Wild Herbs and Plants

The ancestor of the vampire thorns found in Rosa Noir and Grenadine, bitethorn is found throughout Arcydea in small numbers in temperate woodlands and plains zones. Growing about 3-4 feet tall and 3-12 feet wide, bitethorn is a plant-based equivalent to barbed wire. It has many flexible but strong branches that are covered in metal like barbs. The plant is very aggressive in the sense that it will often kill surrounding plants as it takes all the nutrients in the soil. As a result, if the plant can properly be harvested the sap extract is filled with vitamins and nutrients and is a common ingredient in medicines, once harvested and magically strengthened by druids. This material is resilient and can be manipulated in many ways.

When used in weapons as a replacement for rope (lassos or nets), it inflicts d3 damage when it first entangles someone, and d2 damage per action taken by the entangled person until the material is removed. Bitethorn can also be wrapped around bludgeoning weapons to inflict an extra d3 slashing damage. It is even more effective when poison is added.

When reinforced and wrapped around shields or armor, it inflicts an additional d3 slashing damage when used for a shield bash (shields) or when the wearer is engaged in a grapple; because of the barbs, the wearer has +2 to initiate grapples but -2 to resist being grappled.

Bitethorn is most commonly sold in lengths of 9 feet or more at a cost of 20 gp per 3 feet; bitethorn weave fabric costs 80 gp per square foot.

Echinacea is commonly used to treat respiratory disorders and boost resistance to diseases, typically in the form of teas or juices. Aside from being a common herbal remedy prepared by mothers everywhere, in the lab, echinacea is considered an activator that increases the potency of other ingredients.

The leaves of the gingko tree have been known for their medicinal qualities for millenia, with their leaves being used in capsules, tablets, and extracts, or when dried, can be brewed as a tea. Gingko is commonly used in alchemical concoctions that prevent or lessen the effects of dementia and hallucinations, and is lesser well known for its effects on healing of bone fractures. Gingko tree tea is a common base element for potions that affect the mind and body.

Commonly used as a spice in cooking, this herb has been used by alchemists to help stabilize their creations, and helps to heal skin diseases, joint pain, and other and joints suffering from injury or old age. It is hard on the stomach, though, and generally must be mixed with pepper or brewed into a tea to best generate its effects. Turmeric also gives potions a distinct flavor that makes them more palatable to some people, especially when mixed with pepper.

A common weed known for its potency when boiled and distilled, making a common poison that can be coated on weapons.

A somewhat rare plant root that is used in burnsoothe ointment, mashed and mixed with assorted plant oils.

A flowering plant that makes a potent wound-sealing salve known as gashglue when ground into paste.

This mushroom is known to carry several neurotoxins and hallucinogens that make eating one without preparation a perilous adventure. Unlike ordinary amanita mushrooms from Earth, though, the Avylyssan strain is prized as a fixative in magical elixirs once the poison has been removed through repeated parboiling. It is the key component in a number of potions meant for use on people, and is fairly rare outside of the continent of Avyl, though some variants have been transplanted successfully to other regions. When prepared in oils rather than water, it can also be used as a bug repellent or insecticide.

This formerly tropical fruit has been adapted over time to grow in a temperate climate, although it is a rare find away from civilization. The juice of bloodmelons is most commonly used in replacing blood as a food source for creatures that normally thrive on the blood.

Bloodmelon is actually useful as a replacement blood source in medicinal treatment as well as for vampire snacks and such. Who knew, but it makes sense. This also means that it appears as an ingredient in some variant healing potions, as well as being used as an iron supplement and generally healthy fruit – although most people can't really stomach the flavor unless it's properly disguised or cooked, of course.

Brainmelon is a rare variety of bloodmelon designed to sate those with unique tastes revolving around brains. While not nearly as popular as bloodmelon, it is nevertheless an important facet of maintaining peaceful relations with certain cultures.