the area as the vines develop rapidly when wet. While other textiles will deteriorate in the immense heat and humidity of the jungle, spryndil cloth thrives in these conditions. There are items of spryndril cloth passed on from generation to generation for over a century that are as fresh as the day they were made.
Properties
Material Characteristics
Spyndril cloth has a mossy texture when touched but will become mildly itchy if it is in dry conditions for more than a few days. Users of spryndril cloth outside of Dakshinatl are recommended to soak their wardrobes for a few minutes every day or two to avoid this irritation. There are various subspecies of spryndril creepers used to produce colored cloth of various greens and whites. Due to the living nature of the fabric, however, dying is not possible without a high risk of killing the fabric and removing its rejuvenative properties. The cloth gives off the faint smell of rosemary.
Physical & Chemical Properties
When watered regularly, the cloth is resistant to flame. As it dries, however, it becomes as flamable as tinder. The textile is made of living plant matter which allows it to stay cool and soft to the touch, as the plant actively disperses heat from the wearer to avoid drying itself out.
History & Usage
Discovery
The initial discovery of the spryndril creeper was over a millenia ago and was used, unprocessed, for clothing due to its cooling properties. For nearly two centuries, the moss vine was used in this way until a village tailor realized the thin strands were capable of being woven together without damaging the vines themselves. This weave allowed for a thinner material as the plant would curve and twist haphazardly when growing untamed. The new material had a more powerful cooling effect as well due to a larger percentage of the living vine coming in contact with the skin of the wearer.
Byproducts & Sideproducts
While the most common use of spryndril cloth is clothing, it can be used in place of other textiles for other items as well. Due to the cooling effects and softness of the fabric (if properly cared for), spryndril cloth is often used for upholstery and rugs. Bags, pouches, and other containers can also use spryndril cloth due to their ability to repair small holes and tears with water, though this is less common since it requires soaking the bag and its contents or emptying and refilling the bag each time damage occurs.
Rarity
Common
Color
Dependent on sub-species (dark green to silvery white)
Related Species
I like the creative approach of the textile, whose fibers grow back together and all it needs is water to make it work. However, I think it's a pity that you can't dye it without killing the tendrils. I imagine it would be a bit monotonous if I could only wear green or white every day. What do your residents do to visually enhance their clothing or to differentiate themselves from others?
Great question! While spryndril cloth cannot be dyed, other textiles such as common cotton or other plant fibers can be. Colorful tabards and shawls can be worn to provide more visually striking outfits, but the heat makes these less common. Most differentiate themselves through the use of adornments such as jewelry, piercings, and skin markings.