Dragon's Fang Flower
The Dragon's Fang Flower is a rare plant that only grows in and/or near active volcanoes. They will sometimes grow near the top, but especially at the edge of the crater and sometimes near where the lava is sitting. It is named after the sleeping race of Dragons not because of how it looks but that it is a key ingredient in fire based magical items and potions and some spells. It is very rare and dangerous to get because of growing near volcanoes. The fact is that volcano must be active, and have been active for a bit of time for these flower to start growing. They are quite sought after and fetch a very good price for those needing them.
Properties
Material Characteristics
The flowers are primarily red in different shades. The petals are soft to the touch feeling like silk. However they have some warmth to them even after been picked away from the lava or volcano they are growing near. Their roots are usually a mess of white tendrils reaching into the ground.
Compounds
Dragon's Fang Flowers are used for many potions that involves fire of some sort. This could be anywhere from a potion of fire breath or a potion of warmth. In these potions it is the key ingredient to make the fire or warmth part of it.
Geology & Geography
The flower is always found in or around active volcanos. So this being the case most often they are found in the Huali Mountain Range. There is where the most volcanos are found most often. It is not unheard of to find a volcano in the Tiyiangin Mountain range as well but much rarer.
Life & Expiration
Once the Dragon's Fang Flower has been picked it will loose any use within four months. When found people try to get it to artificers, wizards, and alchemists as soon as possible so it can be used and gain the best profit. Also up until this point, unless magically slowed or stored, around the four month period the flower will burst into a colorful flame and be consumed.
History & Usage
Discovery
While no name is known for who discovered it there is a story that everyone tells. It says that a certain dragon saw that people were struggling to harness magic and tame the land. They then showed this plant to people in Zhen Gho and how to use it. They taught them how to harness the power of fire, usually associated with the dragons, to aid them in survival. Many names are given to this dragon but no one agrees on who exactly it was.
Refinement
For using it in a practical setting there are a couple ways it is refined. For use in potions most often it is crushed in a mortar and pestle to be used as an additive in a mixture. This is similar for spell components, although sometimes it can be used simple as it is for spells. Lastly for magical items it usually needs to be crushed and then added to the metal or other material that will be used in the magical item. This allows the magic to adhere to the flower within the item itself.
Distribution
Trade & Market
This item can be found in most markets in larger towns, especially Provincial Capitals. This being the case most times the flowers are close to their end of life. They need to be used soon, or put back into some sort of magical storage or suspended animation. It is sold at a very high price from merchants who deal in magical components or ingredients for potions.
Storage
Until it is near the end of its life storage is not specific or special. Although to prolong its life and use it later it must be put into a magical storage such as an extra dimensional plane. Another way of storing it longer is in a suspended animation field where it will not age or decay.
Type
Biomaterial
Value
100-1000gp per flower
Rarity
Very rare
Odor
Smell of smoke when crushed
Taste
Is considered very spicy with earthy flavor
Color
Different shades of red
Related Locations
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