Flora of the Algol
As one of the most ecologically diverse regions on Norrab, the Algol has no end of interesting flora. From the vibrant bioluminescent flowers to the tentacular deep-river trees, many plants are specially adapted to very complex life cycles.
Surface & Riversides
Remember the rules! First one to reach the marker upstream wins! On your marks, get set, SAIL!
In the slow-flowing waters of the Lower Algol, surface plants are very common. Buoyant fire eggs float along, slowly filling up with water. When they sink below the surface, these plants explode, sending their seeds flying through the air and water.
Propeller kelp drift along the river, their steady blades rotating, dragging these gigantic plants upstream, pushing against the Algol's flow.
Spirited adventurers race on rafts built upon these gigantic plants, turning the Algol into an arena for competitions.
Standing tall on the riversides are gigantic algolichtueth, commonly known as algol seed shooters or pulse plants. These almost-white structures barely resemble plants; they gather water from the river, sucking it out through gigantic roots, spurting it out from the tops to release seeds.
Just Below the Surface
We splash in the river every morning. There is this little spot just by our house, which juts out from the main river. It is quiet, clean, and best of all, super comfortable with all the moss that grows on the floor.
Large blimpballs make their way through the open waters of the Lower Algol. They bump into the giant propeller kelp, releasing seeds as they shake and rattle. Redhand weeds struggle to stay in one piece from the rushing waters, inhabiting the faster flowing upstream Algol.
Short river grasses and moss have caused significant overgrowth around the river banks. They cushion the feet of norrabians dabbling in the shallow riversides.
Sailfin feeders stick out from the river, growing almost ten metres tall. They collect plankton through their holets, feeding these carnivorous plants.
Bursting bubbles produce flowers under the water, encased in a soft, shining film. The flower detaches and floats towards the surface. Slowly but surely, the flower attracts insects and digests them, increasing its weight. Eventually the plant weighs enough to sink to the riverbed, attaching itself to the ground, restarting the cycle.
Murky Depths
The Algol is shockingly deep in places, with average depth in certain stretches exceeding three hundred metres. Thick yellow, green, and blue curly river grasses grow in the depths, coating the river bed. The first bioluminescent flora grow about twenty metres below the surface.
Around the Seven Falls frogheads are extremely common. These gigantic plants are the same size as a norrabian, with a bulbous body that resembles a decapitated amphibian. This perplexing defense mechanism scares predators away, but one species in particular like to use these plants to guard their nests.
Arian petals present their yellow seeds to predators as a welcome gift. The seeds are incredibly durable and can survive the digestive system of any organism in the river, which just helps these seeds travel farther around, to later germinate.
Approaching the Caves
Approaching the chasm. Lifeforms Detected....small lifeforms?Yes. You are in no danger.Okay, that's good. Now tell me where these plants grow. I need to get a good sample.Crimson queens grow on the bottom of the Algol tunnels. They illuminate their environment with the gigantic egg-shaped seed-sac they nurture. Take great care removing the seed-sac; these plants produce a high-pitched ringing noise when injured, capable of paralysing a norrabian.
A little known fact, the Algol is littered with underwater cave systems. These tunnels and caverns reach miles below the surfaces, with entrances throughout the river. The Algol Delta has the largest tunnel into this cave, a small chasm approximately fifty metres in diameter.
Guarding these cavern entrances are whittling grasps, magnificently black trees. Tiny, vine-like leaves reach out from the tube-shaped trunk, with tiny glowing bulbs at the end. They grip at any creature swimming by, dragging it down to be liquefied within the trunk.
Caverns, Chasms, and Caves
Dangerous lifeforms detected.
In the deepest, darkest corners of the Algol tunnels lie the most dangerous flora. Plants disguised as sea anemones lie in wait for an unsuspecting fish to swim by, shooting out its barbed tentacles.
Statute pot warters stand tall in these tunnels, holding the crooked and crumbling roofs up. Small animals seek refuge in these hollow plants, digging tiny holes and creating elaborate nests within its confines.
The magnificent red and blue alkana trees dig through these caverns, their trunks pushing through soil and stone. Their mighty red leaves poke through the surface of the Algol. Too many of these trees can slow down the river's flow, and have caused many floods throughout history.
Sooo, safe to say that Norribian is dead.
Poor guy :(