cloudwalking ferns
In the magnetic jungles of the Reemu, arcs of yellow energy occasionally spark from the yellow pylon and strike deep within the jungle. Some plants managed to absorb this energy in a rather unique way: they become highly 'statically charged'. Cloudwalking ferns are strong enough to walk over the top of them, gliding as if walking on clouds.
In some places, the undergrowth is particularly thick with red ferns. The long, slender green leaves of the ferns will gravitate towards any living being. All leaves will lean in and try to connect to the closest part of the passerby's body. In dwarves and humans, that usually means the bottom of their feet. When there are enough ferns close together, the amount of leaves gravitating towards one's feet is enough to support their weight. making it possible to walk, or rather glide, over the top of these ferns. Hence, they are given the name cloudwalking ferns.Basic Information
Anatomy
Cloudwalking ferns start their life as normal red ferns. Their red leafstalk grows a maximum of 1 meter tall. From there, dozens of light green fronds grow horizontally. These fronds grow about 1 meter outwards and 0.3 meters broad.
When an area where they grow is hit by a yellow arc, sparking from the yellow Celestial pylons, they take on this stattic, or cloudwalking trait almost instantly. Visually, they appear to look the same, until one takes the time to take a closer look: occasionally, tiny yellow sparks can be seen shooting between the leaves.
Behaviour
The fronds of the ferns seem to look at any passerby as they slightly lean in towards them. When brushing past the ferns, they appear to be statically charged, almost magnetic. They softly touch your body if you get close enough, but they do not 'stick' so much that it makes moving past it more difficult. One frond will not support the weight of a person, but 10 or more are strong enough to stand on. Standing on these ferns feels more like hovering, quite unstable at first, but when you get moving, it is easy enough to glide forward.
The red stalks of the ferns are edible. They are, however, quite tough. If the stocks are cooked long enough, the fibres start to fall apart and they become easier to digest. They are also not very tasty, so they are generally only eaten when there is little other food to be found.
Uses and byproducts
Kids playing in the jungle often make little boats of sorts and race over patches of ferns.The red stalks of the ferns are edible. They are, however, quite tough. If the stocks are cooked long enough, the fibres start to fall apart and they become easier to digest. They are also not very tasty, so they are generally only eaten when there is little other food to be found.
Average Height
0.6 to 1 meters
Average Length
1 meters
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