Swamp's Kiss

Overview

Swamp's Kiss, or Mosta Varné as it is known in the native Suriimese tongue, is a moss species native to the humid, swamp-laden jungles of southern Suriima, particularly those within The Couvalon Kingdom. Despite its drab grey-brown appearance, the moss emits a faint bioluminescent glow in the dark, and an unmistakeable strong aroma. Both features make it an invaluable tool for explorers and locals alike, who use it in lanterns that double as pest deterrents when braving the jungles.

Appearance

Swamp's Kiss forms loose, fibrous mats on tree trunks and exposed roots on trees close to water sources. Its colour ranges from ashen brown to a smoky grey, blending easily into its murky surroundings. At night, it can emit a steady, dim glow, just bright enough to make out the immediate surroundings but no further.

Behaviour

Unlike a fair amount of flora in Suriima, Swamp's Kiss is harmless and non-invasive. It thrives in shaded, moist environments and spreads slowly by spores carried in the air. Its smell - referred to as a 'sweet rot' or 'earthy citrus' - divides individuals, unpleasant to some, liked by others, serves a natural purpose. It repels many of the region's more aggressive insect, including gnats, needleflies and bloodmoths. As such, it's often harvested and tended to within lanterns, and on trail markers.

Life Cycle

Swamp's Kiss releases spores following a heavy rainfall, to be taken on the fresh breezes. It takes root quickly on wet bark, fallen logs, or even rock if need be. It will begin to glow within a few weeks of maturity. Patches of moss may live several years in the right conditions, and they tend to go dormant during dry seasons.

In Culture

Across Suriima, though more common in the Couvalon Kingdom in the north than the Quitapha Dynasty in the south, Swamp's Kiss is used to line the inside of lanterns for jungle expeditions, both to provide a small amount of light and to keep biting pests at bay. The glow is produced by a natural chemical reaction in the moss's outer fibres and does not produce heat, though, and the insides must be kept moist to keep the moss active. These lanterns are often referred to as 'glow jars' and can be found in a variety of shops across the continent, but most frequently in apothecaries and adventuring stores.