The River Ruby Reed

The Ruby River Reed is an iconic symbol of the swamp, a legendary plant with almost magical properties. It is a sturdy reed growing up to 6 ft to reach the surface of the water and is known as the greatest anti-toxin to the alchemists. It draws toxins (Radon, Lead, Copper, Iron, Poisons, etc.) and bacteria (E-Coli, Solmenella, etc.) from beneath the riverbed and uses them to build a crystalline skin to resist the waters wear and pressure using special cells that eat the toxins, carry them to the surface of the reed, and die, turning into the red crystal skin. The amount and type of toxin affects the properties of the crystal skin and in the sulfur lakes a type of ruby river reed exists with the shell of yellow crystalline skin with true gold running through its veins. Experts couldn't tell you the exact process but they believe it to be a natural product of their food source. It is a rare plant but when it can set down its roots it then grows in abundance and provides seeds within a small berry that grows from its leaves and are eaten and carried or dropped into the shallow river and lake beds. Medicinal Use: Ingesting boiled roots and pull deadly toxins from the body into a crystal pebble(s) within the stomach and can be removed afterwards naturally or with surgery or if left alone will dissolve after several weeks when the toxins have been consumed by the special cells in the root. Too much can sap vital elements in the body such as iron and vitamin C. Crush dried roots into powder for later use and brew in a tea. Material: The Crystal skin of the reed is valued as a precious gem in many regions and is able to even hold enchantments from magical sources. The Legendary Shrizzre Crimsonite sword has a handle of enchanted Ruby River Reed and a shard of it even sits upon the crown of the Heartland Emporer.