Veilpetal
"We cannot tell if it loves us or merely tolerates our presence — but it feeds us even as we feed it."
The Veilpetal is a Rift-born, sessile organism that blurs the line between plant and sentient creature. Found in Rift-scarred grasslands and meadows, it survives not through photosynthesis, but through a unique symbiotic exchange with Riftborn humans and animals. When approached, it opens its translucent, glowing petals and exhales a Riftlight mist that both heals and siphons vitality — a quiet pact between species.
Basic Information
Anatomy
The Veilpetal appears as a low mound of fleshy, ash-grey fronds that flare outward into six broad, translucent petals. Each petal glows faintly with violet light, and veins of Rift energy pulse through them like living runes. At its center is a shallow basin that collects morning dew and emits the Riftlight mist. Rootlike tendrils extend into the soil, more sensitive than structural.
Biological Traits
- Average diameter: 1–1.5 meters when fully open.
- Average height: 30–50 cm.
- Bioluminescent petals.
- Emission of Riftlight mist proportional to host’s proximity and condition.
Genetics and Reproduction
It reproduces via pollination-like dispersal. When conditions are favorable, it releases motes of Rift spores that drift on the wind and take root in leyline-stressed soil. No flowering or fruiting stage has been observed.
Growth Rate & Stages
From spore to full Veilpetal takes approximately four years. Young plants emit only faint light and weak mist, reaching maturity when petals fully unfurl and the central basin stabilizes.
Ecology and Habitats
It thrives in Rift-polluted environments where most plants fail. Veilpetals seem to stabilize nearby soil and air, creating small oases where Rift energy becomes tolerable for humans and livestock.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Its sustenance comes entirely from its symbiotic hosts. When creatures sit within its radius, it releases Riftlight mist that heals minor injuries and soothes pain — but in return, it draws vitality: measurable loss of strength, fatigue, and, if overexposed, faint scarring in the host.
Behaviour
Passive and silent, the Veilpetal exhibits no aggression and no obvious will. It simply opens when approached, and closes when sated or left alone. Some Riftborn claim that “their” petals recognize and favor individuals over time.
Additional Information
Social Structure
None. Each plant appears fully independent, though clusters of Veilpetals sometimes form loosely aligned rings around stronger leyline nodes.
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Used ritually in healing ceremonies, believed to help Severed stabilize during recovery, and occasionally ground into powder (illegally) for black-market pain remedies. The Arcanii strictly regulate its harvest.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
The Veilpetal is capable of detecting body heat, aetherial signatures, and perhaps even emotional states. It opens only for sentient or Rift-marked creatures, ignoring mundane animals unless they bear Rift taint.
Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms
Humans and Riftborn livestock interact symbiotically — their vitality feeds the Veilpetal in exchange for healing and Rift stabilization.
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