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Flora of the Glomdoring

by

Arkzrael

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CONTENTS

Introducton..................................3
Part One: Trees
Master Ravenwood........................4
Ravenwood...............................5
Hemlock.................................6
Rowan...................................7
Blackthorn..............................8
Other Arboreal Plant Life...............9
Part Two: Flowers, Shrubs and Plants
Black Roses............................10
Spore Grasses..........................11
Ferns and Vines........................12
Part Three: Spores, Molds and Fungus
Mushrooms..............................13
Wyrden Black Moss......................14

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o Introduction o

After the rise and subsequent fall of the Gloriana forest, the remaining
plant-life was remade in the image of the Lady of the Summer Song,
Viravain. Since then, the touch of the Wyrd has rooted itself into the
landscape, spreading its misty fingers across growing parts of the Basin
of Life. Under the touch of the Wyrd, plant life has thrived in new
ways, making home to a variety of flora and home for exotic fauna such
as the Basin has never before seen. Some have even taken on entirely new
forms of life, crossing over into nearly sentient forms of plant matter.
Contained between the pages of this book is a botanical examination of
the Wyrden forest and the vegetation within.

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o The Master Ravenwood Tree o

Originally raised in what was the forest of Gloriana, this tree is the
nexus of communal Glomdoring. This massive arboreal beauty was raised
from a seedling by the druids under the care of Glinshari Strongleaf,
before Project Cosmic Hope breached the Astral plane and allowed Kethuru
to escape into the Basin. The tree survived this massive strain
undergone by the touch of the Soulless, to be remade again by Lady
Viravain in her image. Today, the Master Ravenwood Tree stands in the
more-or-less center of the Glomdoring forest. While to the untrained
eye, this gargantuan melding of Wyrd and Nature may seem dead, it is,
contrarily, very much alive. It has grown to many times the size of a
normal, mature ravenwood tree, sprouting large twisted branches well
above the surrounding canopy. An angiosperm, the Ravenwood drops hard,
black nuts, which are then used to sprout smaller ravenwoods throughout
the forest. These nuts are dropped from the tree frequently, stimulated
by feeding the tree itself with special black crow feathers gathered
from the Drums of the Dead. While a normal ravenwood would boast a
plethora of leaves, the Master Ravenwood boasts a skeletal structure of
simple, serrated leaves, black in colour, and yet hard and flat,
allowing them to make more of a clatter than rustling sound in the
breeze. The trunk itself is encased in hard, rough bark, darkened by
time and generally splitting and peeling up and down the twisted
branches. Beneath the trunk, it sports both structural and surface
roots: the structural roots digging deep down into the tunnels below
Glomdoring, and the surface roots showing through the cracked soil of
the area, used to gather as much moisture as possible. Due to its
infusion with the essence of the Wyrd, the tree itself emanates an
almost unearthly mauve glow. It is unsure whether the tar and slime
overgrowing the plant life around the nexus is due to the sheer power
radiating from the heart of the forest, however, this level of moldering
is not seen anywhere else in the forest, nor are the characteristics of
this tree seen in any other ravenwood.

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o Ravenwood o

The symbolic tree of the Glomdoring forest, ravenwoods can be seen
scattered across the face of the Wyrden landscape. Generally the larger
of the Wyrden plant life, this deciduous tree is a direct derivative of
the Master Ravenwood nexus, though the offspring lack the power of their
parent. The ravenwood tree is in high demand for a variety of craftings,
known for its hard, dark-veined wood. One can easily identify a
ravenwood by its striped bark and serrated, black leaves. If this tree
is allowed to grow and mature in its natural forest, it will be
oftentimes carved into a totem, tuned and used for protection of the
Glomdoring forest. However, the ravenwood has a unique pattern of
growth, for one of its delicate saplings cannot alone grow to maturity.
Five nuts must be planted in an area and allowed to grow into saplings.
Two of these saplings must be felled in order for three to grow to
maturity, and two of these mature ravenwoods must be taken down in order
for one lone tree to reach its elder stages required for totem carving.
At this point, the ravenwood?s root system becomes rather extensive,
surface roots generally taking up the surrounding soil and draining it
of its nutrients, and sturdy structural rootings holding this massive
arboreal beauty aloft. It appears the ravenwood's most effective meal
isthat of assorted carrion, as one can find the corpses of many dead
creatures scattered about the root systems.

*Mutations*

A curious happening occurs from time to time to the ravenwood tree in a
Wyrden environment. A walk through the forest of Glomdoring would cause
one to encounter several instances of mutation in the tree itself,
producing what is commonly known as the grotesque ravenwood tree. These
trees have twisted during their growth, reaching a level of near
sentience. Upon being disturbed, these trees will lash out with their
branches, causing injury to the unknowing traveler. They have even
exhibited the ability to trip an individual, or cause such fear as to
send the unwary into blind panic. The identifying markings of a
grotesque mutation are the appearance of a mouth-like opening in the
trunk, usually quite splintery, and the near-absence of any foliage. If
travelling through the forest examining the fauna, take care with any
ravenwood tree that has this appearance, or the appearance of being
dead.

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o Hemlock o

The hemlock tree is the primary conifer found in the Glomdoring forest.
Easily distinguishable by its flat, narrow leaf-like needles and tall,
conical shape, the hemlock is in high regard for its soft wood. A
gymnosperm, this plant boasts long, hard cones for reproduction, a
severe contrast to the ravenwood?s hard nuts. Generally, these plants
are cultivated and overseen by the Blacktalon druids, and lend their
strength to Wyrden druidic melds. A hemlock will begin life as a small,
brilliantly green sapling, almost bush-like, and seemingly harmless,
with small blunted needles. In order to grow into maturity, a hemlock
must be planted in soil rich with decaying fauna, which can only be
found within the Glomdoring's borders. While hemlock saplings will
sprout in other Wyrded environments, the evergreen cannot truly grow,
and will eventually wither away and die. In the process of reaching
maturity, a hemlock sapling will develop several traits. While the tree
stays a conical shape for the entirety of its life, the bottom boughs
will take on a flat, drooping brush-like nature, spreading shoots of
needles out like wide flat hands. Upon closer inspection, one will
notice that these needles are really almost leaves, taking on an angular
shape. Having darkened into a deeper green, they generally grow off of
the twigs in a pair of opposing rows. The shape of the hemlock becomes
generally conical, though very slender, and almost spindly in nature.
One of the tallest yet slowest growing of the Wyrden trees, this does
not make it the weakest, for the hemlock is built to bend and sway
without breaking, allowing for it to weather quite extensive storms and
trauma with little damage. The bark of its trunk is its secret prize,
for within its graying, flaky skin can be found many uses, such as dyes
and even teas. The flaking bark is reflected in its surface root system,
where it can be seen covering many large knots poking through the
surrounding soil.

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o Rowan o

A bearer of fruit with multiple uses, the rowan tree adds colour to the
Glomdoring with its floral arrays and bright berries. It is deciduous;
its reproduction counts on bunches of fruit thickly hanging from its
limbs. These trees, like the hemlock and blackthorn, are generally
cultivated and grown by druids, and also lend strength to their Wyrden
melds. The sapling of a rowan is generally tiny and fragile in
appearance, the leaves are pinnate: quite perfectly proportioned and
alternating on each side of its twigs and branches. As it matures, upon
occasion a rowan may be found with clusters of tiny, white, spiky
flowers, seen as numerous small bunches scattered over the whole tree.
These flowers are the predecessors of the rowan's red and dark speckled
berries. These berries are the true treasure of the rowan, for these
trees are frequently seen overrun by large murders of crows seeking the
tree's small dripping fruit. Growing off of the branches in bunches,
these are commonly made use of for food or dye, the scent and taste
being almost intoxicating in sickly sweetness. The overall shape of a
mature rowan is almost largely shrub or bushy, though it boasts a trunk,
it is generally short and low to the ground before hundreds of slender,
twisted branches spread out, making the tree mostly rounded in
appearance. Though the wood of rowans is plenty, because of its thin
branches and dense core, it is mainly used for small carvings and
walking sticks. Once this tree has matured in a Wyrden environment (for
it will not survive anywhere else) it takes on a distinctly darkened
nature, the soft bark turning into a gnarled grey skin. The root
structure of a rowan is almost entirely structural, reflecting the
tree?s immovable nature many feet below the soil surface.

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o Blackthorn o

Noted for its sharp thorns and lovely, white waxen flowers, the
blackthorn tree is by far one of the more beautiful trees of the Wyrden
forests. While being the smallest of the Glomdorian arboreal array, this
tree does not lack in lethality and druidic melding power. From its
growth as a sapling, the blackthorn is notably covered in its namesake:
long, dark thorns hidden amongst its leaves. Boasting small, ovoid
leaves, this plant usually grows in a dense and tangled manner, making
it an excellent hedge tree. The flowers commonly seen on the tree are
small and star shaped, generally growing in bunches and clusters. Small,
dark coloured fruit grows through the summers into the fall, making for
a great use in cooking or dye. The bark covering the tree is very rough,
and black in colour, also appearing good for use in teas. Though it does
appear dark and skeletal when in absence of leaves during Glomdorian
winters, the wood of the tree is actually a very light yellow or orange
colour, and is hard, making for good carving. The overall shape of the
Wyrden blackthorn is small and thick, commonly confused for a bush or
shrub. Every inch of its branches are covered in thorns, making this
beauty the most lethal of its kinfolk in the Glomdoring.

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o Other Arboreal Plant Life o

While the majority of the forest is covered in the major Wyrden trees-
-ravenwood, hemlock, blackthorn, and rowan- -there are found scattered
within its borders a few other varieties. During a walk through its
borders, one can encounter such things as yews, apples, even pine.
Following is a brief description and location for other plant life found
in the Glomdoring forest.

* Apple *

Though bearing very little fruit, the southern reaches of Glomdoring
also boast a fair amount of apple trees. These softwoods are, however,
much more twisted than their kin throughout the Basin of Life, and drop
apples of a very distinct flavour and texture unable to be found
elsewhere.

* Ash *

Few of these are found in the Glomdoring, most occurring north of the
river and in a westerly direction from the Master Ravenwood tree. The
distinction of a Glomdoring ash tree is that its opposing branches twist
downward in a drooping fashion, and again, it has the distinction of all
Wyrden trees is a darker leaf and bark.

* Beech *

Mostly found along the river Gloriana, the beech tree is not a common
occurrence in the forest, but enough to be noted. Their toothed leaves
can be seen strewn about the ground. The most distinguishable trait of a
Wyrden beech is the bark, what is a normally light greyish turns to a
dark hue and the usually green leaves taken on a darker, more waxen
look.

* Oak *

The oak tree can be found thickly scattered about the Glomdoring. They
are deciduous,and usually appearing large, wide, and carrying distinct
lobed leaves and acorns. Generally speaking, the Wyrden version of these
trees is not much different than a regular oak, in that many have taken
on a large and twisted form, with large low-lying branches in which many
creatures may hide.

* Pine *

The more common plant life, twisted Wyrden pines can be found throughout
many parts of Glomdoring, though usually hugging the northern and
southern borders, especially around the chasm. This tree is distinctive
for its many needles, and in the forest it tends to take on a very tall
and less full shape. This type of wood is in high demand for artisans,
as its versatility makes it useful for a wide variety of projects.

* Willow *

These deciduous trees can be found scattered around the Gloriana River
and the western swamplands of the Glomdoring. While very useful for
woodworking, the Wyrden variety grows more twisted and low to the
ground, the stiff, coriaceous leaves fewer and much darker than any
other willow varieties found in Nature.

* Yew *
Mostly found along the southern border of the forest, the yew is perhaps
the most intriguing arboreal creation of the Glomdoring. This tree shows
the versatility of growing in either shrub or tree form, in a variety of
shapes. It is a conifer, and has the distinction of being quite
poisonous.

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o Glittering Black Roses o

These flowers can be found growing throughout the Glomdoring forest. A
perennial flower, they tend to grow in singular plants, releasing only
one flower per plant. Beyond this, the Wyrden black rose carries a much
different look than that of any other rose. While most roses boast green
alternating leaves on the stems, this flower has dark purple stems and
leaves, and even the thorns are of a purple-black hue. The dual-lobed
petals are deeply veined and black, carrying a glittery cast that
reflects the little light available in the Glomdoring forest. When
picked, the thorns of these plants will draw a small amount of blood as
a sacrifice from the admirer. While seemingly such a small, lonely
plant, these flowers carry a great significance to their home forest.
The roses first made their debut in the Gloriana forest during the
unTainting and rebuilding of the area by the Lady Viravain. When Lady
Isune made the attempt to free Lady Viravain from the Seals, the two
were somehow bonded together. Together, they attempted to remake the now
unTainted forest in a new image. In the ensuing confusion, the Wyrm came
forth and wrapped the pair up in a great cocoon. At this point,
inexplicably, the never-before-seen species of Wyrden rose sprouted
forth in many places of the Glomdoring forest, and its children gathered
them and brought them forth to the cocoon, eventually freeing the
now-separated Goddesses from their wrappings. Now, these flowers are
scattered reminders of the Lady Viravain and her creation of the Wyrd,
an homage to the Glomdoring.

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o Burgundy Spore Grass o

Found generally in the areas of the forest near the Black Tower and
resonating Drums of the Dead, the spore grass is amongst the
Glomdoring's more twisted creations. A tussock patterned plant, the
burgundy spore grass grows in large, tall clumps. The individual blades
are sharp, thicker than a standard ground-cover plant, and dark-red to
burgundy in colour. Along each stalk, black spores grow like bumps, the
manner of which the Wyrden grass repopulates its species. These spores
are created by the asexual plant and blown by the winds or carried by
unsuspecting passerby to other locations, where, like a seed, they
sprout a new grass.

The burgundy spore grass is a mutation of the Wyrd, however. Upon being
disturbed, they are capable of releasing a variety of spores that may
cause many types of damage to a person or creature. A general release of
spores may cause general damage. The release of black spores may cause
blindness, red spores will cause paralysis, and orange spores may light
a person on fire. Care should be taken in the handling of these plants,
due to their potential lethality to the young or faint of heart.

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o Ferns and Vines o

* Ferns *

Most of the ferns encountered in the Glomdoring forest are seen around
the area of the Drums. A sporophyte, they generally reproduce by small,
barbed spores located under their many leaves. The fronds of the Wyrden
fern unfurl to large fans, generally occurring on trees or as underbrush
and ground cover. The notable distinctions of the fern are the fronds:
wide leaves appearing almost furry and brushy in intricate symmetrical
patterns. Wyrden ferns distinguish themselves from their green cousins
by an array of purple and black tinges to the stems and tips of their
leaves. Fern root systems are fibrous, twining their way into the Wyrden
soil or crooks and holes in tree trunks and branches. Occasionally,
these plants may be found elsewhere in the Glomdoring, but generally
stick close to the Drums and wetter environments.

* Vines *

The Glomdoring forest is covered in a vast array of nondescript vines
and crawling plants. While varying slightly in shape, these plants carry
many similarities and distinctions only found within this forest's
borders. A vine plant, in principle, is a climber and creeper, trailing
its way about any matter that stands in its path. The central stem of
these plants generally put off small shoots of singular root structure,
serving as both anchor points and supplementing feeding stations
throughout the length of the growths. Drawing from the Wyrden soil, the
generally symmetrical leaves take on darker hues than those of the
Basin, generally a blackened or brown shade found also along the long
stems. Many trees and structures of the Glomdoring forest are found
covered in varieties of these climbing plants.

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o Mushrooms o

Beneath the Black Tower, in its darkened tunnels, lies a variety of
mushroom found nowhere else in the Basin of Life. A genuine fungus, its
stem is grey, as is its wide cap. This mushroom is black veined, easily
growing to the height of an average man. The skin of the fungus
appears to split in many places, and unlike other fungi, the Wyrden touch
upon it has caused this species to grow limbs, giving it an air of sentience.
Great care should be taken with these mushrooms, as they are both
poisonous and capable of putting up quite a fight, should they be attacked,
picked, or disturbed. The Wyrden mushroom is a rarity, because of their
size and brutal nature, generally only one can be found in existence at a
time. However, this is a spore bearing creation, these spores being found
in the underside of the cap, in the gills. The stipe, or stem, is centrally
located to the cap, which reaches out a few feet in diameter. This
mushroom is not found to have many uses, its nature being twisted to a
state of living decay.

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o Wyrden Black Mosses o

The trees of Glomdoring are commonly found covered in the Wyrden moss.
Black in colour, this non-vascular plant grows in clumps and tendrils
over both dirt and plant life. Unlike a fern, these plants don?t
actually draw nutrients from the trees and plants they grow over, as
they have no vascular system or root system to draw nutrients through.
The Wyrden moss generally is found with long, thin stems, growing
downward from its thin anchoring tendrils together in thick, dark masses.
The area around the Master Ravenwood tree is the greatest occurrence of
this plant life, though it is found all over the forest. The moss stems sport
many tiny, thin black leaves, lending to its furry appearance. At the tip of
each of these stems, a little black bud is apparent, a clump of spores used
for the perpetual reproduction of the plant itself. In places, the Wyrden
moss has been seen to completely overgrow plant life, reaching its tendrils
into the shadowy heart of the forest as its most common plant life.

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