Serpentbloom is an ensemble of subterranean bioluminescent plants used in underground agriculture. Thriving in the special ecosystem of the Serpentspine, they've been used in all sorts of farms and plantations throughout millennia by the Serpentspine inhabitants, and form the basis of the food chain.
History[]
Serpentbloom is a collective term for the various, often bioluminescent, plants native to the Serpentspine mountains. Some theorize that they originate from the Primeval Serpentdepths, and spread with Halanna's Breath over time, to finally cover the entire Serpentspine Mountain cave networks. Others claim the plants are just heavily evolved and adapted surface plants that found their way into the mountains several millions of years ago. Their exact origin remains somewhat mysterious, and modern biologists and chloromancers are still unraveling their mysteries.
Usage[]
Serpentbloom has seen usage in everything from a staple food crop to medicinal herbs, and brewing. It’s been cultivated by the natives of the Serpentspine for as long as written history can reveal, and most likely even longer than that. It is somewhat unclear what species of Serpentbloom are the result of careful cultivation over millennia, and what species are in their original form. The most commonly cultivated types of Serpentbloom are listed in this article, but there are countless other varieties and species, and more are being discovered and documented every day. Modern doctors, alchemists, and pharmacists have started using Serpentbloom for new curative and powerful herbs for potion crafting and medicine-making, as well as spell reagents, and it also sees heavy usage in traditional dwarven, goblin, and black orc medicine.
Common Species of Serpentbloom[]
Glowmoss[]
A type of moss that grows on the walls and floors of underground tunnels and caverns. It has a bright, luminescent quality that gives off a soft, blue-green light. Goblins, Orcs and Kobolds use Glowmoss as a natural light source, and it is also prized for its ability to filter and purify the air in underground dwellings. It is also edible, although with a foul taste, and used as a “last resort” food for the poor, outcasts, and prisoners.
Serpentvine[]
A long, flexible vine that grows along the walls and ceilings of underground tunnels. It has glossy, dark green leaves that emit soft, blue-green light. Serpentvine is a source of carbohydrates and is often used to make bread and other baked goods. It is also popular as a steamed side dish, which makes it slightly less fibrous and gristly. It has a fresh, slightly bitter flavor and a chewy texture.
Crystal Rokon[]
A type of rice-like plant that grows in the deep, mineral-rich soil of the Serpentspine mountains. It has a translucent, crystal-like appearance and emits a soft, white light. Can be boiled as is which produces a hard crystal-like kernel, or ground into a fine powder for use as starch, flour, or in brewing. Crystal Rice is a source of complex carbohydrates and is often used as a staple food in underground agriculture. It has a strong fragrant earthlike taste and a crystalline texture when boiled.
Cavegrass[]
Tall, brittle, and thin varieties of grass with bioluminescent seed heads that emit a soft, green light. Throughout the millennia it has been domesticated into various different species with their own uses. Serpentgrass is a staple crop in underground agriculture and is used to make flour for bread, cereals, and for the brewing of alcohol. It has a slightly dry, complex nutty flavor.
Firebud[]
These plants have a large, central "heart" that can be roasted or grilled for a delicious, nutty flavor. Often found in the vicinity of magma, or sources of immense heat. The scales surrounding the heart are glowing orange-red that emit a soft, flickering light in the dark. The leaves are also edible and have a slightly bitter taste.
Shimmerfruit[]
A pear-shaped fruit that emits a soft, pink glow after a long blooming period. As its name suggests, it shimmers ever so slightly and is most visible in complete darkness. Shimmerfruit bushes can often be found near old Dwarven ruins or where small settlements have existed due to its widespread use as a rural staple food during Aul-Dwarov. Shimmerfruit is used in salads, fruit plates, and other recipes calling for something sweet. It can also be used to make a strong wine. It was also traditionally a welcome boost to the larder of Serpentspine explorers. It has a sweet, slightly floral flavor and a juicy, crisp texture.
Cave Coral[]
Named after its look similar to certain kinds of coral. They grow into many different shapes and sizes, often dependent on the structure of the cave and the amount of Halanna’s Breath that is present. While inedible, Cave Coral grows quite tough to maintain its structural integrity and can be used as a substitute for wood. When grown in plantations, only those varieties that allow for the sawing of planks are selected. It also has the sometimes annoying tendency of simply staying alive when sawn off its roots, meaning that planks have to be kept in almost airtight rooms to kill them, as the planks may keep growing as they are still exposed to Halanna’s Breath.
Shadow Klin[]
A climbing vine found along Halannas Breath deposits that produce clusters of small purple bioluminescent cones. Can be used as a flavoring and for adding bitterness when brewing beer. Gives a distinctive dark color and intense, strong flavor.