Scordus
Take heed of the scordus plant, for it doth hold a remarkable visage. Growing from the soil, it weareth long, hollow leaves, much like blades of emerald fashioned by the cunning hands of the Nanoi, that emerge from a bulb lying underneath the earth. Upon the crown of the plant, Lamus hath adorned it with great, round clusters, each one comprised of a multitude of miniscule, white blooms.
Yet be warned, for scordus doth not rely solely on its sight to be recognised. Nay, it announceth its presence with a most potent smell, one that doth assault the nostrils with a vigour that doubles if the leaves be but crushed betwixt one's fingers. Indeed, so singular and powerful is this stench that even the most novice adventurer, wandering through lands that offer suitable conditions for its growth, shall have no trouble in locating and identifying this pungent herb.
If thou diggest underneath the soil, the scordus's bounty will be thine for the taking. Its bulb hath a strong odour and be ofttimes made up of ten to twenty cloves. The cloves close to the centre are symmetrical, and those encompassing the centre can be asymmetrical. Every clove be ensconced in an inner sheathing leaf surrounded by layers of outer sheathing leaves.
Basic Information
Ecology and Habitats
While found in tended gardens under the watchful eye of the cunning gardner, seek scordus not only within the confines of orderly plots! Instead, cast thine eyes upon the damp grounds where the very soil doth weep with moisture. In such places, scordus shall ofttimes establish a foothold, its verdant blades pushing skyward with resolute vigour. Nor is the wild meadow spared from the scordus's presence, for its unassuming clusters may dot the landscape amidst a tapestry of wildflowers. Even the sparse fringes of the forest, where sunlight struggles to pierce the verdent canopy, may offer a suitable abode for this tenacious herb.
It is during the early to midsummer months that the scordus unveils its floral crown, attracting bees and other insects to its blooms.
Additional Information
Uses, Products & Exploitation
On Mundane Use of Scordus
Cuneiform whispers etched upon ancient tablets speak of the Nanoi who first cultivated this pungent herb for their tables as far back as the Third Age. Men of the Xianese Empire and Khemia, have likewise savored its fiery kiss for millennia, its presence woven into the fabric of their culinary traditions. But not all find pleasure in the scordus's assertive embrace. The Alvi, a race of refined tastes and most delicate palates, turn their noses from its powerful bite. It is a rare guest upon their tables, its robust flavor deemed too bold for their more subtle dishes.
Yet, where the Alvi turn away, we find solace in the scordus's strength. Soldiers of antiquity, both the valiant Eknon hoplites clad in gleaming armor and the hardy Rexan legionnaires with their weathered faces, found in scordus a source of fortitude. It warmed their bellies on long campaigns and stired their courage in the face of battle. Sailors upon the churning seas, too, find it a loyal companion. It wardeth off illness with its potent properties and provideth a welcome burst of flavour amidst the monotony of shipboard fare. And amongst the common folk of our lands, scordus still finds a place. The farmers who till the earth, their hands roughened by labor, find it a hearty and fortifying addition to their meals. Sages speak of a similar fondness for scordus amongst the far-off Aeriscan peasantry as it giveth strength and endurance for a day's work.
The Oameni, who walk shadowed paths, hold a curious custom regarding scordus. Where paths converge and diverge, they leave offerings of this herb. A supper for Bennos, they say, their god of the night, secrets, and thievery or, perhaps, merely a guardian spirit who watches over them at times of peril. Regardless, our sages record that it is for this reason the Oameni oft leave the overpowering stench of the scordus plant in their wake.
Now a dissertation concerning the healing powers of the scordus plant! When the clove, that singular bulbous portion, is crushed with thine own hand, or when the juice thereof is diluted with care, a most wondrous elixir is formed. This potent concoction, a veritable shield against corruption, doth possess antiseptic properties of such strength that learned healers themselves turn to it in times of need. Oftentimes, they employ it in poultices, a soothing blend incorporating freshly crushed scordus and moss, to cleanse and mend the grievous wounds of warriors and wayfarers.
But the marvels of scordus extend far beyond the battlefield. Its essence can soothe the sting of venomous beasts, be they serpents or stinging insects, offering succor to those unfortunate enough to fall prey to such creatures. And lest we forget, the very fragrance of scordus acts as a bulwark against the the advances of insects that seek to torment us.
On Mystic Use of Scordus
Hark! Heed the words of our wise Judices Atoris, for they speak of a dire bane that plagues the creatures of the night – the very essence of the scordus plant! Though seemingly innocuous to the human touch, for the vile vampire, it holdeth a terror most potent.
Imagine, if you will, a monstrous beast, its fangs bared and eyes glowing with unholy hunger. It approacheth a dwelling, drawn by the scent of warm blood, yet faltereth at the threshold. A most curious aroma assaults its senses, a pungent reek that twisteth its insides and seteth its very essence aflame. This, my friends, is the power of Lamus's gift, the scordus!
The very essence of scordus, be it the crushed clove or the pungent fumes released when burnt, acteth as a noxious fume to the vampire's unholy senses. It burneth their nostrils, searing their insides with an agony that rivaleth the cutting winds of Abythos itself. Their unnatural strength waneth, replaced by a crippling weakness that rendereth them as helpless as a babe.
Furthermore, the radiant aura of scordus, unseen by human eyes, repeleth the creatures of the night. Like moths drawn to a flame, yet recoiling from its scorching touch, so too do vampires recoil from the presence of scordus. A necklace strung with cloves, a poultice placed upon the doorframe, or even the mere wafting of its aroma – all serve as potent wards, turning away these nocturnal fiends.
Therefore, good folk, arm yourselves with this blessed herb! Let cloves of scordus adorn your dwellings, and let its pungent aroma fill the air. For in the face of this humble herb, the very essence of darkness trembleth!
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Like a seasoned traveler unfazed by the vagaries of the road, scordus can be found throughout the vast expanse of Tel. From the sun-scorched southern reaches of Aerisca Borealis where the very air shimmereth with heat, to the wind-battered northern plains of Nivania where winter holdeth a tight grip, this botanical marvel thriveth. Its hardy spirit alloweth it to adapt to the extremes of our world's climes.
However, for all its resilience, scordus, harbours a preference. Though it tolerates the fiery embrace of the south and the frigid grasp of the north, it findeth truest solace in a more temperate clime. It is within the realm of Arahania, where the sun's caress is gentle and the air breathes with a soft warmth, that scordus flourishes most abundantly. There, amidst rolling hills painted emerald green and fertile valleys cradled by gentle slopes, scordus originates. Its pungent aroma mingleth with the sweetness of wildflowers, and its verdant leaves dance in the caress of the balmy breeze. Here, in this land of gentle harmony, scordus reaches its full potential, its clusters forming a tapestry across the landscape. So, if thine travels lead thee through Tel, and thou seekest an audience with this hardy herb, set thine sights on Arahania. There, bathed in the golden glow of a benevolent sun, scordus awaits.
Game Effect: If a poultice of scordus and moss is applied to a character's wound, the character will naturally recover 2 HP per day for 3 days. The effect is not cumlative, though another poultice can be applied for another 3 day period. Scordus juice applied to exposed areas can act as an insect repellent with a 50% chance of effectiveness. The juice can also be applied to a bite or sting for a one time healing effect of 1 HP.
Vampires are repelled by the odor of fresh scordus and must save vs. posion each round in order to attack someone holding the plant.
