Field Guide to the Flora of the Verdant Hollow
Complied by Her Majesty, Queen Seraphina
Whisperroot
Appearance: The Whisperroot is a delicate, silver-hued root, approximately six inches in length, adorned with fine, hair-like strands that shimmer subtly in the light. Its ethereal appearance suggests an otherworldly origin, believed to be cultivated by wind spirits.
Uses: This root is used for its capacity to enhance verbal communication spells and is instrumental in enchantments requiring precise wording. It is also a vital component in potions that enable the understanding of ancient or foreign languages. How this works remains unknown.
Harvesting Instructions: Harvest the Whisperroot with great care, ensuring to preserve its fine strands. Use a delicate, silver bladed tool to sever the root at its base during the twilight hours when its magical properties are most potent.
Moonshade Petal
Appearance: The Moonshade petals present themselves as a deep, iridescent blue, almost black in certain lights. Their velvety texture and faint luminescent glow during the night are unmistakable markers of this plant’s mystical nature.
Uses: These petals are invaluable in alchemy, specifically for concocting potions that bestow night vision or enhance one’s ability to remain unseen in the dark. Additionally, they are indispensable in rituals harnessing lunar energies.
Harvesting Instructions: Collect Moonshade petals under the light of the full moon, using a velvet lined blanket to prevent bruising. Handle with gloves to maintain their delicate luminescence.
Elderbark
Appearance: Elderbark is characterized by its rugged and gnarled texture, with an ancient and venerable appearance. It is deep brown in color, with subtle hints of green moss adorning its surface.
Uses: This bark is revered for its protective qualities. It is frequently utilized in defensive spells and potions and is a key ingredient in crafting powerful protective amulets believed to ward off malevolent spirits.
Harvesting Instructions: Strip the bark gently from ancient elder trees using a specially prepared knife. [All specialty items are available for purchase at the front counter.] Ensure to leave offerings of water and nutrient rich soil at the base of the tree as a token of gratitude.
Sunsprout Leaves
Appearance: The Sunsprout leaves are a vivid green, small and round with a sunburst pattern radiating from their center. They exude warmth, akin to a touch of sunlight captured in leaf form.
Uses: These leaves are incorporated into potions that invigorate energy and vitality. In spellcraft, they amplify the caster’s abilities, particularly in spells associated with growth and healing.
Harvesting Instructions: Harvest Sunsprout leaves during the first light of dawn. Use a golden sickle, cutting each leaf with precision to retain their vibrant energy.
Frostvine Berries
Appearance: The Frostvine berries are small, translucent, and frost white, as if encrusted with a delicate layer of ice. Their cold texture and crisp appearance are distinctive traits.
Uses: These berries are crucial in the preparation of potions granting resistance to cold and ice. They are also integral in spells that summon or control ice, making them essential for ice elemental magics. Frostvine berries are delicious and are used in many cold cooking dishes. Any dish with heat will destroy the berries.
Harvesting Instructions: Collect Frostvine berries at the peak of dawn, when the frost is most prominent. Use an insulated container to preserve their cold essence until they are required for use.
Starleaf Herb
Appearance: The Starleaf herb is distinguished by its luminous, star shaped leaves that emit a soft, ethereal glow, particularly under the twilight sky. The leaves are a vibrant green, with shimmering silver veins that enhance its mystical allure.
Uses: When consumed, the Starleaf herb imparts a surge of energy and heightened focus, making it a highly coveted ingredient in potions and dishes that demand mental clarity and physical vigor. It is sought after by alchemists and battle chefs for its temporary enhancement of abilities.
Harvesting Instructions: Gather the Starleaf herb during the twilight hours, when its glow is most pronounced. Use a crystal glass container to capture its essence without diminishing its potency. Handle with reverence and care, as befits a plant of such rare and wondrous qualities.
Journal Entries of Enhanced Plants in the Verdant Hollow
Mangoes
Appearance: These mangoes have taken on a golden hue, with a faint, shimmering glow that intensifies under moonlight. The skin is smooth and unblemished, while the flesh inside is a vibrant orange with a honey like scent.
Uses: The enhanced mangoes have shown the ability to boost physical endurance and vitality. Consuming these fruits provides a temporary increase in stamina and strength, making them valuable for long journeys or strenuous task.
Variants Discovered: Moonlight Mangoes – These mangoes, when harvested under the full moon, have amplified effects and grant night vision for a limited period.
Harvesting Instructions: Harvest during the early dawn when the dew is fresh on the skin. Use a silver sickle to ensure the preservation of their magical properties.
Apples
Appearance: These apples are a deep crimson red, with an almost glass like sheen. They emit a faint aroma reminiscent of autumn leaves and spice.
Uses: These apples possess healing properties, accelerating the body’s natural regeneration processes. Eating an apple can heal minor wounds and alleviate fatigue.
Variants Discovered:
Golden Apples – Rare variants that appear golden in color and can heal more severe injuries, including broken bones and deep lacerations.
Crimson Apples – These apples have a deep crimson hue with a slight iridescent shine. The skin is smooth and firm, while the flesh inside is a bright red. These apples provide temporary boosts to physical strength and endurance. They are particularly useful for warriors or laborers who need an extra burst of power.
Silver Apples – These apples have a silvery sheen that almost appears metallic. The flesh inside is a pale white, with a slightly sweet and tart flavor. These apples enhance mental clarity and intelligence. Consuming one of these apples can temporarily boost cognitive functions. Ideal for scholars and strategists. Harvest during the night under the light of the moon. Use a silver sickle to ensure the preservation of the magical properties.
Emerald Apples – These apples are a vibrant green with a glossy surface. The flesh inside is a crisp, light green with a refreshing taste. These apples provide a temporary boost to agility and reflexes. They are beneficial for hunters, scouts and anyone who relies on speed and dexterity. Best harvested with the sun is high. Use a clean, sharp knife to cut them from the branch to avoid bruising the delicate skin.
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Obsidian Apples – The apples have a dark, almost black skin with a slight shimmer. The flesh inside is a deep purple, with a rich and slightly tart flavor. Obsidian apples grant temporary resistance to magical attacks and enhance the user’s magical defense. Highly useful for mages or anyone facing arcane threats. Best harvested during a new moon, when the darkness is at its peak. Use a black cloth to gently pluck them from the tree, ensuring their magical properties remain intact.
Harvesting Instructions: Best harvested at midday when the sun is at its peak. Use a gentle twist to pluck them from the tree, avoiding any bruising.
Tomatoes
Appearance: The tomatoes have grown larger and more vibrant, with a bright red hue that seems to pulse with energy. The skin is firm and smooth, and the interior is juicy and rich.
Uses: Enhanced tomatoes boost the immune system, providing resistance to common illnesses and poisons. They are used in potions to enhance physical resilience.
Variants Discovered: Fiery tomatoes- These tomatoes have a spicy kick and can be used to create potions to increase fire resistance.
Harvesting Instructions: Harvest during the late afternoon, using gloves to protect the delicate. Store in cool, dark containers to maintain potency.
Carrots
Appearance: These carrots are longer and thicker than usual, with a bright orange color that glows. The greens on top are lush and fragrant.
Uses: Enhanced carrots improve vision and provide night vision when consumed regularly. They are also used in elixirs that enhance visual acuity and perception.
Variants Discovered:
Golden Carrot – These rare variants provide even stronger enhancements, including the ability to see through illusions.
Harvesting Instructions: Best harvested at dawn, pulling them gently from the ground to avoid breaking the roots. Cleanse with pure water to maintain their magical properties.
Lettuce
Appearance: This lettuce has large, crisp leaves that shimmer with a slight iridescence. The leaves are firm yet tender, with a refreshing scent. Interestingly, every individual asked to identify the scent has each reported a different scent. Further investigations are warranted.
Uses: Enhanced lettuce promotes calmness and mental clarity. Eating these leaves can reduce stress and anxiety, making them ideal for relaxation and mediation.
Variants Discovered:
Dream Lettuce – A variant with a pale blue tint that can induce restful sleep and vivid, lucid dreams. Caution is required, reported interactions with stimulants have caused several incidents that Gavrin describes as ‘the Ambien Walrus takes no prisoners.’
Harvesting Instructions: Harvest in the early morning when the leaves are covered in dew. Use a sharp, clean knife to cut the leaves at the base.
Bananas
Appearance: These bananas are slightly larger and have a golden tint to their peels. They emit a sweet, tropical fragrance that is quite invigorating.
Uses: Enhanced bananas boost physical energy and agility. Consuming them provides a burst of energy, making them ideal for physical exertion and combat.
Variants Discovered:
Solar Bananas – These bananas, when exposed to direct sunlight for a prolonged period, grant temporary immunity to heat and fire.
Harvesting Instructions: Harvest in the late morning, ensuring the bananas are fully ripe. Use a gentle hand to avoid bruising the delicate fruit.
Potatoes
Appearance: These potatoes are larger and have a rich, earthy scent. Their skin is a deep brown, almost black, with a smooth texture.
Uses: Enhanced potatoes improve physical durability and strength. They are also used in potions that provide resistance to physical damage and enhance muscle growth.
Variants Discovered:
Iron potatoes – these variants have a metallic sheen and provide even greater physical resilience and strength.
Harvesting Instructions: Harvest in the early evening, digging carefully to avoid damaging the tubers. Clean with cook, running water to preserve their magical essence.
Onions
Appearance: These onions are large, with a deep purple skin that shines under the light. They have a strong, pungent aroma that is almost intoxicating.
Uses: Enhanced onions improve respiratory health and endurance. They are also used in potions that grant resistance to airborne toxins and improve breathing.
Variants Discovered:
Thunder Onions – These variants crackle with electrical energy and can be used to create potions that grant electrical resistance.
Harvesting Instructions: Harvest during thunderstorms, if possible to maximize their electrical properties. Store in a cool, dry place.
Strawberries
Appearance: These strawberries are larger and more vibrant, with a rich red color that glows. They emit a sweet, fragrant aroma that is incredibly inviting.
Uses: Enhanced strawberries improve overall health and vitality. They are also used in potions that enhance beauty and charisma.
Variants Discovered:
Star Strawberries – These rare variants have tiny, star like specks on their surface and can grant temporary flight when consumed. Caution must be used when handling this variant. During an unfortunate incident a star strawberry applied to an unsuspecting bystander sent the person soaring into the sky. Additional research and spells are required to properly control flight. A possible alternate name has been proposed as Soarberry.
Harvesting Instructions: Harvest at twilight, using a gentle hand to avoid bruising. Store in a cool, dry place to maintain their magical properties.
Bell Peppers
Appearance: These bell peppers are larger and have a glossy, vibrant appearance. They come in various colors, each with a slight luminescent quality.
Uses: Enhanced bell peppers improve digestive health and metabolism. They are also used in potions that grant temporary bursts of speed and agility.
Variants Discovered:
Ember Peppers – These peppers have a fiery red color and can be used to create potions to increase fire resistance and enhanced combat reflexes.
Harvesting Instructions: Harvest in the late afternoon, using gloves to protect the delicate skin. Store in a cool, dark place to maintain their potency.
Cucumbers
Appearance: These cucumbers are long and vibrant green, with a slightly translucent quality. They emit a refreshing, crisp scent.
Uses: Enhanced cucumbers improve hydration and skin health. They are also used in potions that grant temporary water breathing and enhanced swimming ability.
Variants Discovered
Ocean Cucumbers – These rare variants have a blue tint and can be used to create potions that grant the ability to control water.
Harvesting Instructions: Harvest in the early morning, when they are most hydrated. Use a sharp knife to cut them from the vine.
Green Coffee Berry
Appearance: The berries are a vibrant green, clustered in small bunches. They have a smooth surface and are firm to the touch. When ripe they emit a faint, fresh aroma.
Magical Properties: Green Coffee Berries enhance alertness and energy levels when consumed. They are particularly useful for those who need to stay awake and focused for extended periods.
Uses: The pits can be roasted and brewed into a potent beverage that sharpens the mind and invigorates the body. The berries themselves can be used in potions to enhance mental clarity and physical stamina.
Harvesting Instructions: Best harvested at midday when the sun is strongest. Pluck the berries gently to avoid damaging the delicate skin and ensure their magical properties are retained.
Aurora Coffee Berry
Appearance: These berries have a golden hue and emit a faint, warm glow. They are slightly larger than the typical green coffee berry and have a smoother texture.
Magical Properties: Aurora Coffee Berries provide a temporary boost to magical abilities, enhancing spellcasting and mana regeneration. They are highly sought after by mages and spellcasters.
Uses: When roasted and brewed, the pits create a beverage that significantly enhances magical prowess. The berries can also be used in enchantments and potions to amplify magical effects.
Harvesting Instructions: Harvest at dawn, just as the first light touches the berries. Use golden shears to gently cut them from the plant, preserving their unique properties.
Shadow Coffee Berry
Appearance: These berries are a dark, almost black color with a faint purple sheen. They appear slightly shriveled and emit a subtle, ominous aura.
Magical Properties: Shadow Coffee Berries have a negative effect, causing temporary confusion and paranoia when consumed. They are often used in poisons and traps due to their disruptive properties.
Uses: The pits can be roasted and ground into a powder that induces disorientation and fear in those who consume it. Further research is warranted to determine a possible method to make the shadow berry safe for consumption.
Harvesting Instructions: Best harvested at midnight under the cover of darkness. Use black gloves to pluck the berries, avoiding direct contact with the skin to prevent accidental exposure to their harmful effects.
Shadow Mushroom
Appearance: These rare variants have a dark, smoky appearance and can be used to create potions that grant the ability to move through shadows.
Harvesting Instructions: Harvest during the night, using a soft cloth to avoid damaging the delicate caps. Store in a cool, dark place.
Rice
Appearance: This rice is larger and has a pearly white appearance with a slight iridescent sheen. The grains are firm and emit a soft, earthy aroma.
Uses: Enhanced rice improves stamina and endurance. It is also used in potions that grant boosts to strength and resilience.
Variants Discovered:
Golden Rice – This variant has a golden hue and can be used to create potions that grant temporary invincibility to physical harm.
Harvesting Instructions: Harvest during the early morning, when the grains are most hydrated. Dry and store carefully to maintain their magical properties.