Gaspweed
Gaspweed is an extremely rare but versatile type of kelp that grows in only a few places in The Azure Sea.
It has the unique and unusual property of exuding breathable air, and if controlled properly can be used in the crafting of armour and helmets that, as if my magic, can allow the wearer to breathe underwater. Even consuming the bladders of Gaspweed can impart a water-breathing effect for a limited time.
Ecology
Gaspweed grows incredibly fast; up to one foot per day under the right conditions. When fully grown it forms towering underwater forests that serve as vibrant marine habitats. There have been reports of some deeper water mammalian species, such as deep sea otters and seals, that actively consume Gaspweed bladders in order to stay submerged for longer periods whilst they hunt the many fish that propogate amongst the relative safety of the weed forests. One of the few known places where Gaspweed grows is in the Gaspweed Farms, in the Alugach city of Limuthys. There it is carefully tended and, in conjunction with sea-elf artisans, it is crafted by secret means into wondrous items such as the Gaspweed Helms or Potions of Water-breathing. It was certainly the Alugach that first discovered the unusual properties of Gaspweed. There are even rumours that they somehow engineered it's growth into such a useful plant by careful cultivation techniques, now lost to history. During the The Great Pelagic War the Alugach outfitted some of the surface-dwelling elven races with such helms, for use in special forces raids against coastal Imperial outposts. It is not known whether the Eldgach and their brethren still retain any of these items. If the Alugach know of other places where Gaspweed grows they are keeping that information to themselves.Toxic Gaspweed
There are rumours of a more sinister use for Gaspweed. Naturally it grows at depths where the sunlight stuggles to penetrate the ocean water. The gas-filled bladders keep the weed upright and reaching for life-giving light of the sun, allowing it to pass the energy down into it's roots. However, in especially low-light areas algal blooms can form around the weed, reducing the oxgen levels in the water and causing anoxic dead zones. For the Gaspweed in these areas nitrogen is transferred up the stems to the bladders, which can fill with toxic nitrous oxide. These poisonous Gaspweeds have been used in the production of several rare toxins. In the well-tended gardens of Limuthys this algal deoxidation of the water is not an issue, despite the sometimes great depth.
Alugach wearing a Gaspweed Helm by Jose Parodi
An interesting and useful plant! I'd like to know more about how it was discovered. And are there any animals which benefit from its effects, living in those "vibrant marine habitats"?
Creator of the Kaleidoscope System and the planet Miragia.
Thank you very much for the feedback and inspiration! I shall have a think and make some additions to the article.