The Land Survives

Written by John Payne Edited by Kirk Duplessis Illustrated by Paul King

Herbalists and wizards of the northern lands have long known about certain rare plants that thrive in the ice and snow. These plants are accustomed to long winters and colder temperatures. Two of these plants, the mehen berries and hearthfruit, are associated with a rare parasite known as the hungerworm.

Mehen Berries

Though they share a skin-deep similarity with Monk’s Pepper, mehen berries are hardier and stronger than their temperate cousins, and the amateur herbalist should beware of the deep differences between these two plants. Traditionally, Monk’s Pepper is used in applications that calm the spirit and relieve anxiety. Mehen berries, on the other hand, empty the soul. Though useful in minute amounts to treat convulsions or seizures, an overdose will induce a permanent waking catatonia, or, colloquially, “creating a living zombie”. Use of mehen berries is best left to experts.

Hearthfruit

Hearthfruit are a magical, cranberry-like fruit that grows on short, thick trees that thrive in the Neverwam Forest. Hearthfruit has a warming effect that counteracts frostbite and exposure to cold, and are believed to be tied to the Scion of Spring. Once Neirave’s powers have been neutralized, these trees will disappear.

Pyrestones

A type of igneous rock has gained the ability to unnaturally retain heat. Any ‘holes’ in the snow pack throughout the forest will most likely have one of these ‘firerocks’ in the middle. Although warm and harmless to the touch, these stones produce enough heat to melt snow and ice on contact. It is believed that these stones can be tapped by wizards to unleash a fire hot enough to melt Neirave’s frozen shell.

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