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Carrion Bloom

Close relative of the dungberries, Carrion Bloom can be found flourishing on corpses whether they be fallen soldiers upon a battlefield or a herd of cattle taken by bloat. Common on the foothills west of the Paivan Housh, this small plant spreads sparsely in its vegetative state as an innocuous bit of groundcover like most others. After it has found a carcass to provide it with a rich source of nutrients it may begin flowering, becoming considerably more hazardous.   Like its dungberry cousins the Carrion Bloom possesses an innate ability to generate magical weaves capable of influencing the behavior of nearby animals. Not willing to settle for the contents of its prey's bowels for fertilizer as do its relatives, the more sinister enchantress lures creatures to lie down to rest. Permanently. Having flowered and encouraged its prey to lie next to or on top of its seed, the enchantress waits for the carcass to begin to decompose and exude the necessary fluids. The humors of the rotting flesh trigger the enchantress' seeds to sprout and form taproots.   Other predators or scavengers may aid the Carrion Bloom by picking up its ichor covered seeds on their paws or talons and spreading them. Such widely cast progeny may not begin with as deep a taproot, having been denied the abundant source of putrid sustenance these seedlings relish they will grow more slowly.   Diligent burial ground caretakers stay alert for the intrusion of Carrion Bloom on their domain, and take precautions to ward or taint the soil against them. Abandoned cemeteries or secret graves may be located by spotting a patch of the flowering enchantress. To protect ones self against her lure, many rangers and herbalists take strong teas or other stimulants to combat the compulsion to sleep. Being alert due to fear has also kept many alive as they wander away from war torn lands through previous battlefields dotted with Carrion Bloom.     - -   Originally written for 2024 Summer Camp challenge answering Species AN ANIMAL OR PLANT THAT FEEDS ON DECAY

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