Silphium

Alternate Names

Siilphion, Laserwort, Laser, Paladin Wort

Overview

This is a very useful plant, where all parts of it are useful, and it is a key ingredient in Healing Potions of different types, as well as being an element in Philtres and Magical Items that change the looks of their owners. Sometimes it is used as an element of the incense burned during a ritual to empower the item or as a component in the ink within the spell being used to start the enchantment - but regardless, if the item in anyway affects the leadership, view or appearance of the individual, then this plant is involved in some way.

the effectiveness of the healing potions are in part due to their ability to remove all physical signs of injury - this includes scarring and discoloration or disfiguration of the flesh - it is the Silphium that allows the potion to do this, hence the name Paladin Wort.

Properties

Material Characteristics

Silphium has thick roots, it is covered in a black bark and grows to about 48 centimeters (1 cubit) in length
It's stalk is long and hollow.
It has golden leaves (looking like celery).

Physical & Chemical Properties

It's medical properties allow it to treat coughs, sore throats, fevers, indigestion, aches and pains. It will also repair the skin of any growths including warts, hemorrhoids, acne, and disfigurements from battle such as scarring from burns and sword cuts. It reverses the Charisma losing effects of injuries when used as a cream. (It is therefore called Paladin Wort - not only for it's minor healing properties but it's Charisma increasing power in dealing with disfiguring injury.)

Geology & Geography

This plant is an essential item of trade from the local desert areas of the Slaver areas heading into Aubaydi. It is so critical to trade, that it is of greater importance than the silks that are produced in the area, and the plant and it's seeds are even used on the currency of the area. The most valuable part of the plant from this area is in fact it's resin known as laser, laserpicium, or lasarpicium.

History & Usage

Everyday use

Silphium is used as a seasoning (it makes meat more tender), perfume, aphrodisiac (+1 to Charisma, -1 to Wisdom), and Medicine.

Silphium Plant Botanical Study

Silphium Plant in Heraldry

Type

Organic

Odor

Pungent and bad until cooked