Torch Reeds

For Tyrdal's Flashfire challenge

Appearance

Shorter than the reeds that grow along the rivers of the Moors, Torch Reeds produce brown, oblong seed pods resembling the tops of oiled torches. Before the seed pods reach maturity and burst, they're nearly indistinguishable from their more domestic cousins.

After bursting, however, chemicals in the seed head react with the air, resulting in the illusion of burning which is distinct to Torch Reeds—and incidentally their namesake. The chemical reaction causes the reeds to appear to burn, but not be consumed. The term "Rivers of Fire" in the wyrm jungle is attributed to this phenomenon.

The gasses released from the burst seed pods create a hazy cloud around the Reeds' head, mimicking the halo of a small flame. When the Reeds grow densely they form "chains" of these halos, such that the river appears to be lined on both sides by a flame-tipped railing.

Role in Nature

While the "fire" from the Reeds doesn't produce much light, the reflection of the lights on the water sometimes confuses river fish into thinking that glowing insects have settled on the water's surface, and when this happens it's common for many fish to breach in hopes of consuming the imaginary insects.

Older fish learn to recognize when this happens, and respond to it less frequently. This provides an occasional opportunity for the aforementioned glowing insects to safely drink.

Lepidopterids attach their cocoons to Torch Reed stalks; they can safely navigate them without being harmed, and the faux fire deters predators. The Reeds also resist the acid from salamander skin, and so are commonly used by the animals as bedding for nests.

Dead Reeds lose their fire, and are gathered by Salamanders for their nest during their breeding season; otherwise they're left mostly undisturbed, and build up into masses of brush that house small riverside-dwelling critters.

Voligenetic Properties

Anti-Acid