The Wardens Embrace

The Forest of Undying Shades forms the heart of Caspien's territory, a place where the boundary between vitality and decay is constantly shifting. The trees here are massive, their leaves a vibrant green, shimmering with life. Beneath the canopy, the forest floor is teeming with healing herbs and plants that have curative properties, growing in wild abundance. However, there are patches where the land seems to expire—sections where the once-vibrant plants have wilted and died in a matter of hours. The air is thick with the scent of flora, and strange pools of crystal-clear water can be found, each holding restorative powers, but sometimes they will also harbor poisonous or toxic substances. The Gardens of Eternal Growth lie to the south of Underbelly, an expanse of vibrant, carefully tended lands where the flora is cultivated for medicinal and restorative purposes. It is a fertile and lush landscape, with rows upon rows of plants that can cure sickness, ease pain, and restore vigor. The soil here is rich, dark, and alive with magic, and each plant seems to grow in perfect harmony with its surroundings. Flowers that bloom only once a year and herbs with properties that can heal both physical and spiritual wounds are common here. The scent of fresh earth and growing things fills the air, but despite the overwhelming sense of life, there is a distinct eerie calm to the gardens. Some areas are overgrown, hidden beneath vines and creeping moss, where the plants have outgrown their designated spaces and are left unchecked by human hands. These sections are not entirely safe—there are areas where overgrowth leads to strangling or suffocation, symbolic of the dangers of unchecked vitality. On the outskirts of the garden, one can find the Thorns of Restoration, a field of sprawling vines and thorned flowers that are both a danger and a life source. The plants here are part of the natural cycle—some thorns heal wounds when used, while others cause painful infections. The flowers bloom in irregular cycles, it’s said that those who survive the pain of the thorns experience healing on a spiritual level, gaining clarity and peace of mind. But those who fail to navigate the field properly are consumed by both the physical and mental torment caused by the thorns, a reminder that health can be both a blessing and a curse. To the east of Underbelly, towering Fertile Cliffs rise above the landscape, where the land seems to be in a perpetual state of birth and rebirth. These cliffs are home to rare medicinal plants that grow only in the harshest of conditions, their roots clinging to the jagged edges as they reach toward the sky. These cliffs are considered sacred by the people of Underbelly, as the plants and minerals found here can be used to restore lost limbs or heal deep internal wounds. The cliffs are constantly shifting due to the forces of nature and magic, creating a dynamic and unpredictable landscape. Though they are a symbol of renewal, these cliffs also serve as a reminder of the delicate balance that Caspien’s domain seeks to maintain, where a single misstep could lead to the destruction of health and life.

The Vital Storm: A strange and rare phenomenon that occasionally passes through Caspien’s territory is the Vital Storm. Unlike regular storms, the Vital Storm is composed of swirling gusts of wind, rain, and mist that carry both life and death in equal measure. Some parts of the storm heal, revitalizing crops and plants, while other areas of the storm carry the scent of decay and rot. Those caught in the storm are often left either invigorated or profoundly sick, and it is believed that it is Caspien himself who stirs the storm to maintain the balance of his land.

Flora   Healing Plants: The territory is rich with rare medicinal herbs and healing plants, many of which have magical properties. Balsamwood Trees and Elderblossoms are particularly abundant and known for their powerful restorative qualities. Elderblossoms, in particular, can heal wounds and cleanse toxins, though they only bloom once every few seasons. Moonvine—a creeping, bioluminescent plant—grows in the darker corners of Caspien’s territory, known for its calming and rejuvenating properties, but its petals can also cause temporary delirium or confusion when consumed in large amounts.   Decay-Inducing Fungi: In contrast to the healing plants, there are Deathcap Mushrooms and Blightspores—fungi that thrive in areas tainted by disease or decay. These mushrooms can cause severe illness or even death if ingested, and their spores linger in the air, gradually infecting plants and animals nearby. The Wasting Root, a thorny plant that feeds on the life force of its surroundings, grows in the dark, shadowed places of the land. These plants create pockets where life stagnates, withering all that is nearby.   Overgrowth and Excess: The Vine of Abundance is a rare plant that is both revered and feared by the locals. It can grow wildly, overtaking entire regions of land and strangling all other plants in the process. While it can be used to create highly effective healing balms, its uncontrolled growth is considered dangerous. The vine, once it begins to spread, becomes difficult to manage, suffocating weaker plants and creating an imbalance.   Fauna   Restorative Wildlife: The wildlife of Caspien’s territory reflects the themes of healing and life but also bears the scars of sickness and mortality. Silverhoof Deer are graceful creatures that roam the forests, their pelts said to have healing properties. Their blood is believed to grant temporary vitality and strength when consumed, though some claim it also opens the door to madness, showing the dangerous balance of Caspien’s realm. Crimson-Winged Herons are seen soaring over the fertile waters of the Rebirth River, their feathers capable of rejuvenating the ill if plucked correctly.   Creatures of Decay: The Fleshbeasts, massive, decaying creatures that once were part of the land’s fauna, have become twisted remnants of their former selves. These lumbering giants are born from the death and rot in the land, their bodies constantly decomposing, attracting parasitic plants and smaller vermin that crawl over their forms. While terrifying, they are also a source of nourishment for many of the smaller creatures, feeding on the decay that flows through the land.   The Eclipsed Stags roam the dark forests near the Wellspring of Serenity, with glowing antlers that carry traces of cursed energy. They are said to carry both life and death in their blood, and the shadow they cast is said to warn of impending misfortune or disease. Some healers believe that to kill one is to invite a curse, while others think it will bring a necessary balance between life and death.

Elderblossom Petals The petals of the Elderblossom are rare and known for their powerful medicinal properties. These flowers grow in abundance during certain seasons in the lush parts of Caspien’s land. The petals can be harvested for potions that heal ailments, cure toxins, or restore lost health. They are often used in herbal remedies or to craft healing salves.   Balsamwood Balsamwood trees are common in the forests of Caspien’s territory, and their bark is prized for its ability to quickly mend wounds. The wood is also used in the crafting of staffs or wands that enhance restorative magic. It’s known to be a potent ingredient in potions that heal or promote regeneration.   Blightspore Mushrooms Found in the dark, damp areas where decay takes hold, Blightspore Mushrooms are both feared and useful. Though their spores cause illness and rot, they can be harvested carefully and processed into potions or reagents that amplify toxins or poisons. Alchemists and dark mages prize these mushrooms for their ability to induce sickness or even create plague-based weapons.     Moonvine Tendrils Moonvine is a magical plant that glows faintly at night. Its tendrils are highly valued for their ability to heal emotional trauma or mental illness when used in elixirs. When processed, Moonvine can be brewed into an intoxicating drink that soothes the mind, but overuse can lead to hallucinations and madness. It's also used to create potions that balance the mind or cure ailments tied to the soul.   Wasting Root This parasitic plant thrives in areas of disease and rot. It is considered a curse, yet the Wasting Root has its uses in the creation of dark potions, poisons, or curses. When harvested carefully, it can be used to strip away the vitality of a target, making it valuable for those who practice necromancy or seek to weaken their enemies. It is often used in alchemical rituals tied to death or decay.   Lifebound Ashes The ashes left behind by the Lifebound Spirits are a rare resource that hold the essence of souls caught between life and death. When refined, these ashes can be used in rituals that cleanse or transform living beings, either enhancing vitality or allowing for the manipulation of souls. It is also rumored to hold the key to immortality in certain dark practices.   Crimson-Winged Heron Feathers The feathers of the Crimson-Winged Heron are prized for their beauty and magical properties. When crafted into talismans or worn as adornments, they can enhance the healing abilities of the wearer or provide protection from sickness and disease. They are often given as blessings in Caspien's church.   Silverhoof Deer Antlers The antlers of the Silverhoof Deer are a rare and valuable material for crafting magical weapons or armor. When carved into talismans, they can imbue the wearer with enhanced vitality, temporarily warding off sickness or boosting their resilience. They can also be ground into a powder used in potions that improve stamina and physical endurance.   Bloodroot Herb A herb that grows in the darker parts of the territory, Bloodroot has both restorative and poisonous qualities. It can be brewed into potions that enhance physical regeneration or create potions of vitality. However, the plant can also be used to create toxins that sap the strength of its target, making it a dangerous but powerful resource.     Sanguine Quartz A rare type of crystal, Sanguine Quartz has a deep red hue and is tied to the balance of health and sickness. When ground into powder, it can be used in alchemical potions that either increase vitality or induce suffering, depending on the intent of the user. These crystals are often harvested during the Vital Storm when their magical properties are at their strongest.