"We trekked across the ashlands for the better part of the day, but we left with only about a dozen of the brilliant crimson fruits. Each painstakingly selected by the local herbalists, who insisted I keep my distance. Before we made the return journey, the flesh of the fruit was carved out and prepared for the trip, a process given even more care than their selection. As we turned back to the black desert that surrounded Mount Nuri, I inquired with one of the herbalists, a bit perplexed why they would make such a trip only to return with a small fraction of what was there. The old man only chuckled at my question, insisting I'd have my answer soon enough.
Only perhaps a few minutes later an explosion rang across the ash valley. It was quickly followed by another, and another. I turned about--half expecting Nuri to be erupting--to see a thousand crimson fruits bursting across the mountainside."
-from the travel log of Alchemist Jorridin
Classification: Infused Plant
Major Elements: Fire
Minor Elements: Earth
Habitat: Volcanic or otherwise fiery regions
Infusion among plants has long been thought to be an exceedingly rare occurrence, such that few elementalists will take the time to even discuss it. The recent incursion of alchemical arts to Ordin from the southern steppes, however, have broadened the mindset of many who study the elements and brought to light a wealth of new information regarding herbaceous infusions. While many of these new plants are still exceedingly rare, their extraordinary properties, both alchemical and otherwise, make them well worth investigating.
The fire berry, or impassion fruit, is one such botanical marvel brought to Ordin by the southern alchemists. Originally harvested along the rim of an active volcano, herbalists have managed to transplant it to Ordin with reasonable success with the help of Fire magi. The Witch's Scar of eastern Ordin has also been found to be a suitable semi-natural habitat, though only the bravest of gardeners dare harvest from the region.
When not flowering or fruiting the impassion fruit vine is nearly indistinguishable from a withered root or burnt twig. The ashen plant twists across the rich, blackened volcanic soil long before any other seed can take root, absorbing both minerals and lingering heat. When the ash finally starts to cool the vines bloom. Orange, blue, purple, and green flames alight on the vines, bringing wondrous color to the ruined landscape for several days, day and night.
The fiery display attracts the attention of ember swarms, fire wisps, fireflies, and other igneous creatures in the same manner as regular flowering plants attract bees and butterflies. Soon afterwards the flames will fade, replaced by the brilliant red fruits the plant is known for. If the fruits are to be harvested it must be done immediately as they turn quickly. Unharvested fruits eventually explode, blasting small craters into the earth and burying their seeds beneath the charred landscape. There the seeds lie dormant, sometimes for hundreds of years, until the next eruption.
Harvesting the impassion fruits, as may already be clear, is quite a dangerous process. Not only does it grow in some of the most dangerous places on Telus, it also requires precise timing and handling if the harvester doesn't wish to be blasted to pieces. Nonetheless the demand for the fiery fruit is high, as is the reward for those brave and capable enough to procure it.
The fruit of the fire vine is considered a rare delicacy, allowing one to "taste" elemental flame. Some report it to be intensely sweet, others shockingly sour, while still others have stated they barely noticed the taste through an overwhelming burning sensation. It is unclear if these different experiences are due to the individual taster, differences in the fruits, or something else altogether. Regardless, the true wonder of the fruit is in its alchemical properties. Infused with elemental Fire, the fruit can be used by alchemists to create concoctions that temporarily enhance the imbibers connection to Fire.
Though these alchemical applications have grabbed the attention of those at the University, a good deal of study is still required. Long term affects of these enhancing tinctures are unknown. Likewise, though these mixtures may give the user a stronger link to a particular element, it is with years of study and practice that one learns to master the elemental arts. A sudden burst of strength without the prowess to control it could prove harmful, or even potentially mind shattering.
Infusion among plants has long been thought to be an exceedingly rare occurrence, such that few elementalists will take the time to even discuss it. The recent incursion of alchemical arts to Ordin from the southern steppes, however, have broadened the mindset of many who study the elements and brought to light a wealth of new information regarding herbaceous infusions. While many of these new plants are still exceedingly rare, their extraordinary properties, both alchemical and otherwise, make them well worth investigating.
The fire berry, or impassion fruit, is one such botanical marvel brought to Ordin by the southern alchemists. Originally harvested along the rim of an active volcano, herbalists have managed to transplant it to Ordin with reasonable success with the help of Fire magi. The Witch's Scar of eastern Ordin has also been found to be a suitable semi-natural habitat, though only the bravest of gardeners dare harvest from the region.
When not flowering or fruiting the impassion fruit vine is nearly indistinguishable from a withered root or burnt twig. The ashen plant twists across the rich, blackened volcanic soil long before any other seed can take root, absorbing both minerals and lingering heat. When the ash finally starts to cool the vines bloom. Orange, blue, purple, and green flames alight on the vines, bringing wondrous color to the ruined landscape for several days, day and night.
The fiery display attracts the attention of ember swarms, fire wisps, fireflies, and other igneous creatures in the same manner as regular flowering plants attract bees and butterflies. Soon afterwards the flames will fade, replaced by the brilliant red fruits the plant is known for. If the fruits are to be harvested it must be done immediately as they turn quickly. Unharvested fruits eventually explode, blasting small craters into the earth and burying their seeds beneath the charred landscape. There the seeds lie dormant, sometimes for hundreds of years, until the next eruption.
Harvesting the impassion fruits, as may already be clear, is quite a dangerous process. Not only does it grow in some of the most dangerous places on Telus, it also requires precise timing and handling if the harvester doesn't wish to be blasted to pieces. Nonetheless the demand for the fiery fruit is high, as is the reward for those brave and capable enough to procure it.
The fruit of the fire vine is considered a rare delicacy, allowing one to "taste" elemental flame. Some report it to be intensely sweet, others shockingly sour, while still others have stated they barely noticed the taste through an overwhelming burning sensation. It is unclear if these different experiences are due to the individual taster, differences in the fruits, or something else altogether. Regardless, the true wonder of the fruit is in its alchemical properties. Infused with elemental Fire, the fruit can be used by alchemists to create concoctions that temporarily enhance the imbibers connection to Fire.
Though these alchemical applications have grabbed the attention of those at the University, a good deal of study is still required. Long term affects of these enhancing tinctures are unknown. Likewise, though these mixtures may give the user a stronger link to a particular element, it is with years of study and practice that one learns to master the elemental arts. A sudden burst of strength without the prowess to control it could prove harmful, or even potentially mind shattering.
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