Somnárslóðar (SOHM-nahr-SLOH-thahr)

In the shadowy depths of ancient, dense forests, where sunlight barely penetrates, a mystical plant thrives amidst the decaying remnants of life. Named after the goddess of dreams, Somnia, these ferns are known as "Somnárslóðar" which translates to Somnia's Veil Ferns.

Magical Properties

One of the most fascinating aspects of Somnárslóðar is their ability to release a gentle mist when disturbed. This mist is imbued with enchantments that create mesmerizing illusions, transforming the surrounding area into a whimsical dreamscape. These illusions can captivate and confuse those who wander too close, leading them deeper into the forest and potentially to their doom. The ferns use this ability to lure the weakened or unwary, turning the dreamscape into a perilous trap.

Appearance

Somnárslóðar are distinguished by their intricate fronds, which bear patterns resembling delicate, lacy veils. The leaves are a deep purple, adding to their mysterious and ethereal appearance. These patterns are not just for show; they serve as a testament to the plant's magical properties. The ferns grow in clusters, creating a natural tapestry that cloaks the forest floor in a veil of purple and silver.

Basic Information

Ecology and Habitats

These ferns flourish in areas of profound decay, where mass deaths have occurred. The nutrient-rich environment, provided by decomposing organic matter, sustains their growth. They are often found in forgotten battlefields, ancient burial sites, and places where natural disasters have left their mark. Over time, Somnia's Veil Ferns spread across these sites, their fronds gradually covering the decaying matter. This process not only provides the ferns with essential nutrients but also creates a hauntingly beautiful yet eerie landscape, as the lacy fronds intertwine and envelop the remnants of death.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Uses

Sleeping Spells: Dried Somnárslóðar leaves are often hung over beds or placed in pillows. This practice is believed to bestow blessings of restful sleep and prophetic dreams from Somnia upon those who sleep nearby.
Somnianthe Elixir: This magical elixir is brewed by extracting oils from the leaves of Somnárslóðar. It has the dual effect of inducing deep sleep and enhancing dream-related abilities, providing vivid and prophetic visions to those who consume it.
Dreamweaver's Mist: The mist produced by the ferns is harvested and used to create powerful illusionary potions known as Draumarveifari. These potions induce vivid, hallucinogenic illusions, used for both entertainment and strategic purposes.

Byproducts

Decayed Matter Compost: The decomposed remains from the fern’s feeding process create nutrient-rich compost. This byproduct is highly valued in agriculture for its ability to enhance soil fertility and promote steady plant growth.
Necrodrift Essence: A concentrated extraction from the fern can be used to speed up the decomposition of organic materials. This extract is potent and dangerous, as it can cause rapid decay and potential ecological imbalance if not handled carefully. It is used by those seeking to clear decayed materials quickly or to create specific conditions for cultivating other plants, but its use is tightly regulated due to its potential risks.

Exploitation

Dream Weaving and Recreational Drugs: The potent properties of Somnia's Veil Ferns make them highly sought after by dream weavers and illusionists. The mist and extracts are used to create powerful hallucinogenic drugs, providing users with intense, immersive experiences and vivid hallucinations. These substances are popular both for entertainment and in illicit circles, where they are sought for their mind-altering effects.
Cultivation of Decayed Sites: For some communities, instead of having a cemetery they will have a Somnárslóðar field where they dispose of their dead, allowing them to nourish the plants and contribute to the cycle of life and death. This practice reflects a cultural belief in giving back to the community and the land, using the ferns as a living memorial to the departed.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

Somnárslóðar are parasitic. They rely on decaying organic matter for their nutrients, which they extract from the remnants of life. While they do not harm living plants directly, they thrive on the decomposition of organic material, using the nutrients to sustain their growth and magical properties.

Civilization and Culture

History

One day, when Somnia was but a child roaming Midgarden, she became lost in her daydreams and inadvertently caused the fatal injury of a small woodland creature—a delicate moon hare. Distraught and fearful of the consequences, Somnia sought to cover her mistake. She conjured a blanket of ferns to envelop the creature, using her dream powder to mist both the fern and the dying animal, easing its transition into the afterlife.

At that moment, Myrkurnótt, the Goddex of death, appeared to collect the fallen creature. Seeing Somnia's tearful distress, Myrkurnótt gently comforted her, reassuring her that she was not in trouble. They explained that while she had unintentionally taken a life, she had also brought new life into the world. Myrkurnótt revealed the new ferns Somnia had created, their intricate, lacy patterns shimmering with a soft, ethereal glow.

In a gesture of love and acknowledgment, Myrkurnótt named these enchanting ferns Somnárslóðar, honoring Somnia's unintentional creation and her compassionate heart. The ferns, with their deep purple fronds and mystical properties, became a symbol of the delicate balance between life and death, embodying the essence of dreams and the gentle passage into the afterlife.

Scientific Name

Somniaveil Umbralis

Lifespan

Varies from a few months to several years

Average Height

30 - 90 cm's or 1' - 3'

Average Weight

.9 - 2.3 kg's or 2 - 5 lb's

Average Length

30 - 60 cm's or 1' - 2'

Geographic Distribution

• Duskfall Isle

Discovered by

Somnia